Roofing in Melbourne

Yes — replacing one slope or section is common after localised storm damage and costs far less than a full reroof. The trade-offs are colour mismatch with weathered existing material and tying new work into old underlayment. It makes most sense when the rest of the roof has meaningful life left.

Policies generally cover sudden storm damage (wind, hail, fallen trees) but not gradual wear and age. Document damage with dated photos immediately, get an independent assessment before signing anything a door-knocking contractor puts in front of you, and check whether your policy pays replacement cost or depreciated value on older roofs.

Get at least three quotes from established local firms in Melbourne, ask each for recent local references and proof of insurance, and check membership of the national roofing trade body where one exists. Prioritise roofers who inspect from the roof (or with a drone) and show photos, over anyone quoting from the ground or the kerb.

Two separate ones: a manufacturer warranty on materials (often 20-50 years, sometimes conditional on certified installation) and the contractor's own workmanship warranty (5-10 years is respectable). Get both in writing and understand what voids them — foot traffic, unventilated attics and pressure washing are common exclusions.

A full replacement runs roughly AUD $10,000 for a small single-storey home to $40,000+ for a large two-storey, with metal (Colorbond) and concrete tile the mainstream options. Roof restoration — clean, rebed, repoint and repaint — is the cheaper alternative at about $2,500-$7,000 when the roof is structurally sound.

Restoration keeps the existing tiles or sheets: high-pressure clean, replace broken tiles, rebed and repoint ridges, then seal and paint. It costs a fraction of replacement and adds 10-15 years to a sound roof, but it cannot fix widespread corrosion, cracked battens or failed sarking.