Updated October 2026
Gymea's leafy mid-century streets are a big part of why people love the suburb, but the trees that shade the footpaths also shade the roofs. Terracotta and concrete tiles from the 1950s and 60s sit under a steady rain of leaves, twigs and seed pods, and the shaded faces stay damp long after rain. Moss and lichen follow.
We connect you with roof restoration specialists who understand Gymea's older homes and treat mid-century tiles with the care they deserve.
What a restoration involves
- Gentle but thorough high pressure clean, with technique adjusted for older terracotta
- Replace cracked tiles, matched to the existing profile where possible
- Re-bed loose capping and repoint with flexible pointing
- For concrete tiles, prime and coat with a two-coat membrane. Glazed terracotta is usually cleaned and repointed rather than painted.
On guide pricing only, a full restoration on a typical Shire home usually lands in the thousands. The cost guide covers the detail.
Terracotta or concrete, the path differs
Plenty of Gymea homes carry original terracotta. Good terracotta holds its colour for life and generally should not be painted, so a terracotta restoration centres on cleaning, tile replacement and repointing. Concrete tiles from the same era lost their coating long ago and gain the most from a full membrane system. The roofers we work with will tell you which roof you have and quote accordingly, rather than selling paint to a roof that does not need it.
Frequently asked questions
Should terracotta tiles in Gymea be painted?
Usually no. Sound glazed terracotta keeps its colour and sheds water well, so cleaning and repointing is normally the right scope. Painting is mostly for concrete tiles.
Can matching tiles still be found for a 1950s Gymea roof?
Most mid-century profiles can be sourced from salvage suppliers. Where an exact match is impossible, replacements are placed on less visible faces.
Do overhanging trees need to be trimmed before roof work?
Heavy overhangs may need a trim for access and to protect the finished roof. The quote will flag it if so.