How much does it cost to paint a roof?

 

Restoring and painting a roof is an essential maintenance task that every homeowner in Australia should consider. Not only does it improve the appearance of your property, but it also protects your roof from damage and extends its lifespan. However, many Aussie homeowners are often confused about the cost of restoring and painting a roof. In this blog post, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about the cost of restoring and painting a roof in Australia.

 

Steps associated with roof restoration and painting

Most of the time you can't just paint a roof. Roof tiles or Colorbond that have spent years in the elements might have become cracked, covered in mildew or algae, loosened from their original position or just plain dirty. Simply spraying paint onto a dirty, damaged roof surface is a waste of time. You'll likely need to do some or all of the following:

• Cleaning: The roof should be cleaned thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, loose paint, or stains. This may involve pressure washing, scraping, or chemical treatment, depending on the type of roof material and the extent of the cleaning needed.
• Repairs: Any damage or leaks should be repaired before the roof is painted. This may involve replacing broken or missing tiles, fixing flashing, or patching holes in the roof. This is also the point at which you apply a roof sealant.
• Priming: Once the roof is clean and any necessary repairs have been made, a primer should be applied to the surface to help the paint adhere properly.
• Painting: The roof can now be painted with a high-quality roof paint. This can help protect the roof from the elements and extend its lifespan. The paint should be applied evenly and allowed to dry completely before any additional coats of paint are added.

 

Cost factors

The cost of restoring and painting a roof in Australia can vary depending on various factors such as roof size and the volume of paint you will need, the condition of your current roof, and the materials and equipment you choose for your restoration and painting project.

These are just some of the factors that affect the cost of restoring and painting a roof in Australia:

• Size of the roof: The size of your roof is one of the most significant factors that determine the cost of restoration and painting. The larger the roof, the more materials and labour required, which will increase the overall cost. Larger roofs may also require multiple points of access (see Roof access below).
• Volume of paint required: one of the most common questions that homeowners and property owners have is how much paint they will need. To determine the amount of paint required to paint your roof, you will need to measure your roof's surface area. You can do this by measuring the length and width of each section of your roof and then multiplying those measurements together to get the total. Once you have this information, you can use the following formula: Amount of paint (in litres) = Area of roof (in square metres) ÷ Coverage rate of paint (in square metres per litre). The coverage rate of your chosen paint should be available on the tin. As an example, if your roof has an area of 100 square metres and the paint you plan to use has a coverage rate of 10 square metres per litre, you would need 10 litres of paint.
• Type of paint being used: In Australia, the most common types of roof paint are acrylic and enamel. Acrylic paint is water-based and is best for roofs that are in good condition. Enamel paint, on the other hand, is oil-based and is better for roofs that are in poor condition or have a lot of rust or other damage.
• The paint colour you have chosen: While paint colour might not make a big difference when you paint, it can have a long-term impact on energy costs and so should be considered. Light colours such as white, beige, and light gray are popular choices for roofs in Australia as they reflect sunlight and help to keep the building cool, which has the potential to reduce your energy bills. That said, dark roof colors such as black, dark blue, and dark green are also popular, but they tend to absorb more heat and can make the building hotter.
• The type of roof you have: the type of roof you have will also affect the cost of restoration and painting. Some types of roofing, such as metal roofs, are easier to paint than others, such as concrete tile roofs, which require more preparation work and time. Whatever roofing material you have, a new coat of paint will update and modernise it, and ensure it lasts longer. Some roof types also require additional regular maintenance and if that work hasn't been done, you may be facing some additional costs. Whether you have a flat roof,  terracotta roof, asphalt shingle roof, or corrugated metal roofing, the type of roof you have will be an important consideration.
• The condition of your roof: the condition of your roof will also impact the cost of restoration and painting. If your roof requires significant repairs or has a lot of damage, the restoration and painting process will take longer, and the cost will be higher. Previously-applied and degraded roof coatings may also need to be removed, though this can usually be done during the cleaning and repointing phase of your roof restoration project. If you have a cracked or pitted tile roof surface you may even need to have some of your existing tiles replaced, which can add to your roof cost.
• Roof access: roof access can also impact the cost of restoration and painting. If your roof is difficult to access, such as on a multistory building, it may require special equipment and additional labour, which will increase the overall cost. If you have access from your ceiling interior your professional roofer may be able to access your roof that way, but it will depend on the positioning of your roof trusses inside your roof space.

 

Cost of restoring and painting a roof in Australia

Now that you know the factors that affect the cost of restoring and painting a roof, let's dive into the costs. The cost of restoring and painting a roof in Australia can vary from $40 to $120 per square metre. The average cost is around $70 to $80 per square metre.

For example, if you have a 100 square metre roof, the cost to restore and paint it can range from $4,000 to $12,000, with the average cost being around $7,000 to $8,000. Keep in mind that these prices are just estimates and can vary depending on the factors mentioned above.

The cost of roof painting can be offset by environmental and energy efficiency considerations. A tiled roof with cracked or missing tiles can cause all sorts of problems and broken vents can make it impossible to maintain a cool roof in summer. While roof repair costs might be significant, you can save a considerable amount in the long run by having a properly sealed and functioning roof.

 

Getting help from a professional

BorisDoes is a great place to find an expert roofing contractor to clean, repair, and paint your roof. We have Taskers and Businesses located throughout Australia who are ready to help you at an affordable price.

Professional roof restorers and painters typically bring their own safety equipment, power washing or pressure washing tools,  tools for repointing, airless paint sprayers and other painting equipment, and paint supplies. With BorisDoes you can provide details of your project and get an upfront quote for roof repairs, cleaning, restoration and painting. That way you can be sure there are no additional costs.

 

Conclusion

Restoring and painting your roof is an essential maintenance task that can improve the appearance and lifespan of your roof. The cost of restoring and painting a roof in Australia can vary depending on various factors such as the size of your roof, the type of roof, the condition of your roof, and roof access. The average cost of restoring and painting a roof in Australia is around $70 to $80 per square metre. Contact a professional roofing company to get an accurate quote for your roof restoration and painting project. 

 

PS. If you need a different service, you're in the right place. BorisDoes has Taskers and Businesses that can help you with the application of a fresh coat of exterior paint, the professional installation of a wide range of home features, and the proper maintenance of homes and investment properties. Have a look at the BorisDoes Tasker List and find the Tasker or Business that's right for you.