When you need a roof restoration in Australia, the cost for an average-sized Australian house starts from around $4,500 and can reach up to $20,000 and beyond depending on your house and the scale of the job. At Adelaide Roofing & Construction, we understand that roof restoration costs can vary significantly based on several important factors.
Roofing companies typically charge by the square metre, with the price per square metre decreasing for larger areas in some cases. The national average roof restoration cost in Australia is approximately $55-$90 per square metre for most metropolitan areas. For smaller roofs, restoration generally costs $28 to $38 per square metre, medium-sized roofs come in at about $22 to $28 per square metre, and larger roofs cost between $17 and $22 per square metre.
For Adelaide specifically, we find that roof restoration costs typically range between $22-$35 per square metre for most projects. The cost of a typical roof restoration in Adelaide is usually around $6,000 – $8,000, depending on the job. This places Adelaide among the more affordable cities compared to Sydney, where costs range from $23-$40 per square metre, or Perth, where prices vary between $25-$43 per square metre.
A full roof restoration involves comprehensive cleaning, repairs, sealing, and coating of your entire roof surface. The cost of a metal roof restoration can start from around $5,000, with the average cost for a small-medium sized home around $5,000-$6,000. The cost of a tiled roof restoration starts from around $4,000, with the average cost for a small-medium sized home around $4,000-$6,000.
Partial restoration typically costs 40-60% less than full restoration, as it targets specific problem areas rather than the entire roof surface. This option is suitable when only certain sections show signs of deterioration or damage.
Get an accurate estimate today - Contact Adelaide Roofing & Construction at 0402 767 499 or email us at admin@adelaideroofingandconstruction.com.au for our roof restoration cost calculator and personalised quote. We have been serving Adelaide since 2014, providing expert roof restoration services at competitive prices.
What factors determine roof restoration costs?
Several key factors influence the final cost of your roof restoration project. Understanding these elements helps you make informed decisions about your roofing investment.
- Property Type (Residential vs Commercial): Residential properties typically have straightforward access and standard roofing materials, making them more cost-effective to restore. Commercial properties often require specialised equipment, safety protocols, and materials that increase restoration costs by 20-40% compared to residential projects.
- Roof Size (m²): The size of your roof is the primary cost determinant. Economy of scale means larger roofs tend to cost less per square metre compared to very small roofs. We measure your roof area precisely to provide accurate pricing for materials and labour requirements.
- Material Type (Tile, Metal, Colorbond, etc.): Different roofing materials require specific restoration approaches. Concrete tiles are the most economical to restore, requiring basic cleaning and sealing. Terracotta tiles are more expensive due to delicate handling and specialised treatments. Metal roofing like Colorbond and Zincalume has moderate cost, focusing on rust treatment and protective coatings. Asbestos roofing has higher cost due to safety requirements and specialised removal procedures.
- Roof Condition (Structural Condition, Leak Presence): The worse the roof condition, the higher the cost. Additional repairs like replacing broken tiles, treating rust and leaks will add expenses. We assess your roof's structural integrity, identifying issues such as cracked or missing tiles requiring replacement, rust damage on metal surfaces needing treatment, leak damage requiring structural repairs, and ridge capping deterioration needing rebedding and repointing.
- Restoration Type (Partial, Full, Coating, Sealing, Repairs): Your restoration needs determine the scope of work. Cleaning only involves basic pressure washing and debris removal. Spot repairs target specific problem areas. Full restoration includes comprehensive cleaning, repairs, priming, and coating. Protective coating involves application of premium membrane systems for extended protection.
- Location Impact (City-Specific Labour/Material Pricing): Adelaide benefits from competitive pricing due to local supplier networks and skilled tradespeople. Regional sites are often higher due to transportation costs and limited contractor availability.
- Height and Accessibility of the Roof: The height of the roof is important, as businesses need a safety rail to work on roofs above a certain height. Multi-storey roofs have added safety requirements adding expenses like anchor points and lifting equipment. Single-storey homes with easy access cost significantly less than multi-storey properties requiring scaffolding and specialised equipment.
- Labour Charges and Time Duration: Our experienced roofers at Adelaide Roofing & Construction provides efficient service that balances quality workmanship with competitive pricing. Labour costs vary based on complexity of the restoration work required, weather conditions affecting work schedules, specialised skills needed for your specific roofing material, and time required for proper preparation and application.
What is the impact of roof size on costs?
There is a direct correlation between roof size and total restoration cost - the larger your roof size, the higher the total cost will be. However, we also benefit from economies of scale, which means the cost per square metre decreases as your roof size increases.
