10 min read
Converting a tile roof to Colorbond is one of the biggest decisions a Perth homeowner can make about their property. It’s a significant investment, a major disruption, and - when it’s the right call - a transformation that solves problems a restoration simply can’t.
But it’s not always the right call. Sometimes a $6,000-$12,000 restoration achieves 90% of what a $20,000-$30,000 conversion would, without the hassle. And sometimes the tiles are so far gone that spending money on restoration is throwing good money after bad.
This guide covers the full picture: what’s involved, what it costs, and how to know whether conversion or restoration is the better investment for your situation.
Why People Convert
Homeowners switch from tiles to Colorbond for a range of reasons:
Weight reduction. Concrete tiles weigh 50-60 kg per square metre. Colorbond weighs around 5-6 kg per square metre - roughly one-tenth the weight. For homes with aging timber frames, this dramatic weight reduction eases stress on the structure. It’s particularly relevant for homes where the frame shows signs of sagging or deflection under the tile load.
Fewer maintenance requirements. Tile roofs need periodic repointing, tile replacement, and coating every 15-20 years. Metal roofs need far less ongoing attention - typically just a recoat every 20+ years and occasional screw replacement.
Modern appearance. There’s no getting around the fact that a new Colorbond roof transforms the look of a house. For older homes with dated tiles, the aesthetic upgrade can be dramatic and add genuine street appeal.
Solar panel compatibility. Metal roofs are simpler and cheaper to mount solar panels on than tile roofs. The mounting brackets attach directly to the roof sheets and purlins, without the complication of removing and replacing tiles around each bracket. If a major solar installation is in your plans, a metal roof makes the process easier.
End of tile life. When tiles are crumbling, delaminating, or cracked beyond the point of practical repair, replacement is the only option - and at that point, most homeowners choose to go with Colorbond rather than re-tiling.
Asbestos removal. If your existing roof contains asbestos cement products, it must be professionally removed by a licensed asbestos removalist. Since you’re stripping the entire roof anyway, converting to Colorbond is the natural choice.
The Process: Step by Step
A tile-to-Colorbond conversion is a full reroofing project. Here’s what happens:
1. Scaffolding and Site Setup
Edge protection scaffolding is erected around the perimeter of the house. This is a safety requirement for any full reroof. The site is prepared with ground protection to catch debris and tiles during the strip.
2. Strip Existing Tiles
Every tile is removed from the roof, along with the old ridge caps, valleys, flashings, and any sarking or underlay. The tiles are loaded into bins for disposal. A standard Perth home generates 8-15 tonnes of tile waste.
This is the dustiest, noisiest part of the job. You’ll want to close windows and bring in any washing from the line.
3. Inspect and Repair the Frame
With the tiles off, the roof frame is fully exposed and can be inspected properly - often for the first time since the house was built. The frame is checked for:
- Termite damage - particularly common in older Perth homes with untreated softwood frames
- Rot - where moisture has been entering through failed tiles or flashings
- Structural adequacy - whether the existing frame is suitable for the new metal roof (it usually is, since metal is much lighter)
- Sagging or bowed timbers - which can be straightened or sistered before the new roof goes on
Any damaged timbers are replaced or repaired. This is the stage where unexpected costs can arise - you can’t see frame problems until the tiles come off.
4. Install Sarking
A reflective sarking membrane (like Bradford Anticon or similar) is laid over the rafters or trusses before the new battens go on. Sarking provides:
- Secondary waterproofing (catches any condensation or wind-driven rain that gets past the metal sheets)
- Thermal insulation (the reflective surface reduces radiant heat transfer into the roof cavity)
- Condensation control (prevents moisture from forming on the underside of the metal sheets)
- Improved bushfire protection (required in BAL-rated areas)
Sarking is required by the Building Code of Australia for metal roofs in most circumstances, and even where it’s not strictly required, it’s strongly recommended. Installing it adds a few hundred dollars to the job and makes a meaningful difference to the home’s thermal performance.
5. New Battens
New timber or steel battens are fixed over the sarking at the spacing required for the chosen Colorbond profile. The batten spacing is determined by engineering specifications based on wind region, roof pitch, and sheet profile.
Steel battens are increasingly common - they’re termite-proof, perfectly straight, and don’t warp or twist over time. They cost more than timber but eliminate a future maintenance risk.
6. Colorbond Sheets
The Colorbond sheets are cut to length (ideally at the factory or on-site with appropriate tools - never with an angle grinder, which damages the coating) and fixed to the battens with engineered roof screws at the specified pattern.
Sheet profile options include:
- Corrugated - the classic wave profile, suits traditional and heritage homes
- Custom Orb - BlueScope’s corrugated profile, slightly deeper than traditional corrugated
- Trimdek - a modern trapezoidal profile, popular on contemporary homes
- Klip-Lok - a concealed-fix profile where the screws are hidden under the sheet overlaps, giving a clean, unbroken line
The colour range is extensive - BlueScope offers over 20 standard Colorbond colours plus the Matt range for a softer, less reflective finish.
7. Flashings, Gutters, and Downpipes
New flashings are fabricated and installed at every junction - walls, penetrations (vents, pipes, aerials), valleys, ridges, and roof edges. New ridge capping goes on top.
Most tile-to-metal conversions include new gutters and downpipes as part of the package. The existing gutters were designed for the tile roof’s water flow pattern, and a metal roof sheds water differently (faster and more directly), so upgrading gutters is standard practice.
8. Cleanup and Completion
Scaffolding comes down, the site is cleaned, debris is removed, and the final inspection is carried out. If a building permit was required (and it is for material changes - see below), the building surveyor conducts a final inspection.
