How much does a new roof cost? How to replace it without breaking the bank

The cost of a new roof can be influenced by a number of factors, including:

• Cost of materials
• Roof size and layout
• Labour charges
• Complexity of roof replacement
• Removal of the existing roof

These factors determine your overall roof replacement cost. Materials are a big expense, but fortunately, Colorbond® steel roofing is one of the cheaper options when compared to slate tiles, terracotta tiles or concrete tiles.

Labour is the other big charge, and this will increase or decrease depending on how complex and large the roof layout is. Some roof types are easier to replace than others. Generally, the costs can be broken into a few scenarios below:

• To replace an existing metal roofing with Colorbond® – $6,000 to $10,000
• Asbestos removal and Colorbond® roof replacement – $15,000 to $20,000
• To replace a tiled roof with Colorbond® – $20,000

Please note, these prices are a guide and will vary from house to house.

Ultimately, only you can decide whether it’s worth replacing a roof completely or just doing repairs. It’s certainly not a cheap exercise to replace a whole roof, but repairs may also be ineffective in the long run if there’s significant damage. Consulting a trusted roofing contractor is your best option, but here are some other things to consider when making your choice.

Extent of damage
In many cases, the decision of whether to repair or replace your roof will come down to the extent of the damage. Obviously, if large sheets of metal roofing have come free, or there are cracks or holes opening up, you’re probably going to want a roof replacement. Generally, if the damage is more severe, any repairs would merely be a patch-up job until the next storm comes through and damages another part of the roof. This is because your roof ages pretty evenly, so once there’s damage to one part, you can usually expect more.

However, if the damage is minor, for example, a cracked or broken tile, or screws coming loose, repairs might be a better option. Most minor roofing problems can be solved quite easily, but if there are large sections of damage, replacement is often best.

Consider the roof’s age
Another thing to consider when you start having roof issues is the roof’s age. Australia is full of homes that are 50-plus years old, and in some cases, the roof has never been replaced. This means that many existing roofs are made from older materials, different fasteners and in general, different roofing techniques.

Nothing lasts forever, so if your roof is considerably old and you’re finally starting to see problems arise, it might be time for a replacement. Newer roofs, however, should still be in relatively good condition (minor problems aside), so a repair would make more sense if the roof has already been replaced in recent history.

Are you selling your home soon?
Finally, if you’re still undecided on whether to replace your roof or have it repaired, ask yourself if you’ll be selling the home soon. There’s no right or wrong answer here, but the answer to that question might help you make your mind up. As long as the roof is structurally sound, there’s no harm in just having cheaper repairs done instead of replacing it, especially if you’ll be selling the house soon.

On the flip side, if you’re selling the home soon and the roof is run-down, old, broken and discoloured, it may put potential buyers off. So, in terms of maintaining your home’s value and curb appeal, it might be better to replace the whole roof.