How much does a roofing cost in Brisbane?
Roof replacement in Brisbane typically costs $100–$185 per square metre, or roughly $12,000–$35,000 for a standard 3-bedroom home — making it more affordable than Sydney ($150–$230/m2) but still a significant investment. The final price depends primarily on your roof's size, material choice, pitch complexity, and whether the existing roof contains asbestos (which adds $3,000–$10,000 for safe removal and disposal).
Brisbane's climate is both the reason roofs deteriorate and the factor that should drive your material choices. The city receives roughly 1,150mm of rainfall annually, much of it in intense summer thunderstorms that dump 50–100mm in an hour. Hail events — like those in October 2020 and November 2014 — can cause widespread damage across entire suburbs. UV exposure is relentless: Brisbane averages 283 sunny days per year, and UV-driven degradation of coatings, sealants, and tiles is the primary cause of roof failure. Cyclone-rated fixings are required in many parts of South-East Queensland under the Building Code of Australia, adding 5–10% to material costs.
The most common roofing materials in Brisbane are Colorbond steel and concrete tiles, with terracotta tiles on older and higher-end homes. Colorbond dominates new installations and re-roofs because it's lightweight, durable, and handles Brisbane's storm conditions well. Converting from tiles to Colorbond is one of the most popular roofing projects — it reduces structural load, improves thermal performance, and typically costs $100–$120/m2 including tile removal and disposal.
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Prices include GST. Based on Brisbane metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Roof Restoration — Concrete Tile Roof
Total cost: $4,000–$10,000
Pressure clean ($500–$1,000), replace broken tiles ($300–$800 for 10–20 tiles), re-point ridge capping with flexible pointing compound ($1,200–$2,500), apply primer and two coats of roof membrane ($1,500–$4,000), clear and repair gutters ($300–$600). Extends roof life by 10–15 years if the underlying structure is sound. Not recommended if more than 20% of tiles are cracked, the battens are rotting, or there's significant sagging — in those cases, replacement is more cost-effective.
Tile to Colorbond Conversion — 3-Bedroom Home
Total cost: $18,000–$30,000
Tile removal and disposal ($3,000–$5,000 for a standard home), batten inspection and replacement where needed ($1,000–$2,500), sarking/building paper ($1,500–$2,500), Colorbond steel roofing supply and installation ($6,000–$10,000), new ridge capping and flashings ($1,000–$2,000), gutter replacement if required ($2,000–$4,000), insulation upgrade ($1,500–$3,000). This is Brisbane's most popular major roofing project — it transforms the home's appearance, reduces weight on the structure by 40–60%, and improves thermal performance.
Colorbond Re-Roof — Metal to Metal
Total cost: $10,000–$20,000
Remove existing corrugated iron or Zincalume ($1,500–$3,000), inspect and repair roof framing ($500–$2,000), install new sarking ($1,000–$2,000), supply and install Colorbond in chosen profile and colour ($5,000–$9,000), flashings and ridge capping ($800–$1,500), gutter and downpipe replacement if needed ($1,500–$3,000). Simpler than tile conversions because the framing is already designed for lightweight cladding. Often done at the same time as a full repaint of the home's exterior.
Asbestos Roof Removal & Replacement
Total cost: $20,000–$40,000
Licensed asbestos assessment ($300–$600), asbestos roof removal by Class A removalist including disposal ($5,000–$12,000 depending on size and complexity), air monitoring during removal ($500–$1,000), new Colorbond roofing installation ($8,000–$15,000), gutter and downpipe replacement ($2,000–$4,000), insulation ($1,500–$3,000), clearance inspection ($300–$500). Asbestos cement roofing (also known as "fibro" or "super six") is common on Brisbane homes built between the 1940s and 1980s. It must be removed by licensed professionals — never attempt DIY removal.
Storm Damage Repair
Total cost: $500–$15,000+
Minor leak repair from displaced tiles or lifted flashings ($200–$800). Moderate damage with 10–30 broken or displaced tiles, damaged ridge capping ($1,500–$5,000). Major hail or wind damage requiring partial re-roofing ($5,000–$15,000+). Emergency tarping to prevent water damage ($300–$800, often covered by insurance). Brisbane averages 2–3 significant storm events per summer — insurance claims for storm damage are common. Document damage with photos immediately and contact your insurer before engaging a contractor for anything beyond emergency tarping.
