New Tile Roofs for Old Heritage Homes with Monier™ Roofing Tiles

Restoring an old home is all about balance—preserving its original character while upgrading it for modern life. At Metropolitan Roof Repairs, we specialise in heritage roofing across Melbourne, and we’ve found Monier™ roofing tiles to be one of the most trusted and effective ways to breathe new life into period homes. With architecturally sensitive tile profiles, sustainable manufacturing, and exceptional durability, Monier™ is reshaping the future of heritage re-roofing—without compromising on tradition.

A Heritage of Roofing, Reimagined

From ornate Victorian terraces to stately Edwardian villas and Federation-era cottages, Melbourne’s historic homes require roofing materials that honour their legacy. Monier™ tiles strike the perfect balance—classic aesthetics with modern performance.

Whether it’s the French-inspired Marseille terracotta tile or the slate-like finish of the Cambridge concrete profile, Monier™ offers a comprehensive range that reflects the architectural integrity of heritage homes while meeting today’s expectations around:

  • Durability and weather resilience
  • Energy efficiency and insulation
  • Sustainable manufacturing and low maintenance

Melbourne Heritage Roofs: Real Stories, Real Restoration

Melbourne’s heritage landscape is rich and varied, from Gothic Revival schools and churches to intricate Victorian terraces and Federation cottages. At Metropolitan Roof Repairs, our deep experience restoring these iconic roofs sets us apart.

Notable Local Heritage Roofs We Frequently Restore:

  • St Mary Star of the Sea, West Melbourne (1892–1925) – A French Gothic Revival church with a Westmorland slate roof and zinc-clad flèche. Restoration requires specialist techniques and copper-nailed slate patterns.
  • St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne CBD (1880–1891) – Features slate roofing with polychrome stone detailing. Restoration must maintain original ridge and pitch characteristics.
  • Victorian polychrome terraces in Fitzroy, Carlton, and Ripponlea – Commonly built with Marseille-style terracotta tiles, decorative ridges and finials.
  • Federation-style villas in Camberwell, Kew, and Hawthorn – Often updated with slate-look concrete tiles like Cambridge for durability and heritage compliance.

Common Roof Types in Melbourne’s Heritage Stock:

  • Slate and slate-look tiles: Found on churches and high-end homes. Often restored using reclaimed Welsh or Westmorland slate, or synthetic options.
  • Terracotta profiles: Including Marseille and Spanish Barrel tiles, especially on steep gables and verandahs.
  • Concrete alternatives: Like Monier’s Cambridge, Horizon, and Marseille tiles, which preserve aesthetics while improving lifespan and performance.

How We Approach Each Tiled Roof:

  • We source professional-grade slate and terracotta to match historic shapes, ridge forms, and colours.
  • For Victorian terraces, we review original plans to reinstate finials, cresting, and ridge lines.
  • Federation homes often receive Cambridge concrete tiles for a slate-like look with modern resilience.
  • For churches and public buildings, we work with heritage architects and manage all overlay approvals.

 

By restoring churches like St Paul’s or terraces in Carlton, we bring original roofs back to life with the care and precision they deserve—while Monier™ tiles deliver superior performance with heritage accuracy.

Monier™ Trusted for Generations And Still Going Strong

With over 100 years of roofing history, Monier™ remains Australia’s most trusted name in heritage tile roofing. Backed by a 50-year product guarantee, their terracotta and concrete tiles:

  • Resist warping and fading
  • Stand up to Melbourne’s variable weather
  • Require virtually no ongoing maintenance

 

Tiles like Horizon and Madison deliver modern resilience while enhancing the visual character of heritage homes.

Sustainability Meets Style

Today’s restorations are about performance as much as preservation. Monier™ tiles are manufactured using recyclable materials and low-carbon production methods, aligning perfectly with renovation trends prioritising:

  • Environmental responsibility
  • Low maintenance and longevity
  • Energy-efficient living

 

Combined with insulation, double-glazing, and solar-readiness, Monier™ roofs create high-performing, heritage-appropriate homes.

New 2025 Profiles for Character Homes

Monier’s 2025 range gives us the design flexibility needed for different architectural styles:

  • Urban Shingle – For Hamptons, mid-century and heritage homes. Sleek, flat and seamless.
  • Madison – Centre shadow line for minimalist restorations with subtle depth.
  • Horizon – Flat concrete tile, perfect for solar integration and clean lines.
  • Marseille (Terracotta) – Deep colours and curved French profiles, perfect for Victorian homes.
  • Cambridge – Slate-look with a “hewn stone” finish. Ideal for Edwardian and Federation homes.
  • Atura – Rustic timber-shake look for traditional Australian homes.

Energy Efficiency That Respects Heritage Rules

Heritage homeowners expect more than just a beautiful roof. They want:

  • Thermal comfort in summer and winter
  • Lower energy bills
  • Solar readiness—without compromising on appearance

 

Monier™ tiles deliver all three. With high solar reflectance and thermal emittance, they help regulate indoor temperatures. Their C-LOC™ colour technology ensures long-term UV protection and fade resistance—even outperforming COLORBOND®.

Colour Trends Blending Old And New

2025 colour palettes favour natural tones that bridge heritage charm with modern appeal:

  • Deep earthy reds and browns
  • Rich blues and native Australian greens
  • Timeless charcoal, slate and stone hues

 

Monier™’s latest colour updates across terracotta and concrete tiles ensure you stay on trend without losing the essence of your home’s original architecture.

What Melbourne Homeowners Are Saying

Our clients across Melbourne consistently tell us they value:

  • The visual transformation of their home
  • The speed and cleanliness of the re-roofing process
  • The professionalism of our team and the quality of Monier™ materials

 

Social media is full of stunning Monier™ transformations. From weatherboard cottages to Victorian terraces, these real-world examples prove how impactful a new roof can be, with the right materials and the right installer.

Partner with Melbourne’s Heritage Roofing Specialists

The tile is only half the story. Getting a heritage roof right means working with a team that understands how Melbourne homes are built—and how they should be restored.

At Metropolitan Roof Repairs, we’ve spent decades working under local heritage overlays. We know what’s required to:

  • Match tile profiles to original builds
  • Navigate planning approvals and council heritage restrictions
  • Deliver exceptional workmanship that respects every detail

A New Start For Old Homes

Whether you’re restoring a grand Victorian in Carlton or a Federation classic in Brighton, your roof plays a crucial role in protecting and preserving your home’s legacy.

With Monier™ tiles and Melbourne’s #1 Roofers Metropolitan Roof Repairs on your side, you can confidently give your heritage home the roof it deserves—one that honours the past and performs for the future.