Skip to content
Clear communicationFree inspections
Call now (02) 5550 4993
(02) 5550 4993 Get my free quote
Menu
House roof half stripped to battens with new tiles stacked ready

Roof replacement in Canberra

Roof replacement in Canberra for tile and steel roofs

A full strip and re-roof, quoted in writing and planned around Canberra weather.

  • Tile and steel re-roofs
  • Written quote that lists the scope
  • Old roofing removed from site

Step 1 of 3

What do you need?

When does a Canberra roof need replacing?

A roof does not fail all at once. It gives warning signs, and Canberra weather speeds them up. Hot summer sun bakes tiles and fades steel coatings. Frosty nights and warm days make materials expand and contract again and again. Westerly winds and the odd hailstorm do the rest.

Common signs that repair is no longer enough:

  • Tiles that are cracked, crumbling or slipping across large areas, not just one or two.
  • Rust spreading on steel or tin sheets, especially around fixings and valleys.
  • Leaks in more than one room, or ceiling stains that keep coming back.
  • Sagging battens or rafters, or daylight visible in the roof space.
  • Repeated repair bills that add up to a large share of the cost of a new roof.

If you are unsure, book a roof inspection first. A small fix, like those on our roof repair page, can sometimes buy you several more seasons. When it cannot, a proper re-roof is cheaper than a ceiling full of water.

What does a roof replacement involve?

A full re-roof is more than new sheets on top of old ones. A good job follows a set order, and your quote should list each step.

  1. Set up scaffold or edge protection where needed so the crew can work safely.
  2. Strip the old tiles or sheets, plus ridge capping and flashings.
  3. Check the timber battens and roof frame. Replace damaged battens and flag any structural problem before it is covered up.
  4. Install sarking or an anti-condensation blanket under the new roofing where specified.
  5. Fit the new roofing, flashings, valleys and ridge capping to the manufacturer's instructions and the relevant Australian Standards.
  6. Reconnect or replace gutters and downpipes as agreed, then clean the site.

Houses built before the mid-1980s may have asbestos cement sheeting in the roof, eaves or sheds. Do not drill, cut or break it. If anyone suspects asbestos, a licensed removalist must handle it, and that is a separate item on the quote.

Which roofing material suits a Canberra home?

Canberra has a mix of housing, so no single material suits every roof. Here is how the common options behave locally.

Colorbond and other steel

Light and quick to install, and common on newer estates in Gungahlin and the Molonglo Valley. Lighter colours reflect summer heat. On cold clear nights steel can drip with condensation, so ask about an anti-condensation blanket and roof ventilation.

Concrete tiles

Heavy, quiet and common on homes from the 1970s onward. Tiles are heavy, so the roof frame needs to be checked before any change of material.

Terracotta tiles

Found on many older brick homes in inner suburbs such as Ainslie, Reid and Griffith. A good fit where a traditional look matters.

If your home is in a heritage area or on the ACT Heritage Register, ask what rules apply to material and colour before you choose.

We do not give a price until we have seen the roof. These things move the price most:

  • Roof size, pitch and the number of hips, valleys and penetrations.
  • The material you choose, and what is being removed.
  • Access, including steep sites, narrow driveways and double-storey sections.
  • Battens, sarking, insulation, gutters and any structural repairs.
  • Asbestos removal, if it is present.

Many Canberra houses are single-storey with a simple gable or hip roof. A job like that often takes several working days, while a larger or more complex roof takes longer. Wind, rain and frost can pause work, so allow some slack in the schedule. Your written quote will list the scope, the materials and what is not included, so you can compare it with others on equal terms.

What happens on the day, and when should you call?

Before work starts we confirm the start date and how the crew will reach the roof. Move cars off the driveway and from under the eaves, and tell the crew about pets, pools and solar panels. Expect noise, especially while the old roofing is stripped. Ask the crew how they will protect your garden and clean up each day.

Call when you see leaks in more than one room, sliding tiles, spreading rust or damage after severe hail. If you need urgent cover, see our storm damage page. For a wider look at what we do, visit the Canberra Roofing Co home page. Whoever you choose, ask to see their ACT licence and insurance before you sign.

Clear communication
Free inspections
Written estimates
Local crew

Questions about roofing in Canberra

Can new roofing go over the old roof?

In some cases steel sheeting can be fixed over old roofing, but extra weight, trapped moisture and hidden damage are real risks. In most cases the old roofing should come off so the battens and frame can be checked. Ask any roofer who suggests an overlay to explain how they will deal with those risks in writing.

Do I need approval to replace my roof in the ACT?

It depends on the property and the work. A like-for-like replacement is often simpler than changing the material, weight or shape. Heritage places, units with an owners corporation and homes in bushfire-prone areas can need extra steps. Check with Access Canberra, your building certifier or your owners corporation before work starts.

Can I stay in the house during a re-roof?

Most people do. Expect noise, some vibration and occasional dust in the roof space during stripping. If you work from home, have young children or a shift worker in the house, mention it when you book so the crew can plan the noisiest tasks around you.

What happens to my solar panels?

Panels usually need to be disconnected, lifted off and refitted by a licensed electrician before and after the re-roof. Tell us about them early so the timing and the extra cost can be set out in the written quote. Do not try to move panels yourself.

How do I compare two roof replacement quotes?

Check that both name the same material, the same roof area and the same extras such as battens, sarking, flashings and gutters. Look at what happens if damaged framing or asbestos turns up. A large deposit before any work begins is a warning sign. Ask for the licence and insurance details for each roofer.

How it works

1

Call or request a quote

Tell us what is happening with the roof.

2

Free inspection

A roofer checks the roof and gives a written price.

3

Work done right

Clean crew, nail sweep, warranty in writing.

Request roof replacement

Tell us what you need and we call you back.

Step 1 of 3

What do you need?

No obligation.

Ready when you are

Call now or request a quote online.

(02) 5550 4993

Call for a free inspection Get my free quote
Get my free quote