Two-Storey Roof Restoration: What Perth Owners Should Know

4 min read

Two-storey homes are common across Perth’s suburbs, from 1980s brick-and-tile builds in the southern corridors to modern double-storey builds in newer estates. The roof restoration process is fundamentally the same as a single-storey home, but there are some practical differences worth understanding.

Is It More Expensive?

Usually slightly, yes - but not dramatically. The main cost factors for a two-storey roof are:

Access and Safety

Working at height on a two-storey home means the roof edge is typically 5-7 metres above ground level, compared to 2.5-3.5 metres for a single-storey. This requires:

• Edge protection or harness systems - mandatory under WA work health and safety regulations
• Longer ladders and scaffolding for access points
• More time for setup and pack-down each day

These safety requirements add some cost, but they’re non-negotiable. Any roofer who tells you they don’t need safety equipment on a two-storey home is cutting corners you don’t want cut.

Roof Area

Two-storey homes don’t necessarily have larger roofs. In fact, many have smaller roof footprints than sprawling single-storey homes because the house goes up instead of out. Your actual roof area (in square metres) is a bigger cost driver than the number of storeys.

Pitch and Complexity

Two-storey roofs often have steeper pitches, more valleys, and more complex shapes - hip and valley combinations, box gutters, and multiple roof planes meeting at different angles. Each of these adds time and complexity to the restoration.

What About the Pressure Cleaning?

This is the most common concern from two-storey homeowners. High-pressure water cleaning at height sends dirty water and debris a long way. We take precautions:

• Sheeting and protection for windows, decks, and outdoor furniture below
• Directional cleaning - washing away from windows and living areas where possible
• Same-day cleanup of all runoff and debris from paths, driveways, and gardens

The cleaning itself uses the same equipment and process as a single-storey home - 3,000+ PSI commercial pressure washers that strip decades of grime, moss, and lichen from the tiles.

Can You Restore Just Part of a Two-Storey Roof?

Sometimes. If one section of the roof is in significantly worse condition - for example, the north-facing slope that cops the most sun - we can quote on partial restoration. However, for the best result and longest lifespan, a full restoration is almost always better value because:

• The entire roof gets the same protective coating at the same time
• No visible colour difference between old and new sections
• All pointing and repairs are addressed in one go
• You only pay for setup, access, and equipment once

Do I Need to Be Home?

No. We need access to the property (side gates unlocked, etc.) but you don’t need to be there. We’ll keep you updated with photos and progress throughout the job.

What About My Upper-Floor Windows?

We clean and protect windows as part of the restoration. Any overspray from painting is cleaned off the same day. On two-storey homes, we pay extra attention to upper windows during the painting stage since they’re at the same height as the roof edge.

How Long Does It Take?

A typical two-storey roof restoration in Perth takes 2-3 days:

• Day 1: High-pressure clean, tile repairs, ridge cap re-pointing
• Day 2: Sealer/primer coat, first colour coat
• Day 3: Final topcoat, cleanup, and inspection

Larger or more complex roofs may take an extra day. We’ll give you a clear timeline in your quote.

Choosing a Contractor for Two-Storey Work

Not all roof restoration companies are comfortable working on two-storey homes. When getting quotes, check that the contractor:

• Has current working at heights training and certification
• Carries public liability insurance that covers work at height (minimum $10 million)
• Uses proper edge protection or harness systems - not just a ladder leaned against the gutter
• Has experience with two-storey homes specifically - ask for examples or photos

We restore two-storey roofs across Perth every week. Our team is fully trained, insured, and equipped for safe work at any residential height. Request a quote - we assess your roof remotely from satellite and aerial imagery with no site visit needed, and a paid on-site inspection is available if needed.