How Much Does Roofing Cost?

Last Updated May 25, 2016 · Written by Craig Gibson

Roofing|Renovation Costs

Roofing is pretty crucial to the integrity and overall look of your home. If it is compromised and is leaking it can lead to costly repairs or replacement down the track. A newly renovated roof can also add value to your property.

If you have to replace your roofing, knowing how much your project will cost is pretty crucial given that it is likely to be a significant outlay.

Four factors will determine the cost of your roofing project:

1. Which roofing material you choose
2. The size of your roof, in square metres
3. The pitch or angle of your roof
4. What your roofing contractor charges for labour

This article will help you work out:

• The different types of roofing materials on the market
• Who can install them
• What it will cost you

Concrete roof tiles. © Bristile Roofing

Types of roofing materials

The two most common roof materials are:

Metal or steel roofing include treated zinc-aluminum, also know as Colorbond, and untreated zinc-aluminum. Metal roofing is very flexible, durable and should come with a warranty of at least 25 years.

Tiled roofing, typically terracotta, concrete or slate come in a variety of finishes and are frost-resistant. They are also non-combustible, making them a good choice in bushfire-prone areas. Concrete tiles are extremely durable and should last for at least 50 years. Slate is also extremely durable and will not fade, crack or discolour and can last for over a century if properly installed. It is ideal to use when you want to make your roof a feature.

Metal vs tiled roofing - which is best?

Compared to tiles, metal roofing is more affordable to install and easier to maintain. However there are also aesthetic factors to consider when choosing your roofing material.

Read more: Metal or tile roof?

Slate roofing tiles. © Superior Slate Roofing

#hiptip: Make sure your roofing complies with the relevant Australian Standard and Building Code

Does my roofer need to be licensed?

Yes. Most states require roofers to be licensed.

Due to the safety implications and specialist skills required roofing is not recommended as a DIY project. Only a qualified roofing contractor has the equipment and skill needed to do the job right.

Depending on where you live, they could hold a dedicated roofing licence such as roof tiling, roof slating (NSW), roof cladding (Queensland) or a building licence (Victoria). Ask your roofing contractor for their licence before you hire them.

Metal roofing. © Perfecto Roofing Australia

Hiring a roofer

When it comes to hiring a roofer you need to make sure they are right for your job. Some questions to ask them include:

• Are you licensed?
• Are you insured to work in my home?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• How long is the warranty on your materials?
• Do you have references I can follow up?

No matter the size of your roofing job, always request a fully itemised quote including the cost of all materials used.

Installing terracotta clay roof tiles. © City Roofing & Home Maintenance

What will affects the cost of your roofing?

Simple roofs with single or double pitches, easy access and average sized roofs will be at the lower end of the scale.

A number of factors can push the cost of your roofing up. These include having:

• a steep roof pitch
• difficult site access
• an asbestos cement roof

How much does roofing cost?

There are many factors that may impact the cost of reroofing including removal and disposal of the existing roofing material, location and access, roof pitch and replacement tile. Roofing is priced per square metre.

The cheapest roofing material is concrete tiles, followed by steel and then clay/stone tiles with Colorbond at the top end of the scale. The cost of supply and installation can vary widely, but generally expect to pay around $50 to $70 per square metre for high quality metal roofing. The cost of tile roofs varies, but as a rule of thumb, tile roofs cost between $80 to $110 per square metre, supplied and laid.

Expect to pay in the range of:

• $8 to $10 per square metre for sarking
• $40 to $60 per square metre for concrete tiled roofing
• $50 to $70 per square metre for steel roofing
• $80 to $110 per square metre for terracotta tiled roofing
• $200 to $500 per square metre for traditional slate tiled roof

Quotes will be based on the size of your roof and the complexity of the roof design. For example a simple gable roof will be less expensive per square metre than multiple gables.

To strip and replace roofing (for an average sized 3 bedroom family home), expect to pay in the region of:

• $6,000 to $10,000 to replace an existing metal skillion roof with Colorbond
• $20,000 to replace existing tiles with Colorbond
• $15,000 to $20,000 to replace an existing asbestos cement roof with Colorbond

Concrete roof tiles. © Paul Newport Roof Restoration Specialist

Getting quotes for roofing

Also think about whether or not you want your guttering and down pipes to be replaced at the same time your new roofing is laid. If so, ask for them to be included in your quotes. Any roofing quote should include removal of the existing roof materials and disposal, replacement materials

(including sarking insulation) and final tidy up. You may also want your roofing repaired or restored.

Find out how much your project will cost by getting quotes from local roofers This will give you a sense of what market rates currently are.

* All the costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this article was written. They are indicative, may vary locally, are subject to market forces and should only be used as a guide.