Roof restoration is a set of jobs done in a fixed order: replace broken tiles, re-bed or re-point the ridge capping, fix valleys and flashings, wash the roof, then seal and paint it. On a sound tile roof it stops leaks and renews the look for much less than a new roof.
A restoration, step by step
- Inspect and quoteWe walk the roof, photograph the faults and send a written price.
- Replace broken tilesCracked and missing tiles come out first.
- Ridge and hipsRidge caps are re-bedded or re-pointed.
- Valleys and flashingsAnything that lets water in at a join is fixed.
- WashThe roof is washed so the sealer can grip.
- Seal and paintSealer, then the coating in the colour you chose.
What a tile roof restoration includes
A restoration is a sequence. Skip a step and the paint fails early, so we work in this order.
- Inspect and list the defects. We walk the roof, photograph cracked and slipped tiles, failing ridge pointing, rusted valleys and perished flashings, then give you a clear price.
- Repair first. Broken tiles get replaced, loose ones re-secured, and valleys and flashings fixed. Paint over a leak and you have a nicely coloured leak.
- Re-point or re-bed the ridge capping. Loose caps come off and go back on fresh bedding. Sound caps with cracked joints get new flexible pointing. Here is how we choose between the two.
- Wash the whole roof. Moss, lichen, dirt and loose old paint come off so the new coating has a solid surface to grip. More on roof cleaning.
- Seal and paint. A sealer binds the tile surface, then the coating goes on in the colour you chose. More on coatings and colours.
- Final check and photos. We clear wash-off from the gutters, check the work against the defect list and send you photos of the finished roof.
Signs your roof is ready for restoration
- Colour has faded, turned chalky or gone patchy.
- Moss or lichen sits in the tile ribs and along the shaded side.
- The mortar or pointing along the ridge has cracked or dropped out.
- A handful of tiles are cracked or have slipped out of line.
- Old paint is peeling, or the gutters fill with grit that has come off the tiles.
Restoration is the wrong job when the tiles themselves are crumbling or the timber under them has rotted. If we find that, we will tell you at the inspection and show you the photos. You will not get a quote for paint on a roof that needs rebuilding.
What moves the price
Two roofs of the same size can cost very different amounts. These are the factors that decide it:
- Roof size and pitch, and whether the house has one storey or two.
- How many tiles are broken, and how hard they are to match.
- Whether the ridge needs re-pointing only or full re-bedding.
- Valley, flashing and gutter repairs found during the inspection.
- A colour change. Going from light to dark, or the reverse, takes more coverage.
- Access, and how many dry days the job needs.
We quote after we have been on the roof, because the defect list sets most of the price. Our guide to restoration costs goes through each factor in more detail.
How long it takes
A restoration usually runs over several days. The wash needs to dry before sealing, and paint needs dry weather and curing time between coats, so rain adds days. We give you the plan before we start and tell you when the weather moves it.
Roof restoration across Melbourne
We take restoration jobs across Melbourne. If you are in the west, see our local pages for Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, Point Cook, Altona and the other suburbs we cover.
Ready for an inspection? Not sure what you need? Describe it on the form or call 0430 545 669. We will tell you straight.
Questions about roof restoration
How long does a roof restoration last?
The tiles are not what wears out. The paint, the ridge pointing and the bedding are. A restoration done on a sound roof with proper preparation lasts for years before the next repaint. Ask any roofer for the warranty terms in writing and check what they cover.
Should I replace the roof instead?
Only if the tiles are failing or the roof structure is damaged. Concrete and terracotta tiles often outlast their pointing and paint by a long way. Read restoration or replacement to see how we decide.
Can I change the roof colour?
Yes. Tell us the colour at the quote. A big jump, such as terracotta to charcoal, takes more coverage than a like-for-like repaint, and we price for that.
Can you paint glazed terracotta tiles?
Usually we should not. Glazed terracotta does not hold paint well. We clean, repair and re-point those roofs instead. Unglazed terracotta and concrete tiles take sealer and paint well. Our guide to concrete and terracotta tiles shows how to tell which you have.
Do I need to be home during the work?
No. The work is on the roof and around the gutters. Move cars off the driveway, bring washing in and keep pets inside on the wash days, because the pressure cleaner is loud.