A lot of homes in Melbourne's north and west still have their original concrete or terracotta tiles. Many of those roofs are now 50 years old or more. When the tiles are cracked and the bedding is crumbling, owners usually ask us the same thing: restore it, or replace it with Colorbond?
The weight difference
Concrete tiles weigh roughly ten times as much as steel roof sheeting per square metre. On an average house that adds up to several tonnes sitting on the frame. Taking that load off can help an older home that's already moving on its stumps.
Cost compared to re-tiling
A Colorbond re-roof generally costs less than re-tiling. Compared with a restoration it costs more up front, but there's no re-pointing or re-coating down the track.
Insulation while the roof is open
With the tiles off, we can lay insulated sarking under the new sheets. It reflects heat and reduces condensation, and in summer the house stays noticeably cooler.
What we do on a re-roof
- Strip and remove the old tiles and battens where needed
- Check and repair roof timbers
- Lay sarking or insulation blanket
- Fit new battens and full-length Colorbond sheets
- New flashings, ridge capping and, usually, new gutters to match
If your tiles are still sound, a roof restoration may be the better value. Todd will price both options when he comes out. See more on re-roofing.
