How Much Does a Roof Restoration Cost in Melbourne?

A roof restoration in Melbourne usually costs $4,500 to $6,500 for a typical 3 bedroom single storey home. Larger family homes generally sit between $6,500 and $9,500, and double storey or very large homes are usually over $10,000. The exact price depends on your roof, so this guide explains what drives the cost and how to get an accurate figure.

Roof restoration cost in Melbourne at a glance

Type of home	Typical restoration cost
Basic 3 bedroom home	$4,500 to $6,500
Large family home	$6,500 to $9,500
Double storey or large home	$10,000 and up

These are guide prices for Melbourne homes. For a figure based on your number of bedrooms, roof type, storeys and gutters, try our roof restoration cost calculator. It takes about a minute.

Cement tile vs terracotta roof restoration cost

A cement (concrete) tile roof usually costs around $1,000 more to restore than a terracotta roof of the same size. That is because cement tiles lose their surface coating over time and need sealing and painting as part of the restoration. Terracotta tiles keep their colour, so a terracotta restoration focuses on cleaning, replacing broken tiles, repointing and fixing valleys, without a full coating.

What affects the cost of a roof restoration?

• Size of the roof: more roof area means more cleaning, pointing and coating.
• Number of storeys and pitch: double storey and steep roofs need more safety equipment and take longer. As a guide, a double storey home adds around $1,000.
• Tile type: cement tiles need coating, terracotta usually does not.
• Age and condition: roofs over 50 years old often need more repairs, which can add $1,000 to $1,500.
• Broken or cracked tiles: each one is replaced with a matching tile.
• Ridge capping: how much needs rebedding and repointing.
• Valleys and flashings: rusted valley irons are usually replaced during a restoration.
• Timber repairs: rotted fascia, battens or gable timbers.
• Guard rail and access: required on many roofs for safety.
• New gutters: if your gutters are rusted, replacing them at the same time typically adds about $1,650 to $3,850 depending on length.

What is included in a roof restoration?

A proper restoration is more than a clean and a coat of paint. A typical Roof Guard restoration follows these steps:

1. Roof inspection: we meet you at your home, check the whole roof and explain what it needs.
2. Colour selection: for cement tile roofs, we help you choose a colour that suits your home.
3. Protecting your property: we take care of gardens, paths and surrounds while we work.
4. Guard rail installation: where needed, for safety.
5. Broken tile replacement: cracked and broken tiles are replaced.
6. High pressure cleaning: moss, lichen and dirt are removed.
7. Repairs: valleys, flashings and other problem areas are fixed.
8. Rebedding and flexible pointing: ridge capping is rebedded where needed and repointed.
9. Final wash down: the roof is cleaned again before coating.
10. Painting and sealing: cement tile roofs are primed and coated.
11. Clean up: we remove all waste and leave the site tidy.

You can read more about each step on our roof restoration Melbourne page.

Is a roof restoration worth it?

If the tiles and roof frame are still sound, a restoration usually costs a fraction of a new roof and can add many years to its life. It also fixes leaks and stops small problems turning into big ones. If you leave an ageing roof too long, leaks can damage ceilings and timbers, and a full roof replacement may become the only option. See our roof replacement cost guide to compare.

How to get an accurate roof restoration quote

Online prices can only ever be a guide. Two roofs of the same size can need very different amounts of work, so the best way to get a real figure is an inspection. Roof Guard inspects your roof, takes photos of any problems and gives you a clear written quote that explains the scope, materials and what is included. Call us on 03 8738 3451 or request a free quote.

Roof restoration cost FAQs

How much does it cost to restore a 3 bedroom roof in Melbourne?

Most 3 bedroom single storey homes cost between $4,500 and $6,500 to restore. Terracotta roofs are usually at the lower end and cement tile roofs at the higher end, because cement tiles need coating.

Is restoring a roof cheaper than replacing it?

Yes, by a long way. A restoration on a typical home costs a fraction of a full replacement, which usually starts from around $15,000 to $20,000. Restoration only makes sense if the tiles and frame are still in good condition.

How long does a roof restoration take?

Most residential restorations take a few suitable working days. Rain, wind and drying time between coats can extend the schedule.

How often does a roof need restoring?

Most tiled roofs in Melbourne need a restoration every 15 to 25 years, depending on the tile type, exposure and maintenance.