Independent Australian Cost Guides
Updated February 2026

Roofing Cost Australia 2026

Roofing costs in Australia depend on whether you need a repair, partial replacement, or full re-roof. Material choice (Colorbond, tiles, or slate) and roof accessibility are the biggest cost drivers.

Choose Your City

Location pin — Sydney
Sydney
From $20,700 total
+2.9%
Location pin — Melbourne
Melbourne
From $18,900 total
+4.0%
Location pin — Brisbane
Brisbane
From $18,000 total
+1.8%
Location pin — Perth
Perth
From $18,900 total
+2.1%
Location pin — Adelaide
Adelaide
From $16,560 total
+4.6%
Location pin — Gold Coast
Gold Coast
From $17,640 total
+3.1%
Location pin — Canberra
Canberra
From $19,800 total
+5.0%
Location pin — Hobart
Hobart
From $16,200 total
Stable
Location pin — Darwin
Darwin
From $20,700 total
+0.6%
Location pin — Newcastle
Newcastle
From $17,100 total
+5.4%
Location pin — Geelong
Geelong
From $16,740 total
+1.6%
Location pin — Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast
From $17,460 total
+1.6%

National Pricing Overview

ServiceLowHighAverage
Roof repair (minor)$250$800$450 per job
Roof repair (major)$800$3,000$1,500 per job
Full re-roof — Colorbond$8,000$25,000$15,000 total
Full re-roof — tiles$10,000$35,000$20,000 total
Gutter replacement$1,000$4,000$2,200 total
Gutter cleaning$150$450$250 per job
Leak detection$200$600$350 per visit
Ridge cap repointing$1,500$5,000$2,800 total
Roof painting / coating$2,500$7,000$4,500 total
Skylight installation$800$3,000$1,600 per skylight
Whirlybird / vent installation$200$600$350 per unit
Roof inspection$150$400$250 per visit

National average prices. Select a city above for location-specific pricing.

Roofing work in Australia covers everything from minor repairs to complete re-roofing. A full roof replacement typically costs $15,000 to $45,000 depending on the size of your home, the material chosen, and your location. The national average for a standard 3-bedroom house sits around $22,000. Individual repairs like fixing leaks or replacing damaged tiles are much cheaper, starting from $300–$800 per repair.

Roofing is not a DIY job — it requires licensed tradespeople, and working at height without proper safety equipment is both dangerous and illegal. Most states require roofing work to comply with the Building Code of Australia and relevant Australian Standards.

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What Affects Roofing Costs

Roof size & pitch

Larger roofs cost more (measured in square metres). Steeply pitched roofs require more safety equipment and are slower to work on, adding labour cost.

Material type

Colorbond steel is the most popular and cost-effective ($40–$70/m²). Concrete tiles cost $40–$60/m². Terracotta tiles run $60–$100/m². Slate is the most expensive at $100–$200+/m².

Repair vs replacement

Spot repairs and re-pointing cost $300–$2,000. Partial re-roofing runs $5,000–$15,000. Full replacement is $15,000–$45,000+.

Access & height

Single-storey homes are straightforward. Multi-storey homes, steep pitches, and difficult access add scaffolding costs ($1,000–$5,000+).

Insulation & sarking

Adding or upgrading insulation and sarking during a re-roof adds $1,500–$5,000 but significantly improves energy efficiency and is required under current building codes.

Guttering & fascia

A re-roof often reveals damaged guttering, fascia, or soffit boards that need replacing. Budget an extra $2,000–$6,000 for these common additions.

How to Save Money on Roofing Costs

1
Get a roof inspection before committing to a full replacement — many issues can be repaired at a fraction of the cost
2
Ask for an itemised quote that separates materials, labour, scaffolding, and disposal
3
Check your roofer's licence and insurance — roofing is high-risk work with serious liability implications
4
Consider adding insulation or solar panel mounting brackets while the roof is being replaced
5
Schedule roofing work during drier months to minimise weather delays
6
Ask about manufacturer warranties on materials (often 20–30 years) and labour warranties (typically 5–10 years)
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace a roof in Australia?
A full roof replacement typically costs $15,000–$45,000 for a standard 3–4 bedroom house. The final price depends on roof size, material choice, and your location.
How long does a roof last in Australia?
Colorbond steel roofs last 30–50+ years. Concrete tiles last 30–50 years. Terracotta tiles last 50–100+ years. Lifespan depends on maintenance, climate, and installation quality.
How do I know if my roof needs replacing?
Signs include frequent leaks, sagging or bowing, cracked or broken tiles, excessive rust on metal roofs, and flashing that has lifted. A professional inspection ($200–$500) can give you a definitive answer.
Can I re-roof over existing tiles?
Generally no. In most cases, the old roofing material must be removed before new material is installed. This ensures the structure, battens, and sarking can be inspected and repaired if needed.
Is Colorbond or tiles better?
Colorbond is lighter, cheaper, lower-maintenance, and better in bushfire zones. Tiles offer better insulation, last longer, and suit heritage-style homes. Both are excellent choices — it depends on your priorities and budget.

About This Guide

Our roofing cost guides cover 12 major Australian cities with location-adjusted pricing. Updated quarterly — last reviewed February 2026.