Victoria Park's roofs, then and now
A gold rush suburb
Residential subdivision began in 1887. The railway came in 1893, and by 1897 the new municipality had 1,197 residents and 350 dwellings. Trams started in 1905, and 5,000 people lived here by 1917.
What older Perth houses wore
Cockburn's heritage guide says inter-war California bungalows (1915 to 1940) were roofed in Marseilles tiles, corrugated iron, bituminous felt or asbestos-cement shingles. Older weatherboard workers' cottages had hipped corrugated iron roofs.
Infill beside the originals
Townhouses have replaced some of the original homes. In 2021, 38.4% of occupied homes were separate houses, 36.7% townhouses or similar and 24.6% flats or apartments.
A heritage list with legal weight
The Town of Victoria Park's Local Heritage List gives statutory protection. Building and demolition work on listed properties generally needs development approval, though some minor works are exempt.
Which roof jobs come up in Victoria Park?
On old cottages, look out for rust around nail holes, sheets lifting at the edges and tired flashings where chimneys come through. A careful repair to the worst sheets and flashings can keep an old iron roof going.
Marseilles tiles (an interlocking terracotta pattern) can be repaired a few at a time, and a roofer can usually source a close match, sometimes from reclaimed tiles. See terracotta roof restoration if the whole roof needs attention.
If the house is on the Town's heritage list, check with the Town before replacing roofing you can see from the street. Roof repairs in Perth explains the common jobs.
Shingles or flat sheets on an old house
These could be asbestos cement. Don't let anyone pressure clean, cut, drill or walk on them until they've been tested. Our guide to whether your roof is asbestos explains what to look for.
Renting? What to do about a roof leak
Tell your landlord or property manager in writing as soon as you see a leak, with photos and the date. If water is near lights or power points, turn the power off at the switchboard and say plainly that it's urgent.
Landlords, keep the roofer's dated report with your property records. It shows what was found and fixed, which helps with the next tenant, the next leak or an insurance claim.
Our view on Victoria Park roofs
On an old cottage, we'd look for a roofer who'll repair rather than default to replacing. Check the heritage list first, and if there's any chance of asbestos, test before anyone touches it. If you're renting, your job is to report it quickly and clearly; the fix is your landlord's call.
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.