Roof material
Colorbond steel is generally cheaper than concrete tiles, which are cheaper than terracotta or slate. Material choice affects both cost and longevity.
Roof size and pitch
Steeper roofs are more dangerous and time-consuming to work on. Larger roof areas obviously cost more. Most quotes are calculated per square metre.
Access and height
Single-storey homes are significantly cheaper to work on than two-storey. Difficult access (steep blocks, tight spaces) adds to costs.
Existing damage
Water damage to battens, rafters, or ceiling may not be visible until old roofing is removed, potentially adding $2,000–$8,000.
Asbestos
Homes built before 1990 may have asbestos in the roof or eaves. Removal requires licensed specialists and adds $2,000–$10,000.
Insulation
Adding or upgrading insulation during a re-roof is cost-effective. Budget $1,000–$3,000 for roof insulation.
QBCC licence: Roofing work valued over $3,300 requires the contractor to hold an appropriate QBCC licence. For metal roofing, this is typically a "Roof and Wall Cladding" trade contractor licence. For tile work, a "Roof Tiling" licence is required. General builders can also perform roofing work within their licence scope. Always verify at qbcc.qld.gov.au.
Queensland Home Warranty Scheme: Residential roofing work by QBCC-licensed contractors is covered by the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme — up to 6 years 6 months for structural defects. This protection only applies when you use a licensed contractor. An unlicensed roofer leaves you with no statutory protection.
Building approval: In many cases, a like-for-like roof replacement (same material type) doesn't require building approval. However, changing from tiles to metal (which alters the structural loading) may require engineering certification and building approval through a private certifier. Your contractor should advise on this — if they don't mention it, ask. Council approval may also be required in heritage precincts or if changing the roof profile or colour significantly.
Asbestos removal: Any amount of asbestos removal in Queensland requires the person to be competent. Removal of more than 10 m2 of non-friable asbestos (which includes cement sheet roofing) requires a Class A asbestos removal licence. A removal control plan must be prepared, and the work notified to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland at least 5 days before commencement. Air monitoring may be required, and a clearance inspection must be conducted before the site is returned to normal use.
Wind loading compliance: Brisbane sits in Wind Region B under the Building Code of Australia, requiring roof fixings and cladding to meet specific wind load ratings. Homes closer to the coast or on exposed hilltops may need additional engineering. Your roofer should be fixing to the appropriate wind classification — ask to see the fixing schedule if you're unsure.
Optimal timing: March–August (dry season). Brisbane's storm season (October–March) is the worst time to have your roof off. Summer storms are intense and sudden — a clear morning can turn into a destructive thunderstorm by 3pm. Roofers working during storm season must be prepared to tarp at short notice, and weather delays can extend a 3-day job to 2 weeks. The dry season offers predictable conditions, lower insurance risk, and trades that aren't overwhelmed by storm repair work.
Storm season preparation: If you can't replace your roof before storm season, at minimum get a professional inspection ($200–$400) in September. Check for: loose or cracked tiles, lifted flashings, deteriorated pointing on ridge capping, clogged gutters and downpipes, and any previous patch repairs that may have failed. Addressing these issues in spring costs hundreds; emergency repairs during a storm event cost thousands.
Post-storm demand: After a major hail or wind event, roofing contractors are inundated. Wait times of 3–6 months for non-urgent repairs are common after significant storms. If your damage is cosmetic rather than structural, you may face a long queue. Emergency tarping services are typically available within 24–48 hours. Insurance claims should be lodged immediately — most policies have time limits for reporting damage.
Combining work: If you're replacing the roof, it's the ideal time to add or upgrade solar panels, insulation, gutters, and ventilation. Scaffolding is already in place, the roof structure is accessible, and you avoid the cost of a separate mobilisation later. Adding insulation during a re-roof typically costs 20–30% less than a standalone insulation job.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, tradie marketplaces (ServiceSeeking, hipages, Airtasker, Service.com.au), industry body data (HIA, Master Builders), and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no financial incentive to inflate or deflate prices. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get at least 3 quotes. Last reviewed February 2026. Read our full methodology →