When replacement is the right answer
Most roofs do not need replacing as early as people think. We will tell you honestly if a restoration would do the job. Replacement becomes the better call when:
- The substrate (battens or sarking) has rotted or warped to the point where new tiles cannot sit flat.
- Multiple leak paths exist across different sections of the roof — usually a sign the original install is at the end of its life.
- You are renovating or extending and the existing tiles are discontinued or impossible to colour-match.
- You want to switch material — for example, from heavy clay tiles to lighter metal sheeting for a granny flat extension.
- The roof is over 30 years old and has not been restored.
How a replacement runs
A typical single-storey Malaysian terrace replacement takes us five to nine working days, weather permitting. A double-storey detached usually runs ten to fifteen days. The sequence is:
- Day 1: Scaffolding and edge protection up, ground sheets and debris chute in place.
- Days 2–3: Existing tiles, battens and damaged sarking stripped. Roof made watertight overnight with a temporary cover.
- Days 3–5: New treated-timber battens installed, sarking laid, flashings prepared.
- Days 5–9: New tiles or sheeting laid in sequence, ridges bedded and pointed, valleys and penetrations sealed.
- Final day: Site cleaned, leftover materials removed, written warranty issued at handover.
What it usually costs
Replacement pricing is square-metre based and depends heavily on material choice. As a rough ballpark for Klang Valley homes:
- Concrete tile replacement: from RM 70/sqft installed
- Clay tile replacement: from RM 95/sqft installed
- Long-span metal sheeting (Zincalume / Colorbond equivalent): from RM 55/sqft installed
- Premium standing-seam metal: from RM 130/sqft installed
All quotes are itemised in writing after a physical measure-up.
The warranty
Ten years on workmanship from Jarvisly Roofworks, on top of the manufacturer warranty on the chosen material (typically 25–50 years for tiles and metal sheeting).
Replacement FAQs
Things people ask before they commit.
Can we stay in the house during the work?
Yes. We work in sections, the roof is made watertight every evening, and we plan disruption around your family schedule where possible. A house is liveable throughout, though noisier than usual.
What happens to the old tiles?
We remove and recycle or dispose of all stripped material as part of the quoted price. Nothing is left for you to deal with. If you would like to keep a few salvageable tiles for future repairs, let us know in advance.
Should I switch material when I replace?
Sometimes. Switching from heavy concrete tiles to long-span metal sheeting reduces roof load and is faster to install, but changes the look of the house. We will walk through the trade-offs on site so you can choose with full information.
Is sarking and ventilation included?
Yes. Modern installs always include reflective sarking and adequate roof-space ventilation. Without proper ventilation a Malaysian roof cavity can hit 60 °C+ — that shortens the life of every component above your ceiling.