Jindalee sits on the Brisbane River in the Centenary suburbs. It was the first of the Centenary suburbs to be developed, so many homes here are now 50 or more years old, and so are their roofs or the frames under them.
What's on Jindalee roofs
Jindalee's original homes date from the Centenary Estates development, which began in 1959 and built out through the 1960s and 70s (Centenary Today, checked 18 Oct 2026). Low-set brick and brick-veneer homes with concrete or terracotta tile roofs are typical, with some timber homes with metal roofs. Many have had one round of repairs; plenty are still on their original tiles.
Fifty-year-old tile roofs
At this age, the common problems are failed ridge bedding, porous or cracked tiles, rusted valley irons and broken sarking (if there was any). Terracotta tiles often outlast concrete ones, so a terracotta roof may be worth restoring when a concrete roof of the same age is not. A roofer should look at the battens from inside the roof space before recommending either.
Tile to metal in Jindalee
Converting to metal is popular here, particularly when owners add solar or want a lighter roof on an older frame. The job usually includes new battens, sarking or an insulation blanket, new gutters and fixing to the site's wind rating. See our tile-to-metal guide.
Asbestos check
Homes built before 1990 can have asbestos cement in eaves linings and, less often, in roofing. Get it identified before work starts; removing more than 10 m² of bonded asbestos needs a licensed removalist. See our licensing guide.
Riverside streets
Streets near the Brisbane River and Jindalee's creeks may be in flood overlays (City Plan mapping). That matters for ceilings and insulation after a flood more than for the roof, but it is worth knowing if insulation is part of the job.
Jindalee questions
Is a 50-year-old terracotta roof worth restoring?
It can be. Terracotta often lasts longer than concrete tiles. If the tiles are sound and the battens are good, rebedding, repointing and replacing broken tiles may be enough.
Do I need approval to change from tiles to metal?
Often not for a like-for-like roof on a house, but structural changes can need building approval. Ask the roofer or a certifier, and check any overlays on City Plan.
Want a price for your roof?
Send the suburb, the roof type and what's wrong. A local QBCC-licensed roofer can then contact you to arrange an inspection and quote.