How much does roof restoration cost in Australia?

Roof restoration usually means keeping the existing roof and bringing it back to good condition: cleaning, replacing broken tiles or treating rust, re-bedding and re-pointing ridge capping, then recoating. A repair fixes a specific problem such as a leak. A replacement strips the old roof and puts on a new one.

What’s The Damage gives low / typical / high prices (updated October 2026):

• Tile roof restoration (clean, re-bed and re-point, recoat): $4,000 / $7,500 / $11,000
• Metal roof restoration (clean, rust treatment, recoat): $3,000 / $5,000 / $7,500
• Ridge capping re-bed and re-point, full roof: $800 / $2,200 / $3,500
• Roof inspection and report: $200 / $350 / $500
• Minor leak repair: $250 / $500 / $800
• Full roof replacement, single storey: $14,000 / $22,000 / $30,000

These are published estimates, not quotes.

1. Roof size and pitch. Bigger roofs cost more in total; steep roofs need more safety equipment.
2. Tile or metal. Tile restorations usually include ridge capping work; metal restorations focus on rust treatment and coating.
3. Condition. The number of broken tiles, rusted sheets or failed ridge caps decides how much repair comes before the coating.
4. Height and access. Two-storey homes need more scaffolding and edge protection.
5. Coating system. Ask what product is being applied, how many coats, and what the warranty covers.
6. Asbestos. Older roofs may contain asbestos, which changes the job entirely. Don’t let anyone pressure-clean or cut it without checking first.

In NSW, roof plumbing and roof tiling are licensed trade categories, and the NSW Government says roof plumbing includes applying protective coatings that don’t involve structural changes to the roof. Work over $5,000 needs a contractor licence. See our guide to checking a tradie’s licence for each state’s register.

• Ask each roofer to inspect the roof and give a written, itemised quote: cleaning, repairs, ridge capping, coating product and coats, gutters.
• Ask for photos of the problem areas so you can see what you are paying to fix.
• Ask what the warranty covers (workmanship and coating) and for how long.
• Be wary of door-knockers offering a cheap restoration on the spot. Get other quotes and check the licence.