Maintaining a sound roof is a big but vital responsibility since the roof is your home’s most crucial structural component. Besides sheltering everyone and everything you love; your roof also increases the property value and maintains your home’s beauty.
Your roof requires regular inspection and routine maintenance to ensure it remains in the best state, especially with the harsh Australian climate.
Like many homeowners, you may wonder how much a roofer will charge you. Read on to find out the average costs as we discuss the factors that may affect the total cost.
Factors Determining Cost
There’s no standard cost of roof repairs since every home has some unique aspects. The prices vary depending on various factors, including:
- Roof Type
The roofing material plays a significant role in determining the total repair cost. Some materials are harder to clean, paint, repair and maintain and therefore cost more to repair.
Different materials require varying work on the roof, affecting labour costs and, ultimately, the total cost.
For instance, some roofs require re-bedding damaged ridge caps or repointing ridges and hips, while others need realigning or replacing broken or missing tiles.
Metal roofs often require replacing damaged metal sheets, repainting and sealing to prevent leaks.
Some roofing materials are also more challenging to handle and install and therefore require a particular skill set that only experienced professionals possess. Such professionals often charge higher but deliver high-quality work to ensure the repairs hold for years to come.
- The Roof Scope or Size
The size or scope of the repair project will determine the cost. Larger houses require more work, especially if the roof has multiple levels. Some materials also need additional work due to the complexity of the process involved.
- Your Roof’s Age
Older roofs are more fragile and require more work to maintain integrity. If your home has a newer roof with minimal damage, the labour costs will be less than that of older homes with worn-out roofing materials.
- Location
Another essential factor that will affect the cost of repairing your roof is the location of your home. Australian climate differs, where some areas experience harsher conditions that cause more damage to the roofing material.
For instance, some coastal areas are prone to corrosion, high UV exposure and strong winds, which affect the roof’s integrity. Repairs in such locations will be higher as the process involves more complex work.
- Roof Design and Pitch
The design, slope and pitch of your roof will also affect the total repair costs. Roofs with multiple features and levels often have intricate verges, valleys and ridges that need attention.
For instance, steep roof designs are more expensive to repair than flat roofs with simpler structures.
Average Cost by State
The roofing materials and labour costs vary based on your location and the cost of living in that area. Generally, urban areas have higher fees than rural areas.
| Location | Average Labour cost |
| Queensland | $310 |
| Victoria | $400 |
| Western Australia | $250 |
| New South Wales | $415 |
Average Cost by Material
The type of roofing material also significantly impacts the total repair costs. Generally, some materials are difficult to handle and more expensive to fix per square foot.
For instance, high-end slate tiles and metal roofs are more expensive to repair than flat asphalt shingles and wood.
| Roof Material | Average repair cost (Per 100 square feet) |
| Metal roof | $1,500 |
| Tin roof | $600 |
| Tile shingles | $300 to $50 |
| Asphalt shingles | $120 |
| Slate shingles | $800 to $1,000 |
| Wood roof | $800 |
| Clay tiles | $300 to $700 |
Conclusion
Roof repairs can be expensive sometimes, but it’s crucial to ensure you do it right. It may seem like a viable option, but repairing your roof risks causing further damage in the process.
Rather than DIY, it’s best to hire licensed roofing specialists to handle the repairs. These experts have the right equipment, experience, and skills to handle complex procedures.
