How much does a roofing cost in Melbourne?
Melbourne's variable climate — hail, intense UV, heavy rain, and strong winds, sometimes all in the same week — places enormous demands on roofing. As of 2026, roof replacement in Melbourne typically costs between $110 and $200 per square metre, while roof restoration runs $20–$40 per square metre. For a standard 3-bedroom home with a 150–200m² roof, that's $18,000–$35,000 for replacement or $4,000–$8,000 for restoration.
Melbourne's roofing costs sit 5–15% below Sydney, primarily due to lower trade rates. However, Melbourne's housing stock presents unique challenges: widespread use of terracotta tiles on period homes, concrete tile roofs on the vast 1960s–80s suburban belt, and an increasing shift to Colorbond in newer developments. The city's notorious hailstorms (December 2023's event caused over $2 billion in damage) have made storm-resistant roofing a top priority for many homeowners.
We've compiled pricing from VBA-registered roofing contractors, manufacturer data, and industry sources to deliver the most accurate roofing cost breakdown for Greater Melbourne in 2026.
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof repair (minor) | $263 | $840 | $473 per job |
| Roof repair (major) | $840 | $3,150 | $1,575 per job |
| Full re-roof — Colorbond | $8,400 | $26,250 | $15,750 total |
| Full re-roof — tiles | $10,500 | $36,750 | $21,000 total |
| Gutter replacement | $1,050 | $4,200 | $2,310 total |
| Gutter cleaning | $158 | $473 | $263 per job |
| Leak detection | $210 | $630 | $368 per visit |
| Ridge cap repointing | $1,575 | $5,250 | $2,940 total |
| Roof painting / coating | $2,625 | $7,350 | $4,725 total |
| Skylight installation | $840 | $3,150 | $1,680 per skylight |
| Whirlybird / vent installation | $210 | $630 | $368 per unit |
| Roof inspection | $158 | $420 | $263 per visit |
Prices include GST. Based on Melbourne metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Melbourne's roofing costs vary by suburb due to property age, roof type, accessibility, and environmental exposure. Inner suburbs with heritage homes cost significantly more than outer growth corridors.
Inner Melbourne
Fitzroy, Richmond, Carlton, South Yarra. Victorian and Edwardian homes with original slate or terracotta roofs. Heritage overlays often mandate like-for-like tile replacement — sourcing matching heritage terracotta can add 20–40% to material costs. Multi-storey terraces need scaffolding on narrow streets ($3,000–$8,000). Chimneys and ornate ridge capping add complexity. Some councils require heritage architect sign-off for visible roof changes.
Eastern & South-Eastern Suburbs
Hawthorn, Camberwell, Box Hill, Glen Waverley. Predominantly concrete tile roofs from the 1950s–80s. This is where most of Melbourne's roof restoration work happens — these 40–70 year old roofs are reaching the end of their coating life but often have sound structures underneath. Good access, standard roof pitches, and competitive local roofer rates make this the sweet spot for value. Hail damage from recent storms has increased demand for replacement in this belt.
Western & Northern Growth Areas
Werribee, Craigieburn, Tarneit, Point Cook. Newer homes (2000s–2020s) with Colorbond roofing and modern tile profiles. The most affordable area for roofing work. Most projects are colour changes, gutter replacement, or storm damage repairs rather than full replacements. Simple roof lines and good access keep costs down. Builder-grade Colorbond on homes over 15 years old may show fading or minor corrosion — a re-roof at current quality levels is a worthwhile upgrade.
Bayside & Mornington Peninsula
Brighton, Sandringham, Frankston, Mornington. Coastal salt air requires marine-grade Colorbond (BlueScope's Thermatech range) and stainless steel fasteners for longevity. Expect to pay 10–15% more for coastal-rated materials. Mix of older tile homes and newer Colorbond builds. Peninsula properties further from Melbourne attract higher travel costs. Strong coastal winds mean extra attention to fastener density and roof tie-down systems.
Here's what common roofing projects cost in Melbourne in 2026, including labour, materials, and standard scaffolding.
Roof restoration — concrete tile, standard 3-bed home
High-pressure clean ($400–$1,200), cracked tile replacement ($15–$50 per tile), rebedding and flexible repointing of ridge caps ($1,200–$3,500), and two coats of acrylic roof membrane ($12–$22/m²). Melbourne's freeze-thaw cycle cracks rigid cement pointing — insist on flexible pointing compound. A quality restoration adds 10–15 years to your roof's life and improves energy efficiency by sealing gaps.
Tile to Colorbond conversion
Tile removal and disposal ($25–$45/m²), batten inspection and replacement where needed, new Colorbond installation ($60–$90/m² materials), sarking/insulation ($4–$10/m²), new gutters and fascia ($2,000–$5,000). The weight reduction (from ~50kg/m² tiles to ~6kg/m² Colorbond) extends your structural timbers' life by decades. Colorbond's 25-year BlueScope warranty applies when installed by a licensed roofer. Popular colours in Melbourne: Monument, Basalt, Woodland Grey.
Gutter replacement — full house
Removal of old gutters and downpipes, supply and install of new Colorbond guttering (quad, half-round, or OG profile). A typical 3-bedroom home has 40–60 linear metres of guttering at $35–$75/m installed. Add gutter guards ($20–$40/m) if you have overhanging trees — they pay for themselves in reduced maintenance. Melbourne's intense rainfall makes properly sized gutters essential — undersized gutters overflow and damage fascia and foundations.
Hail damage repair
Melbourne's hailstorms can crack dozens or hundreds of tiles in a single event. Minor damage (10–20 cracked tiles) costs $1,500–$3,000 to repair. Extensive damage (50+ tiles, dented Colorbond, damaged gutters) can reach $8,000–$15,000+. If your roof is already aging, an insurance-funded full replacement may be more cost-effective than patching. Lodge your insurance claim promptly — after major storms, roofers are booked out 6–12 weeks and temporary tarping ($500–$1,500) may be needed to prevent water damage.
Leak repair — valley or flashing failure
Melbourne's roof valleys (where two roof planes meet) are the most common leak point. Replacing valley iron costs $300–$800 per valley. Flashing repairs around chimneys, walls, and skylights run $200–$600 each. Lead flashing is traditional but expensive — Colorbond flashings are more affordable and equally effective. If your roof has multiple leak points, a full restoration or replacement is usually more economical than ongoing spot repairs.
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.
Roofing work in Victoria must comply with the Building Act 1993 and be carried out by registered practitioners. The VBA (Victorian Building Authority) oversees compliance.
VBA registration: Roofing contractors must be registered with the VBA. For work over $10,000, the contractor must hold a Domestic Builder (Limited) registration or higher. Verify registration at the VBA website — it takes 30 seconds. Unregistered roofing contractors are a significant problem in Melbourne, particularly after major storm events when demand spikes.
Domestic Building Insurance (DBI): Required for all domestic building work over $16,000. Your roofer must provide a DBI certificate before work starts. This protects you if the contractor dies, disappears, or becomes insolvent before completing the work or fixing defects.
Building permits: A building permit is generally required for reroofing in Victoria, particularly if changing the roof material, altering the structure, or working on a heritage-listed property. Your roofer or a private building surveyor can arrange this — typical permit costs are $500–$1,500. Work without a permit is non-compliant and can affect your insurance and resale.
Bushfire regulations: Properties in Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) zones must use BAL-rated roofing materials. This is relevant for outer Melbourne suburbs near bushland (Kinglake, Warrandyte, the Dandenongs). BAL-rated Colorbond and specific ember guard installations add $2,000–$6,000 to a standard 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 →