Altona is a bayside suburb 13 km south-west of Melbourne's CBD, in the City of Hobsons Bay, postcode 3018. Housing estates were first sold here from 1886, and the suburb received a large influx of new residents after the Second World War. It has one of only two swimming beaches in the western suburbs. For restoration, new gutters, coastal Colorbond roofing, repointing or a roof wash in Altona, Metro Wide Roofing comes to you. Call 0466 477 008 and we will be in touch again before the business day ends.
- Postcode 3018
- City of Hobsons Bay
- About 13 km south-west of the CBD
Post-war tiles by the beach: Altona homes and their roofs
Many of the homes you see today date from the decades after the Second World War, when the suburb took in a large number of new arrivals. Post-war homes commonly have concrete tiles, and some older ones have terracotta. These roofs have now had sixty or seventy years of sun and sea air. The tiles are often fine. The ridge mortar, the valley irons and the gutters are usually not. Newer houses and rebuilt homes tend to have Colorbond, which needs washing more than anything else.
The beach is a big part of life here, and it is also the main thing your roof has to deal with. Rust shows early on old steel gutters and valleys close to the water. The suburb also takes in Cherry Lake, Kororoit Creek and a coastal park, and homes near them tend to see more leaf litter and lichen. For any new metal roofing this close to the bay, Colorbond Ultra is the right grade.
Services we provide in Altona
Roof restoration
There are many post-war tiled homes in Altona, and a good number are ready for restoration. Expect failed tiles and rusted valleys to be replaced before the capping is re-bedded and the Dulux Acratex membrane goes on.
Gutter replacement
Bayside air shortens the life of old steel gutters. We replace them with Colorbond or Zincalume in the profile that suits your house, with fascia cover, downpipes and leaf guard as options.
Colorbond and metal roofing
With the beach so close, Colorbond Ultra is the sensible grade for a new metal roof. We do new roofs, re-roofs and tile-to-Colorbond conversions, and roof patios in polycarbonate or fibreglass.
Roof repointing
Sea breezes and age crack the mortar on ridge capping. Re-bedding followed by flexible pointing secures the ridges and hips of a tiled roof. It is not a service for metal roofs.
Roof washing
Salt, grime and lichen build up on roofs close to the water. Tiles are cleaned under controlled pressure, while Colorbond and painted surfaces are treated more gently. Plan on a wash every three to five years.
Gutter cleaning
Homes near the parklands around Cherry Lake and Kororoit Creek tend to get more leaves in their gutters. We clear them with a commercial vacuum and by hand, flush the downpipes and send a photo report.
Driveway pressure washing, restoration and sealing
Sand and salt mark driveways near the beach. We pressure wash concrete, exposed aggregate and pavers, fill cracks, re-colour if needed, and seal, which typically protects the surface for two to four years.
Frequently asked questions
I live a few streets back from Altona Beach. What should I watch on my roof?
Look at the metal first: gutters, valleys, flashings and any unpainted steel. Bayside air is hard on these, and rust usually starts at joins and cut edges. On tiled roofs, check the capping mortar as well. We inspect all of it in person and list what we find in the written quote.
Are post-war tile roofs in Altona worth restoring?
Usually. Many post-war homes have concrete or terracotta tiles that are still sound after decades. The mortar, valleys and surface are what wear. A restoration renews those parts and finishes with Dulux Acratex membrane, which carries a 15-year manufacturer warranty.
When is the right time of year for gutter cleaning?
Typically twice a year: before winter, so the gutters can carry the rain, and before bushfire season, so dry leaves are not sitting in them. Each clean ends with the downpipes flushed and a set of photos sent to you. Homes close to trees may need it more often.
