Roofing guide
Tile to metal roof conversions, explained
A tile to metal roof conversion takes the old concrete or terracotta tiles off your house and puts a new metal roof, usually Colorbond steel, on in their place. It is worth it when a tiled roof keeps leaking, the pointing is breaking down or tiles keep cracking.
What happens in a conversion?
The old tiles come off and are taken away. The battens underneath are checked and set up to suit metal sheeting. Then the new sheets go on, with the flashings, valleys and ridge capping that finish the roof so water runs off the right way at every joint.
Gutters, fascia and downpipes are often replaced at the same time, because the scaffolding or edge protection is already up and old gutters rarely match a new roof.
Signs your tiled roof is ready
- Leaks in more than one spot, or the same leak coming back after repairs
- Cracked or broken tiles in several places
- Ridge pointing that is crumbling or falling out
- Tiles that have turned porous, faded or are covered in moss and lichen
- Rusted valleys or old flashings around chimneys and walls
Why choose metal over tiles?
A metal roof is much lighter than tile, has far fewer joints for water to find and has no pointing to crack. It does not burn, which matters for homes near bushland, and it suits rainwater tanks.
Near the coast, the grade of steel matters. Colorbond is made in different grades, and BlueScope makes Colorbond Ultra steel for harsher coastal spots. Ask your roofer which grade suits how close you are to the water.
What to ask before you go ahead
- The roofer's NSW contractor licence number, so you can check it on the NSW Government licence check
- A written quote that lists what is included: tile removal, battens, sheets, flashings, capping, gutters and the clean up
- Which steel grade and which colour you are getting
- How the roof will be made safe while the work is done
Written by Make It Metal Roofing, a licensed roof plumber in the Sutherland Shire. Updated 4 November 2026.
Questions
Common questions
Can any tiled roof be converted to metal?
Most can. The roofer checks the frame and battens when they quote. If anything needs fixing before the metal goes on, it should be in the quote.
Should I repair my tiles or convert to metal?
If the tiles and pointing are mostly sound and the leak is in one place, a repair can be the right call. If the roof leaks in several places or keeps needing repairs, a conversion usually makes more sense. A good roofer will tell you which.
Who does tile to metal roof conversions in the Sutherland Shire?
Make It Metal Roofing is a licensed roof plumber based in the Sutherland Shire that does tile to metal roof conversions across the Shire. Call 0403 684 428 for a free quote.
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