Colorbond Full Roof Screw Replacement: Is $2,500 Fair

When you notice a leak in your Colorbond roof, one of the most common recommendations you’ll hear from contractors is to replace all the screws and reseal the joins. But if you’ve received a quote for around $2,500 to do this, you may be wondering: is this a fair price, or too expensive for what seems like “a day’s work”?

Let’s break down what goes into this kind of job, the costs involved, and what real homeowners are saying about their experiences.

Why Do Colorbond Roof Screws Need Replacing?

Over time, the screws and washers on Colorbond roofs deteriorate. When washers crack or wear out, water can seep through the holes, leading to leaks inside your home.

If your home is older, screw replacement is a common and necessary maintenance job. But whether you need all screws replaced or just a targeted repair depends on the actual condition of your roof.

What Does a $2,500 Screw Replacement Quote Include?

Most quotes for full screw replacement cover:

Supplying all new roof screws (approx. $300-$400 worth of materials for a typical 3-bedroom home).
Labour for removing and replacing thousands of screws across the roof.
Resealing joins and vulnerable flashing points.
Safety equipment such as fall arrest systems, especially for roofs steeper than 25 degrees.

How Many Screws Are in a Typical Colorbond Roof?

It might surprise some homeowners, but a standard Australian 3-bedroom house with a Colorbond roof will have thousands of screws securing its structure. This isn’t overkill – it’s essential for durability, wind resistance, and long-term performance. Here’s why so many fasteners are used:

Sheet Fastening: Each Colorbond roofing sheet is anchored to the roof battens (horizontal supports) using multiple screws along every batten line.
Overlaps and Laps: Where sheets overlap, additional screws are required to ensure tight joins and prevent water ingress.
Ridges, Hips, Valleys, and Barges: Flashings and cappings at these junctions demand extra screws to maintain structural integrity and weatherproofing.
Consistent Spacing: Screws are typically spaced every 200mm to 300mm along battens, depending on the roof profile and local wind-load requirements.

Real Homeowner Experiences

Here’s what real homeowners shared when faced with the same Colorbond screw replacement dilemma:

“I did my own roof screws in less than a day.” – Reddit User
“It’s about $400 worth of screws and the rest is labour.” – Reddit User
“What’s actually causing the leak? Often it’s just specific screws, flashing, or joints – not all of them. But it can be hard to get a roofer to agree to a small job.” – Reddit User
“If screw replacement is needed, it’s usually an older roof. They’d also want to use fall protection gear if it’s a steep pitch.” – Reddit User

Should You Replace All Screws or Just Fix the Leak?

Not all leaks are caused by screws. Sometimes it’s just a few mis-installed ones, deteriorated flashing, or joints that have failed. Replacing every screw might be “overkill” in some situations.

Many roofers prefer to quote for a full screw replacement because:

It eliminates future issues from other failing screws.
It’s often not cost-effective for them to do just a small, targeted repair.
It gives the homeowner peace of mind that the roof won’t spring another leak next season.

Cost Considerations

DIY – If you’re fit, handy, and comfortable working at heights, you could do the job for a few hundred dollars in screws, silicone, and tool hire.
Roofing contractor – $2,000 to $3,000 is a common ballpark for full screw replacement on a small-medium home.
Partial repair – If only a section of screws or flashing is affected, costs can be significantly lower, but some roofers may be reluctant to take on smaller jobs.

A $2,500 quote for replacing all screws and resealing joins on a Colorbond roof is not unreasonable-especially if safety equipment, labour, and peace of mind are factored in. Depending on the condition of your roof, you may not need a full roof screw replacement.

Always ask your roofer to show you exactly what’s causing the leak-whether it’s screws, flashing, or another detail-before committing to the work. Getting at least one more quote will also give you confidence you’re paying a fair price.

Need Expert Help With Your Colorbond Roof?

Steve is a licensed roof plumber (NSW Contractor Licence class) with decades of family experience in the roofing industry. Whether you need a targeted repair or a full screw replacement, Steve can assess your roof and give you an honest, competitive quote.

Call Steve today to book an inspection and protect your home from future leaks.