Quotes and process
Is the inspection and quote free?
Yes. A contractor visits, inspects the roof and the ceiling space, and gives you a written quote with no obligation to go ahead.
What should a roofing quote include?
At least: strip-out and disposal, battens, sarking or blanket, the material named with colour and grade, ridges, valleys and flashings, gutters if included, scaffold or edge protection, and any permit. It should also say how extra timber repairs found during the job will be handled. See what a roofing quote should cover.
How many quotes should I get?
Two or three is reasonable for a full re-roof. Ask each contractor to quote the same scope so you can compare line by line.
Do I pay a deposit?
Payment terms vary. In Western Australia the Home Building Contracts Act 1991 covers many residential building contracts, including rules about deposits and written contracts. Consumer Protection WA can tell you what applies to your job.
Repair or replace
How do I know if my roof needs replacing?
Leaks in more than one place, leaks that come back after repair, tiles that crack under foot, steel rusting through and sagging ridge or batten lines are the usual signs. Read signs you need roof replacement and roof replacement vs repair.
Can my old tiles be saved?
If the tiles themselves are sound, re-bedding and re-pointing the ridges, replacing broken tiles and clearing valleys can extend the roof's life. If tiles are porous and brittle, repairs tend to break more than they fix.
Materials
Colorbond or tile?
Most Perth tile replacements now go to steel because it is lighter, faster and suits low pitches. Tiles are quieter and suit some streetscapes. See Colorbond vs tile roofing.
Which colour keeps the house coolest?
Lighter colours reflect more of the sun's heat. Pair a light roof with a blanket under the sheets and good ceiling insulation. See Colorbond colours for Perth weather.
I live near the beach. Does that change anything?
Yes. Salt air corrodes steel and fixings faster. Ask the roofer which steel grade and fixings they recommend for your distance from the coast.
Rules and safety
Do I need a building permit to replace my roof?
It depends on the work and your local government, which is the permit authority under the Building Act 2011 (WA). Changes to material, roof shape or structure are more likely to need one. Check with the council's building services before work starts, and read our permit guide.
My roof might be asbestos. What should I do?
Do not water-blast, cut, drill or walk on it. In WA, removing more than 10 square metres of asbestos cement requires a WorkSafe WA licensed removalist. See asbestos roof replacement.
Can I get on the roof myself to check it?
It is safer not to. Look from the ground with binoculars, check the ceiling space with a torch, and leave roof access to people with the right equipment.
Costs
All prices are on one page: the roof replacement cost guide. It covers repairs, re-roofs, re-tiling and asbestos jobs, with the factors that move a price.
Weather and timing
When is the best time of year to replace a roof in Perth?
Late spring through to early autumn gives the most reliable dry weather, but it is also when many people book. Winter work is possible: crews open the roof in small sections and close it before rain. The worst time to start thinking about a tired roof is after the first big front of the season, when every roofer in Perth is busy with leaks.
What happens if it rains during my re-roof?
Contractors watch the forecast and only open as much roof as they can close the same day. If rain arrives unexpectedly, the open section is covered with tarps or temporary sheeting. Ask how the contractor handles this before you sign.
Will a new roof help with summer heat?
It can. A light-coloured steel roof, a blanket under the sheets, ceiling insulation in good condition and a ventilated roof space together reduce how much heat reaches the rooms below. See roof ventilation in Perth.
Questions people ask before they commit
Who does the work?
Roofing Perth is a referral service. The work is carried out by independent local roofing contractors. We ask the contractors we work with to hold the registrations and insurance the job needs, and you should ask to see them before work starts.
What are your phone hours?
Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. The form at the bottom of every page can be sent at any time, and we follow it up during business hours.
Will someone actually get on my roof?
Yes, where it is safe to do so. A roofing quote should be based on what the contractor sees on the roof and in the ceiling space, not on an aerial photo. Ask for photos of anything they recommend fixing.
How long does a re-roof take?
A straightforward single-storey re-roof often takes several working days on site, but weather, asbestos removal, timber repairs and access can stretch that. Our guide on how long roof replacement takes explains the main variables.
Can I stay in the house during a roof replacement?
Usually, yes. The roof is opened and closed in sections. During asbestos removal the removalist will tell you what precautions apply to your household.
Do you work in the Perth Hills and on the coast?
Yes. Both need extra thought: bushfire requirements may apply in the Hills, and coastal suburbs need steel grades and fixings suited to salt air.