Damaged roofing, rust, leaks and loose roof sections can be patched up to a point but in time your old roof will need to be replaced. Getting this done sooner rather than later can help reduce the risk of structural damage and increase the value of your home

Of course, the biggest question is, How much does a new metal roof cost?

While I’m sure you want a clean and direct answer, the truth is roofing is a complex job with a lot of variables. For a ballpark figure to get you started on your budget and building plans, a typical new roof will cost somewhere around $30,000 for high-quality BlueScope steel materials.

This table shows the average costs only. Depending on your roof measurements and other installation factors your Colorbond roof price could be more or less than these estimates.

The reason estimates are so wide-ranging is because different factors affect your roofing costs. This blog will take you through the price variations so you can make the right choice for your future roofing project.

What Affects Roofing Costs

There are a number of factors that affect roofing costs with the main four factors being:

• The materials you choose
• The size of your roof area
• How complex the roofing job is (the pitch, number of different angles etc)
• Labour costs

Of course, the biggest question is, How much does a new metal roof cost?

Materials

Different types of roofing materials come at different costs with different grades of material within each type to help you set your budget and choose your roofing look and quality.

It’s important to factor in that higher-quality materials typically cost more but will last longer.

For metal roofing, the supply and installation costs vary widely. On average you can expect to pay around $100 to $150 per square metre for high-quality treated metal, including Colorbond.

Size

Both roofing materials and labour are measured in square metres. The bigger your roof area the more you’ll need to spend. Typically a new roof costs between $15,000 to $50,000 for the average Australian three-bedroom home.

Design, Pitch or Angle of your roof

How steep the roof pitch is or if there are multiple angles will increase costs. When you are comparing quotes make sure roofers take into consideration the unique design of your roof for accurate quotes.

What Materials Are Best For a Metal Roof?

When it comes to installing or replacing a metal roof you have a number of different materials available. At Sydney Roofing Contractors the most common material we install for roofing is metal. There are a number of different options for your new metal roof.

Colorbond (Aluminium zinc)

Powder-coated Colorbond is the most popular choice for Australian houses. Colorbond is durable, even for coastal regions and has the added bonus of cooling more quickly, perfect for hot Australian summers.

As part of your roofing quote make sure you get a warranty period. Colorbond typically comes with a manufacturer’s warranty between 25 and 50 years. When professionally installed and well maintained, high-quality Colorbond can last 100 years.

Colourbond Corrugated Steel

While corrugated steel is slightly cheaper to buy and install than Colorbond the difference in price is slight and the higher quality of Colorbond and more aesthetically pleasing look makes it well worth the upgrade.

Copper

Copper tiles are lightweight, durable and attractive but come with a big price tag. Usually if copper is used in roofing it’s reserved for decorative highlights.

Benefits of Metal Roofing

Metal roofs offer greater longevity and overall durability, partially in Australia’s harsh conditions. They are also a great eco-friendly option as there is always an element of recycled metals in Colorbond (usually 30%–60%) and even at the end of life they are reused – usually without treatment – rather than heading to landfill.

A metal roof that is well maintained will last for decades into the next ownership which can help improve the look and value of your home when you sell.

Energy Efficiency is also a factor as metal is light and allows heat to escape easily. Reflective metal roofing also repels heat with options for reflective paint for aluminium zinc roofing sheets that make them UV reflective too.

Why choose metal roofing over other roofing materials?

How you choose to cover your roof is a personal choice, you need to find the right look and feel for your unique property.

Metal roofing vs tiles

Some tile materials are more durable than others. Apart from copper and slate, metal roofing sheets outlast them all with easy cleaning and little maintenance for the first 50 years or so.

Tiles are fragile under weight so any roof work, gutter cleaning, air conditioning maintenance etc. needs to be done with care. Over time tiles can shift if home foundations settle or change, leading to regular repairs and ongoing maintenance.

The benefits of metal roofing will depend on which tiles you are considering.

• Concrete tiles – expensive to install
• Asphalt tiles  – lifespan of 15 to 30 is not as durable as metal years and need to be carefully cleaned to remove moss and algae
• Terracotta tiles – Terracotta tiles need to be frequently replaced and realigned as they can shift and break quite easily
• Slate tiles – extremely expensive and heavy making installation slow and time-consuming on top of already expensive materials

Roof replacement costs

Roof replacement costs are more expensive than a new roof on a building site as you’ll need to factor in the time it takes to remove existing roofing, dispose of unwanted materials and ready the roof for the new installation.

Just like a new roof there are multiple factors that can push up prices if disassembling your existing roof becomes more timely or difficult. The biggest influences of replacement costs include:

• Roof size
• Design/Pitch or Angle of your roof
• Cost of Labour
• Other Considerations

What are some other considerations with my roof replacement costs?

There are sometimes other roof replacement considerations to take into account such as:

• Site access difficulties
• Environmental restrictions
• The truck is not able to park close to remove old materials
• Multiple levels or storeys
• Structural work i.e damage to boards, supports or sarking that needs replacement or repair.

Some of these items may not be included in your initial quote solely because they are not known until your roof work is underway.

Tips on How to Save Money When Hiring a Roof Specialist

Decide ahead of time if you want to include new downpipes and gutters along with your roof. This will enable the labour and costs to be combined, making it cheaper than doing these projects individually.

Keep in mind that the cheapest quote is not necessarily the best. Make sure you get quality materials and work with roofers who know the best practices in the industry and have plenty of hands-on experience. This will ensure your roof is installed correctly and will last for a lifetime.

Your roof is essential to the integrity of your home and the safety and comfort of the people under it. As well as being an important construction element, a quality roof adds to the overall look and value of your home. Take the time to get it right.