If your roof is starting to look tired or you’re dealing with leaks, you’re probably weighing up the choice of a roof restoration vs roof replacement. Here’s the short answer: if your roof is structurally sound and only showing surface wear, roof restoration could extend its life and save you thousands. But if you’re dealing with persistent leaks, broken tiles, or outdated materials like asbestos, especially after past repairs, then a full replacement with modern Colorbond® roofing materials is often the best long-term move.
With publicly accessible showrooms in Lonsdale and Adelaide, at Roof & Render SA, we’ve over 100 years of experience helping South Australian families make the right choice when it comes to roof replacement. Here’s everything you need to know.
It depends on the age, condition, and materials used in the roof.
If your roof is under 25 years old and still structurally sound, a roof restoration may be all you need.
A well-maintained roof with only surface-level issues can benefit from roof restoration, which typically includes cleaning, sealing, repainting, and minor repairs such as replacing broken tiles or repairing cracked flashing.
But if your roof:
• Has been repaired multiple times
• Is made from asbestos (common in pre-1990s builds)
• Shows signs of structural sagging, water damage, or rusted battens
• Is over 30 years old and nearing the end of its lifespan
Then, a complete roof replacement is the more cost-effective and safer long-term option. At Roof & Render SA, most replacements we do are replacements for asbestos roofs, aged tile roofs, or outdated metal roofs, which we replace with Colorbond® steel, an industry benchmark for modern roofing in Australia. For roof replacement, request an inspection or consultation with Roof and Render SA.
Why Colorbond®?
Because it’s more than just a good-looking product, it’s non-combustible, tested for BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) compliance, and thermally efficient.
More than 90% of Australian new homes now use Colorbond®, and in Adelaide, it’s fast becoming the standard in home upgrades.
Roof restoration is like giving your existing roof a full-body makeover. It involves:
• Pressure cleaning the entire roof
• Replacing damaged or broken tiles
• Re-bedding and re-pointing ridge capping
• Sealing and repainting the roof using protective coatings
• Minor roof repairs to extend the roof’s life
It’s a great option if your tile roof is still structurally sound, but looking tired or faded. In many cases, roof restoration enhances the curb appeal of your home, increases its resale value, and improves energy efficiency with reflective coatings.
A roof replacement involves removing your original tiled, metal, or asbestos roofing, and installing entirely new roof sheeting, usually with Colorbond® steel. This process addresses not just surface issues but also any structural problems in the roof structure, such as sagging frames or rotted battens.
Here’s what a full replacement typically includes:
• Removing old roofing materials
• Inspecting and repairing the roof structure
• Installing new roof cladding (Colorbond® steel in our case)
• Adding optional extras like roofing blankets or solar vents
• Replacing gutters and downpipes if needed
We only carry out roof replacements with Colorbond®, and for good reason. It outperforms older materials in both performance and durability.
Here’s a clear side-by-side comparison to help you decide:
Key Factors | Roof Restoration | Roof Replacement |
Cost | Lower upfront cost (approx. $4,000–$12,000) | Higher cost ($20,000–$60,000 depending on material & size) |
Lifespan Extension | Adds 10–15 years to the roof’s life | New roof lasts at least 45 years with Colorbond® |
Scope of Work | Surface-level repairs, cleaning, coating | Removes and replaces the entire roof |
Ideal For | Structurally sound but aged tile roofs | Deteriorated roofs, leaks, asbestos, or outdated materials |
Visual Impact & Appeal | Boosts curb appeal, restores faded colour | Total visual transformation with modern designs |
Energy Efficiency | Moderate (with reflective coatings) | High (Colorbond® reduces heat by up to 5–7°C indoors) |
Compliance & Safety | May not meet current codes | Fully compliant, fire-rated, bushfire safe |
Disruption to Household | 1–3 days | 3–7 days depending on complexity |
Let’s simplify:
• If your concrete tiled roof is under 25 years, has no major leaks, and looks a bit worn? Go for a roof restoration.
• If your old roof is leaking, sagging, or made of asbestos, or if you want a future-proof home with modern features? Choose a complete roof replacement with Colorbond®.
Hot tip: If you plan to sell within 5–10 years, a full Colorbond® roof replacement will lift the property’s value and appeal instantly.
In South Australia, most roof restorations fall between $4,000 and $12,000, depending on the roof’s size, pitch, and the complexity of the repairs.
This typically includes:
• Tile replacement
• High-pressure cleaning
• Ridge cap re-pointing
• Primer, sealant, and 2–3 coats of membrane paint
• Minor structural repairs
However, remember that these works are only effective if the roof structure is intact.
Here’s the average cost for a standard 3-bedroom home in Adelaide:
• Replacing concrete tiles with Colorbond®: $20,000 to $60,000
• Replacing asbestos roof with Colorbond®: $25,000 to $60,000
• Replacing metal roof with Colorbond®: $20,000 to $40,000
These costs cover the removal of the old roof, any required frame repairs, the supply and installation of Colorbond roofing materials, and any additional extras, such as a roofing blanket or gutters.
By using Roof and Render SA roofers, your roof replacement projects are all backed by:
• 20-Year Watertight Warranty
• 10-Year Workmanship Warranty
• Up to 45-Year BlueScope® Steel Warranty
Replacing your original roof cladding with Colorbond® may be a bigger investment, but it’s also longer-lasting, value-adding, and secured with various warranties.
Yes, but only works for structurally sound roofs that are still within 20-25 years old. It saves the cost of a full replacement and can extend your roof’s lifespan by 10 to 15 years. It can also boost curb appeal and resale value by 5–10%.
Restoration involves minor repairs (like fixing broken tiles), cleaning, and recoating the existing roof, which is suitable when the structure is intact. Replacement means stripping off the entire roof (tiles, battens, underlayment) and installing new roof cladding, often Colorbond® steel, especially when the roof is too old, leaking, or made from hazardous materials like asbestos.
No. Reroofing typically refers to overlaying a new sheet or layer on top of an existing one, which is not compliant for many Australian roofs, particularly those with tiled or asbestos shingles. Roof restoration is a cosmetic and functional upgrade of your existing roof surface, while roof replacement involves structural work and full removal of old materials.
When appropriately installed and maintained, a Colorbond® roof can last up to 45 years, backed by BlueScope® Steel’s warranty. It also comes with up to 36 years of warranty coverage against corrosion and weather perforation (depending on product grade: Colorbond® Ultra, Stainless, or Metallic). At Roof & Render SA, we back every installation with a 20-year watertight warranty and a 10-year workmanship guarantee.
Absolutely not. Asbestos poses significant health and safety risks. There’s the potential for asbestos fibres to be released into the air and inhaled, leading to severe respiratory illnesses and cancers, according to the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency. If your home still has asbestos roofing, you should call a replacement company to remove and replace it in line with SafeWork SA regulations.
Choosing between roof restoration and roof replacement isn’t always a black-and-white decision. But when you work with a trusted roofing specialist like Roof & Render SA, you don’t have to guess. We’ll inspect your existing roof, explain your options, and help you decide what’s safest, most innovative, and most cost-effective in the long term.
Contact Roof & Render SA today for a detailed quote or visit our showroom at 2/22 O’Sullivan Beach Road, Lonsdale, for expert guidance that prioritises your family’s safety and comfort.
Fill in the form below to book a free consultation at our Colorbond Showroom in Lonsdale.
We will give you a call within 24 hours to organise a time that suits you.
Fill in the form below to book a free consultation at our Colorbond Showroom in Lonsdale.
We will give you a call within 24 hours to organise a time that suits you.
