Restore the roof if the tiles are sound, the roof frame and battens are solid, and the faults are in the pointing, paint, a few broken tiles and flashings. Replace it if the tiles are crumbling, the timber has rotted, or the roof leaks widely across its surface.
Restore if
- The tiles are whole and firm, with only a few broken ones.
- The faults are cracked ridge pointing, faded or chalky paint and moss.
- Leaks trace back to specific points such as a flashing, valley or tile.
- The timber battens and roof frame are sound when checked.
Replace if
- Tiles crumble or flake when handled, or break when walked on lightly.
- Many tiles have cracked across the roof.
- Battens and rafters are rotten or sagging.
- The roof leaks in many places and the underlay has perished.
- You want to change the roof material.
What a roofer should check
- Tile condition. Tap, lift and inspect a sample from several areas.
- Roof space. Look for staining, rot and daylight.
- Ridge and hips. Are the caps solid or loose?
- Valleys and flashings. Rust and perished seals.
- Sagging. Look along the roof line for dips.
The cost logic
Restoration costs a fraction of a new roof, and the roof keeps its tiles. Replacement makes sense when restoration would not fix the root problem. A good roofer will tell you which side of the line your roof sits on and show you the evidence with photos. We do this at every inspection. If the roof needs more than we can restore, we say so. See what restoration includes.
The middle ground
Some roofs fall between the two. A section of broken tiles, a single leaking valley and a sound main roof is a repair job, not a restoration or a replacement. See roof repairs.
A few more questions
How long do concrete roof tiles last?
Tiles often outlast many of the parts around them. Their life depends on quality, exposure and upkeep. A roofer can judge the condition of yours.
Can I restore a roof that has leaked for years?
If the timber below is sound, yes. If water has rotted the battens, those need replacing first.
What if I want a different roof material?
That is a replacement job. We focus on restoring and repairing existing roofs. Call us and we will say what suits.