If you are wondering how much to replace tile roof, the cost for an average Australian home typically falls between $20,000 and $50,000, depending on your roof’s size and the type of tiles you choose. This is going to depend on a number of factors, your roof size and the type of tile you’re using being particularly important. But how can you be sure that a complete replacement is even necessary? The average Australian home can be a big investment, with costs that often fall between $20,000 and $50,000.
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The final amount will depend on several things, especially the size of your roof and the kind of tile you choose. Before going ahead, it is worth asking if a full replacement is truly needed, or if there might be a more practical solution for your home. It’s a significant investment, after all. Regardless of what roof work you need, you’ll want a quote first. How do you ensure they’re accurate? Here’s your comprehensive guide to tile roof replacement costs.
Key takeaways
How much to replace tile roof in Australia
There’s a host of considerations that influence the cost of a full roof replacement. The $10,000-$30,000 range gives you an idea but doesn’t speak to your specific needs. So let’s get a more detailed breakdown of the costs involved and how they may relate to your situation.
What affects tile roof replacement costs?
Here are some of the major factors that will influence the cost of your roof replacement.
Roof size
Roof tiles, like most roofing materials, are usually priced by the square metre. This means if your roof is on the larger side, you will need more materials, which can push up the cost. Most Australian homes have roofs somewhere between 150 and 250 square metres.
When it comes to the tiles themselves, prices can vary quite a bit depending on the type you choose. If you are weighing up your options, it is also worth looking into roof restoration and comparing the roof restoration cost with the price of new tiles and other roofing materials.
Price of different roof tiles
Here are approximate material costs for different types of roof tiles per square metre:
Concrete tiles – $45-$75
Terracotta tiles – $80-$120
Slate tiles – $100-$400
Keep in mind that these are rough prices. Costs can vary widely based on things like availability and the brand of tile.
Labour costs
Labour costs range from approximately $40 to $70 per square metre. However, this range hides many complex pricing factors. Here are some considerations.
Roof pitch
Steep roofs introduce a number of issues. They increase the roof’s surface area, which creates more work. They also require stricter safety protocols and can slow the labourers’ progress. Each roofing company will apply different costs to account for these matters. Often, a pitch of more than ~30° is considered steep and may incur a steep charge. These charges can add around 10-15% to the final cost of labour.
Roof complexity
Roofs can come in many weird and wonderful designs. A simple gable roof may be relatively straightforward to replace. However, most houses are going to exhibit some combination of elements, such as:
Hips.
Valleys.
Ridges.
Dormers.
Multiple roof sections.
Multiple angles.
Skylights.
Solar panels.
These elements may require additional work. Details like flashing installation increase labour costs.
If you need help choosing the right roofing solutions for your home, contact Infinite Roofing for a free quotation. We’re experts in all things roofing!
Additional supporting work
Roofers may not just switch old tiles for new ones. Roofers may need to consider the structural integrity of your roof and whether improvements or repairs are warranted. Here are potential scenarios when this may be needed:
People usually opt for a new roof when they’re approaching the end of the roof’s life. This often means that wear and tear has occurred under the roof. Roofers may need to do extra work, such as:
Batten replacement.
Adding bracing.
Reinforcing joints.
Adding support beams.
If you’re replacing your roof with a different material, the roofers might need to make adjustments. For example, metal roofs are generally lighter than tile roofs. Consequently, switch`ing to tiles from metal may require structural improvements to ensure it meets Australian standards of building quality and safety.
Roof restoration versus replacement
Roof restoration costs tend to be lower than complete replacements. However, a lower upfront of how much to replace tile roof may end up being more expensive over the long term. Here are some useful tips when trying to answer the age-old question: restoration or replacement?
The roof's structural condition
When to consider restoration:
The roof’s underlying structure is sound.
There are only minor leaks.
Any damage seems mostly cosmetic.
When to consider a replacement:
The roof is sagging.
Structural timber is rotting.
Rafters are damaged.
Structural degradation often happens before the tiles need replacing.
The roof's lifespan
Different types of tiles have different expected lifespans. The average range for various roof tiles is:
Concrete tiles- 50-70 years.
Terracotta tiles- 70-100 years.
Slate tiles- 80-100+ years.
If you’re at the mid-point in your roof’s average lifespan, a restoration could be useful. You may consider a replacement the closer you are to the top end of its lifespan.
The extent of damage
When to consider restoration:
Damage is mainly slight weathering.
There’s only a small number of cracked tiles.
Ridge caps have mild deterioration.
When to consider a replacement:
There are significant areas of cracked tiles.
You’re getting frequent leaks and water damage.
If you need help choosing the right roofing solutions for your home, contact Infinite Roofing for a free quotation. We’re experts in all things roofing!
Energy efficiency
A roof replacement service may make sense if you’re also interested in adding new insulation to make your house more energy efficient. A replacement can coincide with improving ventilation to reduce power bills, particularly if you’re considering terracotta tiles or addressing access issues that add to the project’s complexity. However, the decision should also factor in budget, pricing, and whether restoration is viable, as widespread damage or long-term concerns often justify the total cost.
Get an inspection
You can have a look at the roof yourself to see the extent of any damage. However, it’s important to remember that significant damage may be difficult to determine without the right experience. A lot of problems can be out of sight. Getting an inspection from a professional can give you a more comprehensive view of its issues and the best options available.
How to get an accurate quote
It’s best to get a quote in advance when hiring professionals for a significant project like a roof replacement. Are you unsure what a reasonable quote should be? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Assess quotes by comparing them to other quotes from different providers. Having two or three quotes from licensed roofers will give you a better idea of what you should expect. All the quotes must be for the same scope of work.
Make sure that the quote covers all the services you’ll need to complete the job. This may include the clean-up and disposal of the old materials.
Roofers generally offer a warranty on their workmanship. However, some may have additional warranty terms. Ask what provisions they offer.
The quote should be itemised so you can see what their labour consists of and how it’s priced. Ensure that they’ve accounted for all costs, such as a steep charge if applicable.
From our clients
Austin is a breeze to deal with, professional and across everything. As a Builder it’s makes my life easy to know I don’t have to chase up and check on everything along the way. The quality and communication from Infinite roofing is top notch!
- Ben Arnold
Infinite Roofing were amazing from start to finish designing and installing our patio roof. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to install new or update a roof or patio. Small or large job nothing seemed to be too much trouble.
- Margaret Seeley
Conclusion
Tile roofs can be a durable and low-maintenance option that is quite weather-resistant. Their typically long life can make them cost-effective. But there may come a time when they need to be replaced. There’s a lot that goes into the final price of a replacement, but there are some general guidelines that can give you a sense of how much to replace tile roof. This guide gives you some useful pointers to help with your decisions.
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