The average cost per square metre in Adelaide ranges from $22-$35 per square metre for most restoration projects. For smaller roofs under 100m², you can expect to pay towards the higher end of this range at around $30-$35 per square metre. Medium-sized roofs between 100-200m² typically cost around $25-$30 per square metre. Larger roofs over 200m² benefit from scaling advantages and usually cost between $22-$27 per square metre.
This scaling occurs because setup costs, equipment mobilisation, and initial preparation work is spread across a larger area.
How does roofing material affect restoration costs?
Different roofing materials require specific restoration techniques and products, which directly impacts your overall cost. Here are the estimated cost ranges for common roofing materials in Adelaide:
Tile Roofing: $25-$35 per square metre
- Concrete tiles are the most economical option within this range
- Terracotta tiles sit at the higher end due to their delicate nature and specialised handling requirements
Metal Roofing: $22-$30 per square metre
- Zincalume and galvanised iron typically fall within this range
- Requires rust treatment and protective primer application
Colorbond Roofing: $28-$38 per square metre
- Premium material requiring specialised coating systems
- Higher cost reflects superior durability and finish quality
The variation in costs reflects each material's unique restoration requirements. Tile roofs often need rebedding and repointing of ridge cappings, which adds labour time and materials. Metal roofs require thorough rust treatment and specialised primers to prevent future corrosion. Colorbond roofs need premium coating systems that bond properly with the factory-applied surface.
Colorbond is typically the costlier material to restore because it requires specialised coatings that are formulated to adhere to its pre-painted surface. These premium coatings cost more than standard roof paints, but they provide superior protection and colour retention. Additionally, Colorbond restoration demands precise surface preparation to ensure proper coating adhesion, which increases labour requirements.
Concrete tiles offer the most cost-effective restoration option due to their porous surface that readily accepts standard roof coatings and their robust nature that requires minimal special handling during the restoration process.
What is roof restoration?
Roof restoration is the comprehensive process of transforming a damaged, old or deteriorating roof back to like-new condition by a team of expert roof restorers. This process involves cleaning, repairing, sealing, and coating your existing roof structure rather than completely removing and replacing it.
Roof restoration works with your existing roof structure, while full roof replacement involves completely removing your old roof and installing an entirely new one. Restoration is significantly more cost-effective, typically costing $22-$35 per square metre compared to roof replacement which can cost $180-$500 per square metre. With replacement you start from scratch with no guarantee of longevity, whereas restorations extend the lifespan by decades at a fraction of the cost.
The primary goal of roof restoration is to enhance your roof's durability, aesthetics, and lifespan without the expense of complete replacement. Our restoration process strengthens your roof's weather resistance, improves its appearance with fresh coatings and colours, and extends its functional life by 15-20 years. This approach provides excellent value by maximising your existing roof investment while delivering the protection and visual appeal your home deserves.
Roof restoration cost by roofing type
Understanding the cost variations between different roofing types helps you budget effectively for your restoration project. Here are the common roof types we restore and their associated costs:
Tile Roofing:
- Concrete Tiles → $25-$32 per square metre
- Terracotta Tiles → $30-$38 per square metre
- Tile roofs require cleaning, broken tile replacement, rebedding and repointing of ridge cappings
Metal Roofing:
- Zincalume → $22-$28 per square metre
- Galvanised Iron → $22-$30 per square metre
- Metal roofs need rust treatment, surface preparation, and protective primer application
Colorbond Roofing:
- Colorbond Steel → $28-$38 per square metre
- Premium material requiring specialised coating systems and precise surface preparation
- Higher cost reflects the superior quality coatings needed for proper adhesion
Terracotta Roofing:
- Traditional Terracotta → $32-$40 per square metre
- Most expensive option due to delicate handling requirements and specialised restoration techniques
- Requires careful cleaning methods and premium protective coatings
The cost variations reflect each material's specific restoration requirements, with terracotta being the most expensive due to its delicate nature and Colorbond requiring specialised coatings. Metal roofing typically offers the most economical restoration option, while concrete tiles provide excellent value for money.
How much does Metal Roof Restoration Costs?
The average cost range for full metal roof restoration in Adelaide is $5,000-$8,000 for a typical residential property. This cost varies depending on your roof's size, condition, and the extent of rust treatment required.
Metal roof restoration typically costs $22-$30 per square metre in Adelaide. Zincalume and galvanised iron fall within this range, with the final price depending on the level of surface preparation and rust treatment needed. Metal roofs require thorough cleaning, rust removal, primer application, and protective coating to ensure long-lasting results.
How much does Tile Roof Restoration Costs?
