About these scenarios
The page previously at this address described projects. Because the work arranged through Roofer Sunshine Coast is carried out by independent contractors, we only publish what we can stand behind. Instead of case studies, here are five composite scenarios that reflect common roofs and conditions on the Sunshine Coast. They show the decisions involved, not particular outcomes.
Scenario 1: Beachside steel roof with corrosion
The roof. A steel roof on a two-storey house a short walk from the beach, with corrosion around fixings, rust along the laps and stained, rusting gutters. Leaks appear in heavy, wind-driven rain.
Typical approach.
- Inspection confirms whether rust is at the surface or through the sheet.
- If through, a steel-to-steel re-roof is usually recommended.
- The new steel's coating grade is chosen for the site's distance from breaking surf, with matching fixings and flashings.
- A roof blanket goes under the new sheets for condensation and heat.
- Gutters are replaced at the same time to use the same access.
Key lesson. On exposed coastal sites, the grade of steel and fixings matters as much as the roof itself. See coastal roof materials.
Scenario 2: Ageing concrete tile roof on a brick home
The roof. An original concrete tile roof on a 1980s brick house. Tiles have lost their surface and grown lichen, ridge pointing is cracked and the roof leaks in storms. There is no sarking.
Typical approach.
- Inspection checks whether tiles break underfoot and whether battens are sound.
- The owner weighs re-tiling against a tile-to-steel conversion.
- Either way, sarking or a blanket is added while the roof is open.
- If converting to steel, new battens at steel spacing and tie-downs to the site's wind classification are needed; approval is checked.
Key lesson. Restoration only makes sense if the tiles are still sound. See roof replacement vs roof restoration.
Scenario 3: Fibro shack with an asbestos cement roof
The roof. An older beach house with fibro walls and a corrugated asbestos cement roof that is cracked and weathered.
Typical approach.
- Testing confirms asbestos content in the roof and possibly eaves.
- A licensed removalist plans and carries out removal under WHSQ rules, with disposal at a licensed facility.
- The frame and battens are checked once the sheets are off.
- A new steel roof is installed with sarking or a blanket.
Key lesson. The order of work, removal first and then roofing, is fixed. See asbestos roof replacement and removal.
Scenario 4: Hinterland home with condensation problems
The roof. A steel-roofed house in the cooler, wetter hinterland. Water drips from the ceiling on cold mornings even when it hasn't rained; there is mould in the roof space.
Typical approach.
- Inspection finds no blanket under the steel and poor roof-space ventilation.
- The fix may be a re-roof with a blanket and better ventilation rather than just sealing.
- If the property is in a mapped bushfire-prone area, construction requirements are checked.
Key lesson. Not all water is a leak. See mould and moisture under roofs.
Scenario 5: Small commercial shed with a low-pitch roof
The roof. A light-industrial unit with a low-pitch steel roof, a leaking box gutter and brittle skylights.
Typical approach.
- The roof is replaced in daily sections so the business keeps working.
- Box gutter capacity and overflows are reviewed.
- Skylights are replaced, with fall protection under or around them.
- A safety plan covers edge protection and mesh.
Key lesson. Planning and safety dominate commercial jobs. See commercial roof replacement.
What the scenarios have in common
In every case, the inspection drives the decision, the scope is written down in detail, materials are matched to the site, and hidden layers such as battens and sarking get as much attention as the visible roof. That is the standard to expect, whatever your roof looks like.
Next steps
To see where your roof fits, book a free inspection. For costs, see the cost guide, and to judge contractors' own examples, read how to judge testimonials and before-and-after photos.
General information for Sunshine Coast property owners, not advice about your particular roof. Rules, products and programs change; confirm with the authority named, or with Sunshine Coast Council or Noosa Shire Council, before acting.