If your property needs roof repairs or a total replacement, it’s essential that you hire an experienced roofing professional to fix the issue. With hipages you’ll find plenty of local roof repair and replacement services – and here’s what you can expect them to provide.

What does a roof repairer do?

A roof repairer is a professional tradie who specialises in fixing common and complex roofing issues. They will inspect roofs on-site to identify problems such as leaks, cracks and missing shingles, and then determine the best course of action for repair. A roof repairer may also provide maintenance services to extend the life of a roof and prevent future damage.

Some common tasks performed by roof repairers include patching leaks, replacing damaged shingles or tiles, repairing flashing around chimneys and vents, and fixing gutter issues. They may also seal and coat roofs to protect against weather damage. In more serious cases, they can work with a team to deliver a total roof replacement service.

What are the most common types of roof repair and replacement services?

Roof repairers offer a wide range of services to homeowners and businesses. Your roof may be leaking and need a fast repair job in the event of poor weather. Or perhaps you want to replace the roof because you are extending your home and want a completely uniform look.

Some of the services that a roof repairer can provide include:

• Replacing broken, cracked or missing tiles: Tiles can get damaged due to bad weather or ageing, and therefore they need to be replaced to maintain the roof’s integrity.

• Re-bedding ridges and gables where necessary: Over time, mortar holding the ridges and gables of a roof in place can crack and crumble. Roof repairers can remove the old mortar and replace it with new mortar to ensure the roof is stable and secure.

• Re-pointing with flexible pointing: Flexible pointing is a material that roof repairers use to fill gaps in the mortar or cement. This material can move and flex with the roof's natural movements, preventing cracking and breaking.

• Replacing or killing rust in roof valleys: Roof valleys are prone to rusting due to water build-up. Your roof repairer will be able to remove this rust and replace any damaged parts to prevent water from seeping into the roof.

• Total pressure clean: Pressure cleaning is an effective way to remove dirt, grime, moss and other build-up from a roof. Roof repairers typically use a high-pressure water stream to clean the roof without causing any damage to the roofing material itself.

• Sterilising the roof and applying an anti-fungicide: Roof repairers can apply an anti-fungicide to prevent the growth of moss and other fungi that can damage the roof's surface.

• Applying a waterproof sealer: A waterproof sealer can be applied to the roof's surface to prevent water from seeping inside and causing damage.

• Repairing gutters: Gutters are an essential part of a roof's drainage system. Roof repairers can repair or replace gutters to ensure water flows away from the roof and the building's foundation.

• Replacing the roof if necessary: In some cases, a roof may be beyond repair and need a total replacement.

• Applying a protective roof membrane: A roof membrane can be applied to protect the roof's surface from water damage, UV and other elements that can cause wear and tear.

• Repairing or replacing flashings: Flashings are metal strips that cover the seams between the roof and other parts of the building, such as chimneys or skylights. These areas are prone to leaks and must be repaired or replaced quickly.

• Removing waste from the site: Roof repairers can remove any waste or debris from the site once repairs are complete.

What are the safety issues with roof repairs?

Roof repairing can be a dangerous job, which is why it's always a good idea to hire a professional rather than attempting to do the repairs yourself. Some of the most major safety issues associated with roof repairs are:

1. Height: Most roof repairs require working at heights, which can be hazardous for inexperienced individuals.

2. Slippery surfaces: Roofs can get very slippery in poor weather, which can increase the risk of falls.

3. Electrical hazards: Many roofs have electrical components, such as wiring for solar panels or HVAC systems. Working near these elements can be extremely dangerous to a non-professional.

4. Tools and equipment: Roof repairs require specific tools and equipment, which are not only expensive but potentially dangerous when used without proper training.

5. Structural issues: Roofs are an integral part of a building's structure, and repairs can impact the structural integrity of the roof and the building itself. Professional roof repairers are trained to identify structural issues.

How much does a roof repair and replacement service cost?

Some roofers will charge per hour for their services while others will give you a quote for the whole job – materials and labour costs included. The extent of your roof repair job will obviously determine the amount of time they spend on the job. If guttering is involved, expect the final cost to increase significantly. Ease of access might also be a factor in costing your roof-repair job.

According to The Roofing Professionals Westside, hiring one professional for an on-the-spot repair should cost around $400, whereas a small repair job by a team of roofers starts at approximately $1,000. For larger jobs, especially total roof replacements, you could be looking at a range of between $180 to $230 per square metre (excluding GST).

What to ask when hiring a local roof repair and replacement service

The roof repairer should provide you with an obligation-free quote on the work you need done on your roof. However, you should use this time to also ask them some important questions:

• Are you licensed and insured?

• How many years of experience do you have in roof repair and replacement?

• Are you mostly experienced with residential or commercial jobs?

• How long will it take to repair or replace my roof?

• Is it more cost-effective to get one professional on the job or to hire a team?

• What sort of warranty or guarantee will you provide for your repairs?

Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.