What It Costs in Perth
Tile-to-Colorbond conversion costs vary significantly depending on:
- Roof size - measured in square metres of roof area
- Roof complexity - number of hips, valleys, and penetrations
- Frame condition - how much repair work is needed once the tiles come off
- Sheet profile - concealed-fix profiles like Klip-Lok cost more than corrugated
- Gutter and downpipe scope - replacement vs retention
- Access - double-storey homes cost more due to higher scaffolding
Typical price ranges for Perth in 2025:
| Home Size | Approximate Roof Area | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small (2-bed, single storey) | 100-140 m² | $15,000-$20,000 |
| Medium (3-bed, single storey) | 150-200 m² | $20,000-$28,000 |
| Large (4-bed, single storey) | 200-250 m² | $25,000-$35,000 |
| Double storey | Varies | Add 15-25% for scaffolding and access |
These are indicative ranges for standard conversions. Complex roof designs, extensive frame repairs, asbestos removal, and premium products will push the price higher. Budget-oriented choices (corrugated profile, standard colour) will keep you toward the lower end.
Asbestos roofs: If your existing roof contains asbestos, add $3,000-$8,000 for licensed removal and disposal, depending on roof size and the type of asbestos material.
Timeframe
A standard tile-to-Colorbond conversion takes 1-2 weeks of on-site work for a single-storey home, plus:
- Permit approval: 2-4 weeks before work can start
- Material lead times: 1-2 weeks for custom-cut sheets and fabricated flashings
- Scaffolding erection: Usually 1 day, done the day before the strip starts
For a double-storey home or complex roof, allow 2-3 weeks of on-site work.
Your home remains liveable throughout the process, but there will be one or two days (during the strip and before the new sheets are fully on) when the roof is partially open. Roofers work around weather, but they’ll have temporary waterproofing in place overnight if the roof isn’t fully closed by the end of each day.
Building Permits
A tile-to-Colorbond conversion always requires a building permit in Western Australia. You’re changing the roof material, which affects structural loading, wind resistance, thermal performance, and potentially bushfire compliance.
The permit process involves:
- Engineering documentation - confirming the new roof system is suitable for the site conditions
- Application to a building surveyor - either private or through your local council
- Approval - typically 10-15 business days
- Inspections - frame stage (after strip, before new roof goes on) and final completion
Your roofing contractor should handle the permit process as part of the project. The permit and engineering costs are typically $700-$1,500, included in or added to the overall quote.
Conversion vs. Restoration: Making the Right Call
This is the most important decision. Converting to Colorbond is a bigger investment than restoring tiles, but it’s not always the better one. Here’s how to think about it:
Restoration Is Usually Better Value When:
- The tiles are structurally sound - they may look rough, but the tile body is solid, not crumbling or delaminating
- The roof frame is in good condition - no sagging, no structural concerns
- You’re happy with a tile roof - you just want it to look good and perform well
- Budget matters - a quality restoration costs $6,000-$12,000, roughly one-third to one-half the cost of conversion
- The roof has 15-20+ years of tile life remaining - restoration resets the clock on the coating and pointing without replacing the tiles themselves
Conversion Makes More Sense When:
- Tiles are failing - widespread cracking, delamination, or crumbling that can’t be addressed by replacing a standard allowance of tiles
- The frame is suspect - and reducing the roof weight by 90% would significantly reduce structural stress
- You’re planning major solar - and want the simpler installation that metal provides
- You’re already spending on major structural work - and the incremental cost of going to Colorbond vs re-tiling is relatively small
- You hate tile roofs - aesthetic preference is a valid reason, as long as you go in with realistic expectations about cost
- Asbestos removal is required - you’re stripping the entire roof anyway
The Grey Area
Many homes fall into the middle ground where either option is defensible. In these cases, it often comes down to how long you plan to stay in the home.
If you’re staying long-term (10+ years), the higher upfront cost of Colorbond can be justified by lower ongoing maintenance costs and the long lifespan of the material.
If you’re planning to sell within 5 years, a restoration often delivers better return on investment - you spend less and still get a roof that looks great and inspects well for buyers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not budgeting for frame repairs. Hidden damage is common, especially in homes older than 30 years. Build a 10-15% contingency into your budget for unexpected frame work.
Choosing on price alone. The cheapest quote may use thinner sheets, skip sarking, use fewer screws, or cut corners on flashings. A roof is a long-term investment - quality workmanship and materials matter more than saving a few hundred dollars.
Ignoring gutters. If your gutters are original and you’re spending $20,000+ on a new roof, replacing worn gutters at the same time makes practical and financial sense. Scaffolding is already up, and the crew is already there.
Forgetting about ceiling insulation. With the roof off, it’s the cheapest time you’ll ever have to upgrade ceiling insulation. If your home has old, thin batts (or none at all), adding insulation during the reroof is easy and cost-effective.
Not checking for termites. With the frame fully exposed, get a termite inspection done during the strip phase. It’s the only time you’ll have this level of access to the roof timbers.
The Bottom Line
A tile-to-Colorbond conversion is a major project, but when it’s the right choice, the results are excellent - a lighter, lower-maintenance, modern roof that transforms both the performance and appearance of your home.
The key is making sure it’s genuinely the right choice for your situation, not just the exciting one. For many Perth homes with sound tiles and a solid frame, a professional restoration at one-third the price achieves most of the same outcomes.
Get a proper assessment from someone who offers both restoration and replacement. That way, the recommendation is based on what your roof actually needs - not on which service the company happens to sell.
Ready to make the switch? A tile-to-Colorbond roof replacement is one of the most common conversions we do in Perth. Get a free quote online.
Licensed 
Fast Response
