How Hoppers Crossing was built
From a general store
Before the 1960s there was little here but a general store. Residential land was subdivided in 1963, growth was substantial by the early 1970s, and the estimated population went from about 8,500 to 40,000 between 1980 and 1994.
Affordable then, owner-occupied now
Houses sold for a little over 85% of the Melbourne median from 1987 to 1996. By 2021, 84.7% of occupied homes were separate houses and 33.9% were owned outright, a sign of plenty of long-term owners.
Right on the concrete tile era
Wikipedia's survey of house styles notes concrete roof tiles only appeared in the late 1960s, just as building here took off. A Hoppers Crossing tiled roof could be concrete or terracotta, and the answer changes what's worth doing to it.
Hail through the west
On 6 March 2010, golf-ball-sized hail fell across the city and western suburbs. Cracked tiles from a storm can sit unnoticed for years until a heavy downpour finds them.
Creek-side drainage
Skeleton Creek runs along the eastern edge, and much of the open space follows drainage reserves. On flat ground, working downpipes and stormwater connections stop gutters backing up in a downpour.
Rebed, restore or replace?
On a tiled roof this age, the mortar along the ridges is often the first thing to give. Rebedding means relaying the mortar that holds the ridge caps, and repointing is the flexible top seal over it. Monier notes pointing can crack or loosen with weather and recommends modern flexible compounds for repairs.
Monier strongly advises against pressure washing tiles because of the risk of damage, so ask how the roofer plans to clean.
Replacement is for roofs where tiles are cracking or crumbling right across. If you're torn, answer a few questions in the restore or replace tool.
What a Hoppers Crossing roof quote should spell out
- Metres of ridge to be rebedded and repointed, and the pointing product
- How many broken tiles will be replaced, and where matching tiles will come from
- How the roof will be cleaned, and why that method is safe for your tiles
- For homes built or renovated before 1990, whether any eaves, sheeting or old gutters could be asbestos
- The workmanship warranty, in writing
Our take on Hoppers Crossing roofs
On a 1970s or 80s tiled roof, we'd start with the ridges and any cracked tiles, which is where most leaks begin. A coating is optional, not essential. If the roof has never been looked at since the house was built, get it inspected before winter rather than after the first drip.
Want a roofer to take a look?
Tell us the job and your postcode. We match it with a Find My Roofer certified roofer who specialises in that kind of work, and they call you to quote. Your number goes to them alone.