The average cost range for full tile roof restoration in Adelaide is $4,000-$10,000 for a typical residential property. The wide range reflects the difference between concrete and terracotta tiles, as well as the amount of rebedding and repointing required.
Tile roof restoration costs between $25-$38 per square metre in Adelaide. Concrete tiles sit at the lower end of this range at $25-$32 per square metre, while terracotta tiles cost $30-$38 per square metre due to their delicate handling requirements and specialised restoration techniques.
How much does Colorbond Roof Restoration Costs?
The average cost range for full Colorbond roof restoration in Adelaide is $6,000-$12,000 for a typical residential property. The higher cost reflects the premium coating systems required for proper adhesion to the factory-applied Colorbond surface.
Colorbond roof restoration typically costs $28-$38 per square metre in Adelaide. This premium pricing is due to the specialised coating systems that are formulated specifically to bond with Colorbond's pre-painted surface, along with the precise surface preparation required to ensure proper adhesion and long-term durability.
Roof restoration process-based costs
Roof restoration process-based costs refer to the breakdown of expenses according to the specific restoration processes utilised during your project. Rather than providing a single total price, this approach itemises costs for each stage of the restoration work, including cleaning, repairs, surface preparation, priming, and coating applications. This breakdown allows you to understand exactly what you're paying for and helps identify which processes are necessary for your specific roof condition. Different roofs require different combinations of these processes, which is why understanding process-based costs is essential for accurate budgeting and informed decision-making about your restoration project.
How much does Roof Coating Restoration?
Roof coating restoration involves applying protective membrane systems and paint coatings to your existing roof surface after proper cleaning and preparation. This process focuses specifically on the application of primer, base coats, and topcoat finishes to provide weather protection and aesthetic enhancement to your roof.
Coating restoration involves thorough surface preparation, application of specialised primers suited to your roof material, and the application of high-quality protective coatings. The process includes cleaning the roof surface, treating any minor surface defects, applying primer for proper adhesion, and finishing with premium roof membrane coatings that provide long-term protection against Australian weather conditions.
Roof coating restoration typically costs $3,000-$7,000 for an average-sized Adelaide home when focusing solely on the coating process. This range assumes your roof is in good structural condition and requires minimal repairs before coating application.
Standard roof coating applications cost $15-$25 per square metre in Adelaide. This price covers surface preparation, primer application, and the application of quality roof membrane coatings. Premium coating systems with extended warranties may cost $20-$30 per square metre, while basic coating applications start from $12-$18 per square metre depending on the coating quality and number of coats applied.
How much does Roof Sealing Restoration?
Roof sealing restoration specifically focuses on preventing leaks and water damage by applying specialised sealants to vulnerable areas of your roof. This process targets joints, flashings, ridge cappings, valleys, and penetration points where water commonly enters. Sealing restoration involves identifying potential leak points, cleaning these areas thoroughly, and applying premium waterproof sealants that create a barrier against moisture infiltration.
The sealing function is to prevent water damage by creating watertight seals around roof penetrations, valleys, and joints where different roof sections meet. This process stops existing minor leaks and prevents future water entry that could cause structural damage, mould growth, and interior damage to your home.
Roof sealing restoration typically costs $1,500-$4,500 for an average Adelaide home, depending on the number of areas requiring attention and the extent of sealing work needed.
Roof sealing costs $8-$15 per square metre for comprehensive sealing of vulnerable areas. Spot sealing of specific problem areas may cost $50-$150 per location, while extensive sealing work across larger roof areas reaches the higher end of the per-square-metre range.
How much does Structural Damage Restoration?
Structural damage restoration addresses serious roof problems that affect the integrity and safety of your roof structure. Structural damage includes broken or sagging roof timbers, damaged roof trusses, deteriorated roof decking, compromised load-bearing elements, severe rust damage that weakens metal roofing, extensive water damage to roof framing, and damaged or collapsed sections of roof structure.
We require a comprehensive structural inspection report before estimating costs for structural damage restoration. This professional assessment identifies the extent of damage, determines which structural elements need repair or replacement, and ensures all safety requirements are met. The inspection report provides the detailed information necessary to develop an accurate restoration plan and cost estimate.
Structural damage restoration costs vary significantly depending on the extent and type of damage identified. Minor structural repairs typically range from $2,000-$8,000, while moderate structural damage restoration costs $8,000-$20,000. Extensive structural damage requiring major timber replacement or roof framework repairs can cost $20,000-$50,000 or more. The final cost depends on factors such as the size of the damaged area, accessibility for repairs, materials required, and the complexity of structural work needed to restore your roof's integrity.
What is the cost difference between roof restoration and repair?
