Roofing contractors are experts in installing, repairing, restoring and maintaining roofs. Most roof repairers and installers are experienced and licensed to work on residential homes, commercial buildings, factories, warehouses, shopping centres, sheds, apartment buildings and unit blocks.

Roof repairers offer a wide range of services including roof replacements, new roof installations, re-roofing, asbestos removal, metal roof conversions, gutter and downpipe replacements. Installation and repairs of air vents, leaf screens, gutter guards and whirly birds, are also carried out by roofing companies.

Homeowners usually hire roofing contractors to repair damage cause by storms, water leaks and fires. Storm-damaged roofs will require an urgent roof inspection, as once a roofing system has been compromised by high winds or hail, it will allow water infiltration that will cause interior and structural damage.

Most roof restoration and repair companies will provide 24-hour emergency storm assistance that can include emergency tarping, leak repairs, re-roofing and roof damage inspections.

Even though it’s normal for roofs to deteriorate over time, professional roof maintenance is important to prevent leaks. Signs of a leaking roof include water entry, wet insulation, mould or water stains, all of which must be dealt with immediately. Roof maintenance services can include clearing blocked drains, high-pressure cleaning, professional leak inspections, roof painting and respraying, waterproofing and gutter cleaning.

In instances where simple repairs and routine maintenance is not enough to fix a roof, a complete roof restoration is required. A complete roof restoration service involves roof cleaning, repairing and re-coating a roof. Roof restoration services are suitable on all types of roofs including Colorbond, Zincalume, galvanised iron, Decromastic, terracotta and concrete tiled-roofs. The cost of a complete roof restoration will vary, although roofing specialists will provide written quotations before commencing work.

Roofs are among the most expensive parts of a building to replace, which is why not all insurance companies will insure roofs (especially those in a state of disrepair). Most insurers require that homeowners pay for a roof inspection service prior to agreeing to insure a residential or commercial property.

In the Southern Highlands, there are government incentives and tax rebates in place for homeowners who install solar panels on their roof. Some roofing contractors specialise in installing solar panels as well as repairing and maintaining existing panels. As a cheaper alternative to solar panels, roof restoration experts are able to apply heat reflective paints to help insulate properties. These heat reflective coatings are suitable for metal and concrete roofing types and are installed at a fraction of the cost of re-roofing.

It is important that roofing contractors are insured to protect themselves and the homeowner.They should have both Public Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation Insurance. Public Liability Insurance protects homeowners in case of accidental damage, where as Workers Compensation Insurance covers the roofing contractor and any of their employees in the event of accidental injury. Roofing companies and contractors are also required to be licensed.