Why Newcastle homeowners are switching
- Lighter on the frame. Steel sheeting is a fraction of the weight of concrete or terracotta tiles.
- Fewer joins, fewer leaks. Long sheets run from ridge to gutter instead of hundreds of overlapping tiles.
- Better in a blow. When it's fixed to the manufacturer's spec, a metal roof won't lose tiles in a storm. In the April 2015 superstorm, winds topped 130 km/h across the Hunter.
- No more repointing. No bedding or pointing to crack and wash out.
- Rainwater-tank friendly. Smooth sheet sheds water cleanly into gutters.
How a conversion works
Tiles and old battens come off, and we check the rafters. Tile battens are spaced differently from metal roof battens, so new battens go on to suit the sheet and your wind rating. Then come sarking or an insulation blanket, new sheeting, and new ridge and valley flashings. Old tiles are stacked for disposal or recycling.
Many 1950s–70s homes in suburbs like Adamstown, Lambton, Kotara and Waratah have concrete tiles that are now 50 years old or more. They're often the best candidates for conversion.
Things to check before you convert
- Heritage areas: changing roof material in a heritage conservation area needs council consent.
- Solar panels: they'll need to come off and go back on. We coordinate with your solar installer.
- Eaves and fascia: in older fibro homes these can contain asbestos. We test before we disturb anything.
- Strata or HOA rules: some townhouse complexes control roof colour and material.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tile-to-metal conversion more expensive than re-tiling?
Not usually. Newcastle market data puts a COLORBOND® re-roof at around $76–$170 per m² against $95–$210 per m² for a tile re-roof. Conversions add batten work and tile removal, so the gap narrows, but metal comes out cheaper over the life of the roof once you count the maintenance you no longer need.
Will a metal roof be noisier in the rain?
Not with the right underlay. An insulation blanket under the sheet, plus your existing ceiling insulation, keeps rain noise down. Most people find it a softer sound than they expected.
Will it be hotter?
A light colour like Surfmist or Shale Grey reflects much more heat than dark tiles. Add foil sarking or an insulation blanket and most homes end up cooler in summer, not hotter.
Sources
Figures and rules on this page come from the following. Prices are market ranges, not our quotes; your written quote is fixed.
