Sunshine took shape in the early twentieth century, after H.V. McKay moved his harvester works here in 1906, and expanded again after the Second World War. Today the suburb, postcode 3020, is part of the City of Brimbank, 12 km west of Melbourne's city centre. Metro Wide Roofing services Sunshine for roof restoration, repointing, gutter replacement, Colorbond re-roofs and more. The number is 0466 477 008, and calls are returned the same business day.
- Postcode 3020
- City of Brimbank
- About 12 km west of the CBD
Period and post-war homes: the roofs of Sunshine
The housing here is a mix of period and post-war homes. The suburb grew around the harvester works, and one part was laid out as a planned estate on Garden City principles. Pre-war homes often have terracotta tiles. The homes added after the Second World War, when cars let people move out from the inner city, commonly have concrete tiles. Both types are usually worth keeping. Terracotta and concrete last well. It is the mortar, the valleys and the gutters that give out first.
Kororoit Creek runs through the suburb, and the older streets have established trees that load up gutters. There are also heritage-listed sites here, including the H. V. McKay Memorial Gardens, and streets where period character is part of the appeal. On a period home, roof and gutter colour matters. A terracotta tone on the roof or a traditional Colorbond colour on the gutters keeps the house looking like itself.
Services we provide in Sunshine
Roof restoration
Post-war concrete tile roofs in Sunshine respond well to restoration. After cleaning and new pointing, we replace failed tiles and rusted valleys and finish with Dulux Acratex membrane. Allow two to four days for a single-storey home.
Roof repointing
On period homes with terracotta tiles, the tile often outlasts the mortar. We lift the ridge and hip capping, re-bed it and apply flexible pointing, which can move with the roof without cracking.
Gutter replacement
Older homes often still have worn steel gutters and timber fascia. We fit new Colorbond or Zincalume gutters, including OGEE and half-round profiles that suit period houses, plus fascia cover and downpipes.
Colorbond and metal roofing
Where an old roof has reached the end of its life, we re-roof in Colorbond or Zincalume, or convert from tile to Colorbond. Sarking, insulation and ventilation can go in at the same time.
Gutter cleaning
Established street trees and the Kororoit Creek corridor keep gutters busy. A commercial vacuum takes out the bulk, hands do the corners, and water is run through every downpipe. Twice a year is typical, more under heavy tree cover.
Roof washing
Decades of grime and lichen hide the colour of a tiled roof. Controlled pressure cleaning brings concrete and terracotta back, and painted or metal surfaces get a lower-pressure treatment.
Driveway pressure washing, restoration and sealing
Many older driveways here are plain concrete that has cracked and stained. We pressure wash, fill cracks and can resurface or re-colour before sealing, which gives the slab a second life.
Frequently asked questions
Can old terracotta tiles be restored?
Often, yes. Terracotta itself lasts a long time. What usually fails on a pre-war roof is the bedding and pointing under the capping, along with valley irons and the odd cracked tile. We replace what has failed, re-bed and point, and wash the roof with controlled pressure.
How do I know whether my Sunshine home needs repointing or a full restoration?
Look at the ridge line from the street. If mortar is cracked or missing but the tiles look even in colour, repointing may be all it needs. If the surface is faded, chalky or patchy with lichen, restoration is the better path. We confirm which one applies at the inspection.
How often should gutters be cleaned under big street trees?
Twice a year is typical: once before winter and once before bushfire season. Under heavy tree cover you may need it more often. We use a commercial vacuum, clear the rest by hand, flush every downpipe and send you a photo report, on single and two-storey homes.
