Oakleigh is one of the older suburbs in Melbourne's south-east: 14 km from the CBD, with a post office since 1854 and a settlement boom after the railway opened in 1877. It falls within the City of Monash, postcode 3166. Metro Wide Roofing services the suburb for repointing, roof restoration and washing, gutter replacement and cleaning, metal roofing and driveways. Our number is 0466 477 008. You hear back the same business day, and the inspection, done in person, happens within the week.
- Postcode 3166
- City of Monash
- About 14 km south-east of the CBD
Brick, terracotta and a century of weather in Oakleigh
By the mid 1920s the area was substantially built up, which makes much of the housing here pre-war. Brick was the local material: until 1953 the district's brickworks supplied about 20 per cent of Melbourne's bricks. Homes of that period often have terracotta tiles. Terracotta lasts well, but the mortar bedding beneath the capping does not, and the tile surface weathers and picks up lichen. Older roofs also tend to have more decorative ridge lines, which take more care to re-bed than a plain modern ridge.
Oakleigh has a historic centre along Atherton Road and Drummond Street, and landmarks such as the Sacred Heart Church with its twin copper domes. On streets with older homes, colour choice matters. A terracotta roof recoated in a tone close to the original clay tends to suit the house and its neighbours. Post-war homes sit among the older ones, and these are more likely to have concrete tiles that are now ready for restoration.
Services we provide in Oakleigh
Roof repointing
A frequent need on pre-war terracotta roofs. Old bedding crumbles while the tiles stay sound. We lift the ridge and hip capping, re-bed it and apply flexible pointing. Repointing is a tiled roof service.
Roof restoration
For terracotta and concrete tiles across Oakleigh. Failed tiles and rusted valleys are replaced, capping is re-bedded and pointed, and the roof is finished in Dulux Acratex membrane in a colour chosen to suit the house.
Gutter replacement
OGEE and half-round profiles suit the look of older houses, and both are available in Colorbond or Zincalume. Fascia cover protects ageing timber fascia. Most gutter replacements are finished in one to two days.
Gutter cleaning
Established gardens and mature trees are part of an older suburb, and they fill gutters. We vacuum and hand clear, flush the downpipes and send a photo report, typically twice a year.
Roof washing
Terracotta needs a controlled clean, not a blast. We set the pressure for the tile, remove lichen and organic growth, and can apply a protective coat. Painted and metal surfaces get lower pressure again.
Colorbond and metal roofing
Re-roofs and tile-to-Colorbond conversions for homes where the tiles are past saving. Zincalume and Colorbond in Classic, Matt or Contemporary finishes, plus polycarbonate or fibreglass sheeting for rear pergolas and patios.
Driveway pressure washing, restoration and sealing
Driveways beside older homes are often cracked and stained after decades of use. We pressure wash, fill cracks, resurface or re-colour and then seal concrete, pavers and exposed aggregate.
Frequently asked questions
Can old terracotta tiles in Oakleigh be restored, or must they be replaced?
Terracotta is long-lived, so most pre-war roofs can be restored. The usual work is replacing the few tiles that have cracked, re-bedding and repointing the capping, washing off lichen and applying a membrane coat. Replacement only comes up when tiles are crumbling widely or the owner wants to change to Colorbond.
Which gutter profile suits an older house?
OGEE and half-round gutters echo the shapes used on period homes, while quad suits most post-war houses. All are available in Colorbond and Zincalume, and we can add fascia cover and new downpipes. We look at the existing gutter line during the inspection and name the chosen profile on your quote.
How often should gutters be cleaned here?
Twice a year suits most Oakleigh homes: once before winter rain and once before bushfire season. Houses under large trees may need it sooner. Each clean includes a commercial vacuum, hand clearing, a flush of every downpipe and a photo report showing the condition of the gutters.
