Everything You Need to Know About Replacing Your Roof in Brisbane

G’day, I’m a roofing contractor from Brisbane Roofing Co based right here in Brisbane, and I’ve been replacing roofs across the southeast for over two decades. If you’re reading this, chances are your old roof is showing its age — maybe it’s leaking, rusted, or just plain tired. Replacing your roof is a big job, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know so you can make a confident decision for your home and budget.

Why You Might Need a New Roof

First off, let’s talk about why people replace roofs in Brisbane:

• Leaking or storm damage (pretty common after our wild summer storms)

• Rust or corrosion, especially if you’re near the coast

• Broken, slipping, or crumbling tiles

• Old age – if your roof is 30+ years old, it might be time

• Upgrading from asbestos – many older homes still have Super Six (asbestos cement sheeting), and replacing it is a wise move for safety

Sometimes a roof looks okay from the street, but underneath, battens might be rotting, or there might be no sarking (the water-resistant layer under the roofing). We find these issues during inspection and can advise you on your options.

Your Roofing Material Options

Let’s talk about materials. In Brisbane, your main choices are:

1. Colorbond® Steel (Metal Roofing)

This is by far the most popular choice these days. Colorbond is durable, sleek, lightweight, and handles Brisbane’s weather like a champ.

• ✅ Long lifespan (40–70 years)

• ✅ Resists rust, fire, and termites

• ✅ Reflects heat (especially light colours)

• ❌ Can be noisy in rain without insulation

• ❌ Can dent in big hail (but usually still watertight)

Best for: Modern homes, storm-prone areas, or when replacing old tile or asbestos roofs.

2. Concrete or Terracotta Tiles

Classic and still a good choice if you love that traditional Queensland look. They insulate well but are heavier and more fragile than metal.

• ✅ Long-lasting (40–60 years)

• ✅ Great insulation and quiet in storms

• ❌ Can crack in hail or when walked on

• ❌ Heavy (may need extra structural support)

Best for: Restorations or homeowners who prefer the look of tile and don’t mind the maintenance.

What Does a Roof Replacement Cost in Brisbane?

Here’s a ballpark idea (as of 2025):

Other things that affect the price:

• Size and complexity of the roof (valleys, skylights, chimneys)

• Scaffold or safety setup if it’s two-storey or hard to access

• Asbestos removal (adds cost)

• New gutters or insulation (optional but common)

We always provide a fixed quote — no surprises halfway through.

Do You Need Council Approval?

Yep — if you’re replacing more than 20% of your roof, you’ll need Building Approval through a private certifier. Don’t worry — most reputable roofers (including us) organise this on your behalf.

You might also need asbestos removal permits if your old roof contains it. This work must be done by a licensed asbestos removalist.

And if your house is heritage-listed or in a character overlay zone, we may need to check for extra rules around material or colour.

What About Weather?

Brisbane’s weather is brutal on roofs. You want something that:

• Handles heavy rain and wind (especially in storm season)

• Tolerates high UV (our sun cooks low-quality materials)

• Won’t rust in coastal suburbs

• Is hail-resistant (metal holds up better than tiles here)

Colorbond is excellent in all those areas, especially if you pick a coastal-rated version. Tile roofs do well too, but they require a bit more upkeep.

We always recommend sarking (foil insulation) under your roof. It helps with both heat and waterproofing — essential in Brisbane.

How Long Does It Take?

A standard roof replacement takes:

• 3 to 7 days for most homes

• Longer if there’s asbestos or weather delays

We’ll give you a clear timeline upfront and keep you in the loop throughout. We also protect your home from the weather during the job with tarps and proper planning.

What Warranties Do You Get?

With a proper roof replacement, you should expect:

• Material warranty (up to 30–50 years depending on the product)

• Workmanship warranty (typically 7–10 years)

• QBCC Home Warranty Insurance – mandatory in QLD for jobs over $3,300

Make sure your roofer is licensed, insured, and includes all these in writing. We always provide copies of everything for your records.

Tips Before You Sign a Contract

1. Check QBCC licence – search your contractor on the QBCC website

2. Ask for recent references – a good roofer will have happy customers

3. Get it all in writing – scope of works, materials, payment schedule

4. Compare quotes apples-to-apples – check inclusions like insulation, cleanup, removal

5. Don’t just chase the cheapest – quality matters on something that should last decades

Final Word

Replacing your roof is a big investment — but it’s also one of the best things you can do to protect and add value to your home. In Brisbane, the right roof will stand strong against sun, rain, storms, and whatever else this wild climate throws at it.

If you’re unsure where to start, give us a call or request a free inspection. We’ll check your roof, explain your options in plain English, and give you a fair quote — no pressure.