So, you suspect that your roof may require some work. Perhaps you’ve spotted a few shingles on the ground after a stormy winter’s night, or your energy bills have spiked unexpectedly. Still, you’re unsure precisely what service will benefit your property most. You’ve probably Googled phrases like Roof restoration and Roof replacement only to end up more confused than when you started, overwhelmed by various options and industry jargon. In this article, we’ll demystify the two main roof renovation options, roof restoration and replacement, and help you understand which option may be best for you, your wallet, and your home.
Roof restoration describes a service where the original roof cladding, whether tiled or metal, remains in place and is improved or rectified. Tiled roof restoration starts with extensive pressure cleaning followed by the replacement of broken and chipped roof tiles. The roof pointing is also repaired and replaced with a modern and flexible polymer-based pointing compound. The roof restoration’s last stage is applying a new coating or membrane to the roof surface.
What are the benefits of a roof restoration?
Following a tiled roof restoration, homeowners can expect their roof to look better than when it was new. The tiles will now be entirely sealed off to the elements and no longer in a porous state. As a result, the serviceable life of the original tiled roof will lengthen following a roof restoration. For metal or Colourbond roofs, roofers can undertake a similar high-pressure cleaning and re-coating process. Commonly, the original roof screws will also be replaced as part of tiled roof restoration. Once again, the roof’s life is prolonged with a new coating protecting the roof sheets’ base metal from environmental factors.
What is a roof replacement?
A roof replacement entails removing the original roof cladding material be it tiled or metal, and installing a new roof cladding. Most commonly, a roof replacement in Adelaide will be removing an original tiled roof that is in a poor state with many broken tiles and water leaks and replacing the roof with a new, fully Insulated Colourbond roof cladding. This type of roof replacement is so common in Adelaide due to the high numbers of Terracotta tiled roofs installed on homes up to the early 2000s.
Unfortunately, Terracotta has proven to be an unstable material in the Adelaide climate and often starts fretting (or crumbling) as it approaches 40 serviceable years. Once this process starts, it can not be stopped or reversed, and the only possible roof renovation that gives an end value to the homeowner is a roof replacement. Many concrete tiled roofs around Adelaide have never had a roof restoration during their life, often more than half a century. These concrete tiles become porous. This absorptive state makes them brittle and un-trafficable. Once again, the optimal option is to replace such tiles with a new Colourbond roof and insulation lining.
What are the benefits of roof replacement?
A roof replacement has numerous benefits. First and foremost, you will be gaining an entirely new roof that is not only lighter, quieter, and stronger, but thanks to the Colorbond colour range, will elevate your property’s curb appeal and enhance its value. Following a roof replacement, you will also benefit from a new warranty. Qualified roofing contractors commonly offer a warranty of 20-30 years, granting the homeowner significant peace of mind that their roof is covered for any material defects or workmanship issues. Finally, a significant benefit of a roof replacement is the vast improvement in thermal efficiency for the home. It’s not uncommon for Adelaide homes with an original tiled roof to have extremely poor insulation. At Oz-Roof, we highly recommend homeowners invest in a 60mm foil backed glasswool Insulation blanket to maximise the reduction of heat entering the home during summer and escaping during the winter.
What's the average cost of roof restoration and roof replacement?
The cost for each option differs significantly, as do their benefits and processes. Quite often, a roof replacement will be a multiple of 3 – 4 times the cost of a similar-sized roof replacement. For a typical roof restoration on an average-sized single-story house in Adelaide, you can expect to be $6000 – $7000 + GST. Conversely, to undertake a complete roof replacement on the same property would be $24,000 – $26,000 +GST. The more expensive option has many additional benefits, making it very popular for the owners of older homes.
Wrapping Up
A roof restoration is an excellent way to improve your home’s curb appeal and increase its value. If you have an older home, a roof restoration can add many years to the life of your roof. A roof replacement is also a great option if your roof is in poor condition. However, it is important to note that a roof replacement can be a significant investment. It is always wise to consult with a qualified roofing contractor to ensure you receive the best solution for your home. At Oz-Roof, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional roofing services to homeowners across Adelaide. We offer a free, no-obligation quote so you can explore your roofing options with confidence. If you’re considering investing in a roof restoration or roof replacement, we encourage you to get in touch with our team today. We wish you the best in finding the perfect solution for your home.
– The Oz-Roof Team
