If you need roofing work in Wollongong or across the Illawarra, the right solution can range from a relatively small repair through to complete roof replacement.
The region’s roofs have plenty to deal with, including heavy rain, strong winds, summer heat and coastal conditions. Over time, leaks, rust, damaged flashings, ageing gutters and general wear can all start causing problems.
Local roofing company PMR Profilio Metal Roofing provides metal roofing services throughout the Illawarra, covering everything from roof repairs and Colorbond replacement to gutters, skylights, ventilation, cladding and commercial roofing.
Here are some of the most common roofing services Illawarra property owners may need.
What Are the Most Common Roof Problems in the Illawarra?
Roof problems aren’t always immediately obvious.
Sometimes there is a dramatic leak during heavy rain. Other times, the first sign might be a small ceiling stain, rust appearing around a roof sheet or water overflowing from a gutter.
Common roofing problems include:
- Leaking roofs
- Rust or corrosion on metal roofs
- Damaged or loose roof sheets
- Worn or damaged flashings
- Damaged screws and roof fixings
- Storm and wind damage
- Blocked, leaking or rusted gutters
- Water overflowing or draining in the wrong direction
- Problems around skylights and roof penetrations
- Ageing roofs requiring repeated repairs
A visible leak inside the house doesn’t always mean the problem is directly above it. Water can travel through the roof cavity before appearing inside, which is why identifying the actual source of the leak is important.
Roof Repairs in the Illawarra
A damaged roof doesn’t automatically need replacing.
If the overall roof is still in good condition, individual problems can often be repaired.
Metal roof repairs may include:
- Leak detection and repair
- Replacing damaged metal roof sheets
- Replacing screws and fixings
- Repairing or replacing flashings
- Repairing storm damage
- Fixing leaking sections around roof penetrations
- Gutter and drainage repairs
Getting roof problems looked at early can also help prevent water from damaging ceilings, insulation, timber or other parts of the building.
When Does a Roof Need Replacing?
There comes a point where repeatedly repairing an ageing roof stops making sense.
Complete roof replacement may be worth considering if there is widespread corrosion, repeated leaking, extensive damage or numerous areas of the roof requiring repair.
Roof replacement may also be part of a major renovation or an opportunity to update an older roofing material with a modern metal roofing system.
PMR specialises in metal and Colorbond roof replacement for residential, commercial and industrial properties across Wollongong and the Illawarra.
Colorbond and Metal Roofing
Colorbond steel is widely used for Australian roofs and is particularly popular for renovations, extensions and complete roof replacements.
Modern metal roofing can be used on:
- Houses
- Extensions
- New builds
- Garages and sheds
- Pergolas and patios
- Commercial properties
- Warehouses and industrial buildings
The roofing system also includes more than the sheets you see from outside. Flashings, fixings, gutters and drainage all need to work together to keep water out and move it safely away from the building.
Gutter Repairs and Replacement
Your gutters are an important part of your roofing system.
Damaged, rusted or poorly functioning gutters can cause water to overflow towards eaves, walls or areas surrounding the property.
Roofing companies such as PMR can carry out gutter work alongside roof repairs and replacement, including:
- Gutter repairs
- Complete gutter replacement
- Downpipe replacement
- Box gutters
- Custom flashings
- Leaf and gutter guard installation
- Roof drainage improvements
If you’re already having substantial roofing work completed, it makes sense to have the gutters and drainage checked at the same time.
Skylight Installation
Skylights can be a great way to introduce more natural light into darker parts of a home, including hallways, kitchens and living areas.
However, cutting an opening into a roof obviously needs to be done properly.
Correct installation and flashing around a skylight are important for keeping the roof weather-tight and preventing future leaks.
PMR installs skylights as part of its residential metal roofing services throughout the Illawarra.
Whirlybirds and Roof Ventilation
The roof space above your ceiling can become extremely hot, particularly during the warmer months.
Roof ventilation systems such as whirlybirds are designed to help air move through the roof cavity and allow hot, humid air to escape.
Whirlybirds can be installed as a standalone roofing job or incorporated into roof replacement and renovation projects.
Metal Cladding
Metal roofing materials don’t have to stop at the roofline.
Colorbond and other steel products are increasingly being used as external wall cladding and architectural features on homes, extensions and commercial buildings.
Metal cladding can work particularly well where homeowners or builders want the roof and exterior finishes to complement each other.
PMR provides both metal roofing and metal cladding, making it possible to coordinate these elements as part of the same project.
Roofing for Pergolas, Patios and Verandas
Outdoor areas often need specialist roofing work too.
Metal roofing is commonly used for:
- Pergolas
- Patios
- Verandas
- Outdoor entertaining areas
- Carports
- Extensions
These projects may also require gutters, downpipes, flashings and custom metal work to connect the new roofing correctly with the existing building.
Roofing for New Homes and Extensions
Roofing is also a major part of new builds and home extensions.
A roofing contractor can work alongside builders and other trades to install the metal roof, gutters, flashings and associated components as construction progresses.
Planning these elements correctly from the beginning helps ensure water drains properly and the new section of roof integrates with the rest of the property.
Commercial and Industrial Roofing
Roofing requirements become considerably larger when you’re dealing with warehouses, factories, workshops and other commercial properties.
Commercial roofing services can include:
- New metal roof installation
- Complete re-roofing
- Roof refurbishment
- Leak detection and repairs
- Box gutters
- Large-scale drainage systems
- Flashings
- Roof ventilation
- Commercial and industrial gutter replacement
PMR works across residential, commercial and industrial roofing projects throughout the Illawarra.
Replacing an Old Asbestos Roof
Some older homes, garages, sheds and commercial buildings around the Illawarra still have asbestos-containing roofing materials.
Asbestos roofs require particular care. SafeWork NSW advises that asbestos removal is hazardous and licensing requirements apply depending on the type and quantity of asbestos involved.
You can read the current asbestos safety and licensing information from SafeWork NSW.
PMR provides asbestos-to-metal roof replacement and can coordinate the roofing work with appropriately licensed asbestos removal professionals.
Once the old roofing has been safely removed, a modern metal roofing system can be installed in its place.
Roof Repairs or Replacement – Which Is Better?
There isn’t one answer that suits every roof.
A relatively young roof with one isolated leak may simply need repairing. An older roof with widespread rust, multiple leaks and years of previous patching may be a better candidate for replacement.
A roof inspection can help establish:
- Where a leak or problem is coming from
- How widespread the damage is
- Whether individual sections can be repaired
- The general condition of the existing roof
- Whether further problems are likely
- Whether repair or replacement represents the better long-term option
The important thing is not to assume that every leak means a new roof — or that repeatedly patching an old roof is always the cheapest option.
Finding Roofing Services in the Illawarra
For homeowners, builders and businesses looking for an Illawarra roofing company, PMR Profilio Metal Roofing provides a broad range of metal roofing services.
These include:
- Metal roof repairs
- Colorbond roof replacement
- Gutters and downpipes
- Skylights
- Whirlybirds and roof ventilation
- Metal cladding
- New build roofing
- Extensions
- Pergolas, patios and verandas
- Commercial and industrial roofing
- Asbestos-to-metal roof replacement
- Custom flashings and metal work
PMR is an Illawarra-based metal roofing and cladding company with more than 12 years of experience servicing the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven and surrounding regions.
You can also explore more local Illawarra businesses and services on The List Illawarra.
Whether you’re dealing with a leak, planning an extension or looking at completely replacing an ageing roof, getting the roof inspected first can help you understand exactly what work is required.