Roofing & gutters
Roof work is where the gap between a repair and a replacement is widest in dollar terms, and where quotes vary most. These answers cover diagnosing a leak, what a restoration actually includes, and when patching is the right call.
14 pages in this topic
Questions
- My roof leaks, do I repair it or replace it?Repair a localised leak from a cracked tile, failed flashing or blocked valley. Replace when the roof covering itself has reached end of life across the whole area, or when the leak is a symptom of failed sarking or battens.4 sources cited
- What does a roof restoration actually include?Typically a high-pressure clean, replacement of broken tiles, re-bedding and re-pointing of ridge capping, then a sealer and two coats of membrane. What separates a good job from a cosmetic one is the re-bedding, not the paint.3 sources cited
- How long does a roof last in Australia?Concrete and terracotta tiles commonly last 50 years or more, while the pointing and bedding need attention every 15 to 20. Colorbond and quality steel roofing typically lasts 30 to 50 years, less in coastal areas.3 sources cited
- Why does my roof only leak in heavy rain?A leak that appears only in driving rain is usually water being pushed uphill or sideways past a lap, flashing or valley, rather than a hole. That is why it can be invisible on a still, wet day.4 sources cited
- What are valleys and flashings, and why do they fail first?Valleys carry concentrated water where two roof planes meet and flashings seal the junctions with walls and penetrations. Both handle far more water than the surrounding roof, so both wear out first.4 sources cited
- Do I need a licensed roof plumber or can any roofer do it?Roof drainage work, including gutters, downpipes, flashings and metal roofing, is licensed plumbing work in most states. Tiling a roof is often treated differently, which is why the answer depends on the job.5 sources cited
- When do gutters need replacing rather than cleaning?Overflowing gutters are usually a fall, capacity or blockage problem rather than a corrosion problem. Replacement is warranted when the metal has failed, or when the profile was never large enough for the roof area.4 sources cited
- Is roof painting or restoration worth it, or is it a scam?A genuine restoration that replaces broken tiles, repoints ridge capping and repairs valleys has real value. A coating sprayed over a failing roof does not, and door-knocked roof work is a long-standing problem area.5 sources cited
- Can I put solar panels on an old roof?Technically yes, but it is usually a false economy. Removing and refitting an array to replace the roof underneath costs a substantial amount, so the roof should be sound for the system's life.5 sources cited
- What is sarking and does my roof need it?Sarking is a membrane under the roof covering that catches wind-driven water and condensation and drains it out. Many older Australian homes have none, which is why they leak in storms.4 sources cited
- Can I walk on my own roof to check something?Falls from height are among the most common causes of serious injury in Australian home maintenance. Tiles crack under foot, older sheeting and skylights can fail without warning, and there is usually a better option.4 sources cited
- What should I do after storm damage to my roof?Make it safe and temporarily watertight, photograph everything, contact your insurer before authorising permanent repairs, and be careful about contractors who arrive uninvited.5 sources cited
- What is a whirlybird and does it actually do anything?A roof ventilator moves a modest amount of air and can reduce roof space temperature and moisture. It is far less effective than ceiling insulation and it does not substitute for it.4 sources cited