Understanding the cost difference between full roof restoration and targeted repairs helps you make the right decision for your roof's condition and your budget.
Complete roof restoration in Adelaide typically costs $4,000-$12,000 for an average residential property. This comprehensive approach includes cleaning, repairs, surface preparation, priming, and protective coating of your entire roof surface. Full restoration addresses all existing issues while providing long-term protection and aesthetic enhancement.
Spot roof repairs cost significantly less, typically ranging from $200-$800 per repair depending on the issue. Hourly repair rates range from $80-$120 per hour plus materials. Common repair costs include replacing broken tiles at $10-$25 per tile, sealing minor leaks at $150-$400 per location, and treating small rust spots at $100-$300 per area.
The key difference is scope and longevity. Repairs address immediate problems but don't prevent future issues, while restoration provides comprehensive protection for 15-20 years. If your roof has multiple problem areas or is showing general aging, restoration offers better long-term value than repeated repairs.
How to Choose the right roof restoration company in Adelaide
Selecting the right roof restoration company is essential for quality results and value for your investment. Here are the most important factors to consider when choosing your restoration contractor.
- Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the company holds current South Australian building licences and comprehensive insurance coverage including public liability and workers' compensation. This protects you from liability and guarantees the company meets professional standards.
- Local Experience and Reputation: Choose a company with extensive Adelaide experience who understands local weather conditions and building requirements. Check online reviews, ask for local references, and verify their track record with similar properties in your area.
- Detailed Written Quotes: Quality companies provide comprehensive written quotes that itemise all work, materials, and costs. Avoid contractors who offer verbal estimates or quotes that seem unusually low, as these often lead to unexpected costs or substandard work.
- Warranty Coverage: Look for companies offering substantial warranties on both materials and workmanship. Quality restoration work should include warranties of 10-15 years on materials and 5-10 years on workmanship, demonstrating confidence in their service quality.
- Established Business History: Choose companies with a proven track record, ideally operating for several years in Adelaide. Established businesses are more likely to honour warranties and provide ongoing support if issues arise.
- Professional Assessment Process: The right company will conduct thorough roof inspections before quoting and explain their findings clearly. They should identify all issues, recommend appropriate solutions, and provide honest advice about whether restoration or replacement is more suitable for your roof's condition.
How to know how much your roof restoration cost
Determining your roof restoration cost requires evaluating several key factors that directly impact the final price. Here are the essential elements to assess for accurate cost estimation.
- Measure Your Roof Area: Calculate your roof's square meterage by measuring the length and width of each roof section. Multiply these dimensions and add all sections together. This measurement is fundamental since most restoration work is priced per square metre.
- Assess Your Roof's Current Condition: Examine your roof for visible damage such as broken or missing tiles, rust spots on metal surfaces, moss or algae growth, and signs of leaks or water damage. The more extensive the damage, the higher your restoration costs will be.
- Identify Your Roofing Material: Determine whether you have concrete tiles, terracotta tiles, metal roofing, or Colorbond surfaces. Each material has different restoration requirements and cost ranges, with terracotta typically being the most expensive and metal roofing the most economical.
- Consider Roof Accessibility: Evaluate how easy it is to access your roof. Single-storey homes with good access cost less than multi-storey properties requiring scaffolding or safety equipment.
- Document Required Repairs: Make a list of specific issues like broken tiles, rust treatment needs, or areas requiring resealing. These additional repairs add to the base restoration cost.
- Get Multiple Professional Quotes: Contact 3-4 local restoration companies for detailed written quotes. Compare not just prices but also what services are included, warranty terms, and the quality of materials proposed.
Contact a Roofing specialist in Adelaide for Roofing restoration
When you're ready to proceed with roof restoration, contacting a qualified roofing specialist ensures you receive professional assessment and accurate pricing for your specific project needs.
We strongly recommend booking a professional roof inspection before making any financial commitments to restoration work. A qualified specialist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your roof's condition, identify all areas requiring attention, and provide detailed recommendations based on your roof's actual needs rather than general estimates.
During the inspection, the specialist will examine your roof's structural integrity, assess the condition of tiles or metal surfaces, check for leak damage, evaluate the state of flashings and sealants, and identify any safety concerns that need addressing. This thorough evaluation ensures you receive accurate pricing that reflects the true scope of work required.
Professional inspection also helps you avoid unexpected costs that can arise when contractors discover hidden damage during restoration work. Many reputable companies offer free initial inspections, allowing you to understand your roof's condition and restoration requirements without upfront costs.
The inspection report provides valuable documentation that helps you compare quotes from different contractors and makes informed decisions about the restoration approach that best suits your roof's condition and your budget requirements.