What Roof Tilers in Sydney Do
Most tilers handle a similar range of work, though individual firms often specialise in one area. Common services include:
- Full re-tiling: stripping old tiles, replacing battens and sarking, and laying new tiles.
- Roof restoration: replacing broken tiles, re-bedding and re-pointing ridge caps, then cleaning and sealing or repainting.
- Leak repairs: locating the source (often cracked tiles, failed valley irons or degraded flashing) and fixing it.
- Ridge capping: re-bedding loose ridge tiles with flexible pointing, which is the most frequent cause of leaks on older Sydney homes.
- New builds and extensions: tiling to match existing roofs or fit new designs.
Typical Costs in Sydney
Pricing varies by suburb, roof complexity and material. The figures below are indicative ranges for 2024 to 2025 and should be confirmed with at least three written quotes.
- Minor repairs (a few broken tiles): $250 to $600.
- Ridge cap re-bedding and pointing: $40 to $90 per linear metre.
- Full restoration (clean, repair, repaint): $6,000 to $14,000 for an average home.
- Complete re-tile with concrete tiles: $12,000 to $30,000 or more for a typical house.
- Terracotta re-tile: usually 20 to 40 per cent higher than concrete.
Steep pitches, double-storey homes, hip-and-valley designs and difficult access in areas such as the inner west terraces will add to labour costs. Asbestos removal, if the roof contains it, is a separate licensed job and adds to the total.
Licensing and What to Check Before Hiring
In NSW, residential building work over $5,000 (including labour and materials) requires a licence from NSW Fair Trading. You can verify a licence number for free on the Service NSW licence check. Work over $20,000 requires a written contract, and jobs over $20,000 also require home building compensation (formerly home warranty) insurance.
Before engaging a tiler, confirm the following:
- A current NSW contractor licence number that matches the business name.
- Public liability insurance (commonly $10 million or higher).
- Workers compensation cover for any employees.
- A written, itemised quote stating tile brand, colour, warranty period and what happens to old materials.
- Recent local references or photos of completed Sydney jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a roof re-tile take in Sydney?
An average three or four bedroom home usually takes five to ten working days, with weather being the main cause of delays. Larger or more complex roofs can take two to three weeks.
How long do roof tiles last?
Concrete tiles typically last 40 to 60 years and terracotta tiles 50 to 100 years. The bedding and pointing on ridge caps usually fails sooner, often within 15 to 25 years, so periodic inspections matter more than whole-roof replacement.
Do I need council approval to replace my roof?
Like-for-like replacement is generally exempt development under NSW rules. Heritage-listed properties and homes in conservation areas often have material and colour requirements, so check with your local council before ordering tiles.
