Updated October 2026. Indicative ranges from current published Australian pricing guides. Restoration quotes should always follow an on-roof inspection — be sceptical of any figure given from the street.
Roof restoration — clean, repair, re-point, re-seal or re-coat — sits between “a few repairs” and “a whole new roof”, and for many Illawarra homes it’s the right middle path: the tiled roofs of Warilla, Mount Warrigal and older Wollongong suburbs are often structurally fine but tired at the surface, while coastal metal roofs mainly need fastener and corrosion attention before they need replacement.
Indicative ranges
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor repairs (tiles, pointing, valleys) | $500 – $2,500 | Scope-dependent |
| Full tile roof restoration | $4,500 – $10,000 | ≈ $45 – $70 per m²; single-storey 150–200m² homes commonly $6,500 – $9,000 |
| Metal / Colorbond restoration | $5,000 – $12,000 | ≈ $40 – $60 per m² |
| Full roof replacement | $10,000 – $40,000+ | The comparison point — restoration is typically a third to half |
What moves the price
- Roof condition. Restoration only makes sense on a structurally sound roof. Broken battens, widespread rust or porous tiles push you toward replacement — an honest roofer will say which side of the line you’re on.
- Pitch and height. Steep or two-storey roofs need more safety setup (edge protection is mandatory, and real).
- Coastal exposure. Salt accelerates fastener and sheet corrosion — coastal homes should ask for marine-grade fasteners and appropriate coating systems.
- Coating quality. Membrane/coating products vary enormously; a cheap coat that fails in five years isn’t a saving. Ask for the product name and its warranty in writing.
The rules worth knowing
Metal roofing, guttering and downpipes are roof plumbing — licensed work in NSW at any job value; roof tiling over $5,000 also requires a licence. After storms, be wary of travelling “roof restoration” door-knockers: no licence check, deposit paid, never seen again is a recurring story. Check any licence free on the NSW Fair Trading register and see how we verify businesses. A written report distinguishing storm damage (insurable) from wear (not) is worth asking for — see also our Shellharbour roofing page on insurance claims.
Frequently asked questions
Restoration or replacement — how do I decide?
Rough rule: if the structure and most of the surface are sound, restore; if you’re repairing the same roof every year, replace. Get both prices — the gap (restoration is typically a third to half of replacement) makes the decision clearer than any rule of thumb.
How long does a restoration last?
A quality tile restoration with a reputable coating system typically carries a 10–15 year product warranty. The applicator’s workmanship warranty matters just as much — get both in writing.
Can I pressure-wash my own roof?
Please don’t. Roof falls are among the most common serious DIY injuries, old tiles are fragile, and uncontrolled pressure washing drives water under laps and into insulation.
Browse Illawarra roofing contractors, see roofers in Shellharbour, or all cost guides.