When replacement beats another repair
A roof is due for replacement when the problems are spread across the whole sheet rather than in one spot. In Newcastle that usually looks like:
- Rust through the sheet, not just surface staining — especially on laps, around fixings and at the gutter line where salt-laden moisture sits.
- Leaks in more than one place, or leaks that come back after they've been fixed.
- Old galvanised iron that has lost its coating. Many pre-war cottages in the inner suburbs still have it.
- Fixings that won't hold because the battens underneath have rotted or split.
If it's one damaged sheet or a tired flashing, we'll tell you — a repair is cheaper and we'd rather quote what you need.
What a full re-roof includes
- Inspection and measure. We get on the roof, check the battens and frame from inside the roof space where we can, and measure every face.
- Written quote. Material, profile, colour, sarking, flashings, gutters and any batten work are listed separately so you can compare like with like.
- Strip and dispose. Old sheeting comes off one section at a time so the house is never left open overnight.
- Frame and battens. Damaged battens are replaced; we check spacing and fixings against the manufacturer's installation guide for your wind rating.
- Sarking and insulation. Reflective foil sarking or an insulation blanket goes down under the new sheets to cut heat, condensation and noise.
- New sheeting, flashings and capping. Fixed to suit the profile and pitch, with matching ridge, barge and apron flashings.
- Gutters and downpipes replaced or reconnected, then a full clean-up and walk-through.
Choosing the right steel for your street
Distance from the water matters more than most people realise. BlueScope's Lysaght guidance puts standard COLORBOND® steel from about 200–400 m back from breaking surf, and recommends COLORBOND® Ultra closer in — roughly 100–200 m from breaking surf or within 100 m of calm water like the harbour. For the most exposed sites there are stainless and aluminium options.
If you're in Merewether, Bar Beach, The Hill, Newcastle East or Stockton, we'll check your exact position before we quote. Get this wrong and the material warranty can be void. Read our coastal steel guide.
Profiles we install
Corrugated
The classic wave. Suits cottages, terraces and heritage streetscapes, and it's what most inner-Newcastle homes started with.
Trimdek® / square-rib
Wider, bolder ribs with a crisp modern look. Popular on renovations and skillion extensions.
Klip-Lok® / concealed-fix
No exposed screws on top of the sheet. Good for low pitches, long runs and sites with high wind.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a metal roof replacement take?
Most single-storey homes in Newcastle take 2–4 working days on the roof. Two-storey homes, tile-to-metal conversions and anything with asbestos take longer. We give you a schedule with the quote and work in sections so the house stays covered.
Do I need council approval to replace my roof?
Replacing roof cladding on a one- or two-storey house is often exempt development in NSW, but not if the house is a heritage item or in a heritage conservation area — parts of The Hill, Cooks Hill, Newcastle East and Hamilton South are. In those areas we'll talk to you about City of Newcastle requirements before work starts.
What does a new metal roof cost in Newcastle?
Current Newcastle pricing for a COLORBOND® re-roof runs about $76–$170 per m² installed, with a typical full single-storey replacement around $9,500–$23,750 (Sep 2026 market data). Use our roof cost calculator for a ballpark, then get a fixed written quote.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Our workmanship is covered for 10 years, and COLORBOND® steel carries its own manufacturer warranty, which depends on your distance from the coast. On top of that, NSW law gives you statutory warranties of 6 years for major defects and 2 years for other defects.
Sources
Figures and rules on this page come from the following. Prices are market ranges, not our quotes; your written quote is fixed.
