FAQs
Got questions about your roof? You’re not alone.
We hear the same questions from homeowners every day, and we’re always happy to answer them.
Roofing FAQs — Your Questions Answered by Roof Restoration Coffs Harbour
Below, we’ve put together answers to the most common questions we receive about roof restoration, repairs, replacements, gutters, and more — based on 25 years of experience working on roofs across Coffs Harbour and surrounding areas.
If you don’t find what you’re looking for below, don’t hesitate to call us directly on (02) 6638 9959. Nathan and the team are always happy to have a chat and give you honest, straightforward advice — no sales pressure, no jargon.
General Roofing Questions
How do I know if my roof needs repairs or a full restoration?
There are a few key signs to watch for. If your roof has visible cracked, broken, or slipped tiles; rust spots or holes in metal sheeting; failed or deteriorated ridge cap pointing; dark patches, moss, or lichen growth; or if you’re noticing water stains on your ceilings — these are all indicators that professional attention is needed. The best way to know for certain is a free on-site inspection by Nathan or one of our team. We’ll assess the roof in detail and tell you honestly whether a targeted repair will do the job, or whether a full restoration is the smarter investment.
How often should I have my roof inspected?
We recommend a professional inspection at least every 2–3 years for most homes in the Coffs Harbour area, and more frequently if you’re in a coastal suburb where salt air accelerates corrosion and surface breakdown. Regular inspections catch problems early — before they become expensive. All our inspections are free and obligation-free.
What is the difference between roof restoration and roof replacement?
A roof restoration is a thorough surface renewal — cleaning, repairs, repointing, sealing, and repainting — that extends the life of your existing roof by 15–20 years. It’s suitable for roofs where the underlying structure is sound but the surface is showing its age. A roof replacement is a complete tear-off and re-roof, typically required when the structure itself is compromised or the tiles/sheets are too degraded to be restored effectively. Nathan will give you an honest assessment of which option is right for your specific situation — and if restoration is viable, he’ll always recommend that as the more cost-effective approach.
How long does a roof restoration take?
Most residential roof restorations take 1–3 days to complete, depending on the size of the roof, the extent of repairs required, and weather conditions. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe as part of your written quote. We work efficiently and don’t drag jobs out — but we also never rush at the expense of quality.
What does a roof restoration involve?
Our full roof restoration process includes:
- High-pressure washing to remove all dirt, lichen, moss, and loose material
- Inspection and repair of all cracked, broken, or displaced tiles (or damaged metal sheets)
- Re-bedding and repointing of all ridge caps
- Application of a quality primer/sealer coat to the entire roof surface
- Application of premium roof paint in your choice of colour
- Final inspection and clean-up
What warranty do you offer on roof restorations?
We offer a 10 Year Warranty on our roof restoration work. This is a genuine warranty that reflects our confidence in the quality of our workmanship and the materials we use. We use premium, Australian-approved roof coatings that are formulated for coastal conditions, and we apply them correctly every time.
Costs and Quotes
How much does a roof restoration cost?
Roof restoration costs vary depending on the size of the roof, the type of tiles or metal sheeting, the amount of repair work required, and any specific access challenges. We don’t publish pricing online because every roof is different — a quote that’s accurate for one house can be wildly off for another. The best way to get a precise figure is our free on-site inspection and written quote. There’s no obligation and no pressure. Call us on (02) 6638 9959 to arrange yours.
Do you charge for quotes?
No. Our on-site inspections and written quotes are completely free, always. We visit your property, assess your roof in person, and give you a clear, itemised quote with no hidden charges. Whether you proceed with us or not, there’s never a charge for this service.
Are there any hidden charges I should know about?
Never. Our written quotes cover all work required and are fully itemised. If additional issues are discovered during the job that weren’t apparent during the initial inspection, we’ll communicate with you before doing any additional work. You will always know what the job will cost before it starts.
Do you offer payment terms or payment plans?
Give us a call to discuss payment options. We’re a local, flexible business and we’ll do our best to accommodate your situation. We generally require a deposit on commencement with the balance due on completion.
Types of Roofs and Services
Do you work on both tile and metal roofs?
Yes — we work on both tile and metal roofs, across all common types. This includes terracotta tiles, concrete tiles, Colorbond steel, corrugated iron, aluminium sheeting, and tin. If you’re not sure what type of roof you have, we’ll identify it during the inspection.
My roof is very old — is restoration still an option?
It depends on the underlying structure. Many older roofs — even 30, 40, or 50-year-old tile roofs — can be successfully restored if the tiles themselves are structurally intact and the roof frame is in good condition. Nathan will give you an honest assessment during the inspection. If restoration isn’t viable, he’ll explain exactly why and outline your replacement options.
Can you match the colour of my existing roof tiles?
With a full restoration, we typically repaint the entire roof surface, which means colour matching is less of an issue — we apply a uniform coat across all tiles. We have a range of colours available and can advise you on what works best for your roof type and your home’s overall appearance. For spot repairs, we do our best to match existing tiles, though an exact match isn’t always possible depending on the age and type of tile.
Do you handle gutters as well as roofing?
Yes. We offer a full range of gutter services including cleaning, repairs, replacement, and gutter guard installation. Gutters are an important part of your roof’s drainage system, and neglecting them can lead to water damage, fascia rot, and structural issues. We often address gutter work as part of a broader roof restoration project.
Can you fix a leaking roof?
Absolutely. Roof leaks are one of the most common calls we receive. A leak might be caused by a cracked tile, a failed flashing, deteriorated valley material, blocked or overflowing gutters, or a combination of issues. We don’t just patch the obvious spot — we identify the underlying cause and fix it properly. That’s how we prevent the same problem from recurring.
Process and Scheduling
How far in advance do I need to book?
We’re typically able to arrange inspections within a few business days of your enquiry. Lead times for actual work vary depending on our current schedule, but we aim to be efficient and responsive. For urgent repairs, please call us directly on (02) 6638 9959 and we’ll do our best to prioritise your situation.
What happens if it rains during my roof restoration?
Weather plays a role in roof painting and restoration work. We monitor forecasts carefully and will reschedule or pause work if conditions aren’t suitable. Some elements of the job — like repairs and pressure washing — can proceed in light rain, but painting requires dry conditions. We’ll keep you informed and work around the weather as much as possible to minimise disruption.
Do I need to be home during the work?
Not necessarily. For most jobs, once access to the property is arranged, we can complete the work while you’re at work or out for the day. We’ll communicate with you throughout and do a walk-through with you when the job is done — so some presence at the end of the job is appreciated. We’ll discuss access arrangements when we schedule the work.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes — we are fully licensed and insured in accordance with NSW contractor requirements. We hold current public liability insurance and workers’ compensation, and our licences are current. We’ll happily provide these details upfront to any client who asks. Always verify a roofer’s credentials before allowing them to work on your home.
Still Have Questions?
We’re always happy to answer any questions that aren’t covered above.
Call us on (02) 6638 9959 or visit our Services page to learn more about what we offer.
When you’re ready for a free inspection and quote, we’ll be here.
