Roof plumber or roofer: who do you need for your roof?

Roof problems are rarely labelled. A leak could be a failed flashing, a rusted gutter or damaged sheeting, which is why people often ask whether they need a roofer or a roof plumber. The short answer is that many jobs need both.

What does a roofer do?

A roofer installs, replaces and repairs the roof covering: metal sheeting such as COLORBOND®, tiles and the fixings that hold them on. Roofers handle new roofs, re-roofing and roof restorations.

What does a roof plumber do?

A roof plumber looks after the parts of a roof that carry water away and keep it out: gutters, downpipes, box gutters, flashings and valleys, and the connection to the stormwater system. In Victoria this is regulated plumbing work, so it should be done by a licensed roof plumber.

Which one do you need?

• Overflowing, sagging or leaking gutters and downpipes: a roof plumber.
• Water stains on a ceiling near a wall, chimney or valley: usually a flashing, so a roof plumber.
• Damaged, rusted or lifted roof sheets: a roofer.
• A full re-roof or a new roof: a roofer, with a roof plumber for the gutters and flashings.
• Storm damage: often both, starting with making the roof safe and watertight.

Why one team for both is easier

When the roofer and the roof plumber are different businesses, each can point to the other when something leaks. D Steel Roofing does both, so a re-roof, new gutters and flashings, and leak repairs are looked after by one licensed, insured team. See our roof plumbing, roof replacements and roof leak repairs services.

Questions to ask any roofer or roof plumber

• Are you licensed and insured, and can I see your licence?
• Will you inspect the whole roof, including flashings and gutters, not just the damaged spot?
• What exactly is included in the quote, and what is excluded?

Get advice from Melbourne’s roofing experts

D Steel Roofing looks after roofing, roof plumbing and roof repairs across Melbourne, Keilor, Sunshine, Pascoe Vale, Gisborne, Greenvale, Sunbury, Melton, and the Macedon Ranges. Visit our services to learn more, browse our projects for inspiration, or get in touch for a free quote & 10% off on your next roofing project.