Walk a block back from Chapel Street and Prahran turns residential: rows of single-storey Victorian and Edwardian terraces, with larger double-storey ones nearer the shopping strips. The suburb is 5 kilometres south-east of the CBD in the City of Stonnington, postcode 3181. Metro Wide Roofing services Prahran for repointing, roof restoration, gutter work, metal roofing, roof washing and paved courtyards. Begin by calling 0466 477 008. We phone back the same business day and inspect in person within the week.
- Postcode 3181
- City of Stonnington
- About 5 km south-east of the CBD
Low terraces, renovated once and ageing again
The post office here opened in 1853, at a time when the district was still described as having many vacant spaces. Terraces filled those gaps over the following decades. Victorian ones commonly have corrugated iron or slate. Edwardian ones usually show their roof to the street, in terracotta tiles with decorative ridge capping. In the 1970s the suburb began to gentrify, and much of the remaining old housing stock was renovated and restored. Work done in those years is now around fifty years old.
That second age matters as much as the first. Gutters, flashings and roof sheets fitted during a renovation decades ago have had a full working life, even where the house looks cared for. Older pointing was usually rigid mortar, which cracks as an old building moves. A single-storey terrace is at least easy to inspect closely. We photograph what we find, so you can see the ridge line and the box gutter for yourself.
Services we provide in Prahran
Roof repointing
Decorative Edwardian ridges are held by mortar, and rigid mortar cracks. We re-bed the ridge and hip capping on terracotta roofs and finish with flexible pointing, which tolerates the movement of an old house.
Roof restoration
An Edwardian tiled roof that has lost its colour can be restored: cleaned at high pressure, re-bedded and pointed, failed tiles and rusted valleys replaced, then primed and given two coats of Dulux Acratex roof membrane.
Gutter replacement
Gutters from the renovation years are due. For Prahran terraces we fit quad, OGEE or half-round at the front and box gutters between houses, in Colorbond or Zincalume, with fascia cover over tired timber.
Colorbond and metal roofing
Iron over a rear skillion or a back verandah is often the oldest metal on the property. We re-roof in Colorbond or Zincalume and can add sarking and insulation, which is welcome over a living area.
Gutter cleaning
A low terrace has short gutters, and short gutters fill fast. Hand clearing and a commercial vacuum empty them, every downpipe is flushed, and you get photos. For most homes, two cleans a year is enough.
Roof washing
Small roofs still gather lichen, mostly on the side that faces away from the sun. Terracotta gets a controlled pressure clean. Painted iron gets the lower-pressure treatment, and a protective coat is there if you want it.
Driveway pressure washing, restoration and sealing
Driveways are scarce in terrace streets. Think instead of the paved or concrete courtyard out the back, the front path and the garage apron on the lane: washed, crack filled and sealed.
Frequently asked questions
My Prahran terrace was renovated decades ago. Does the roof need looking at again?
Probably. Much of the housing in Prahran was renovated from the 1970s onward, and gutters, flashings and pointing from that time have now done long service. An inspection in person shows what is still sound. The written quote lists only the items that need work, each on its own line.
Can ornamental terracotta ridge capping stay when a roof is repointed?
Yes, where the pieces are intact. The capping is lifted, re-bedded on fresh mortar and finished with flexible pointing, then sits where it always has. Edwardian terraces in Prahran often have ornamental ridges, so we check each length at the inspection and talk to you about any that have cracked.
How long does gutter replacement take on a small terrace?
Most homes take one to two days, and a single-storey terrace has less gutter than a detached house. Box gutters between attached houses can be slower because they are harder to reach. Your quote states the scope, and the job is covered by a 12-month workmanship warranty in writing.
