Roof replacement and storm season in Brisbane

Brisbane storms can be fierce. Strong winds, heavy rain and sometimes hail arrive fast, and an old roof is often where the damage shows first. Here is how to get your roof ready, and what to do if a storm finds a weak spot.

Why storms are hard on old roofs

A roof that copes with gentle rain can fail in a storm because:

• Wind lifts loose sheets and tiles. Popped screws and cracked ridge bedding give the wind something to grab.
• Heavy rain overwhelms weak points. Blocked valleys, tired flashings and porous tiles let water in when there is a lot of it in a short time.
• Hail cracks tiles. Old, brittle concrete tiles crack more easily.
• Debris blocks gutters and valleys. Water then backs up under the roof.

Before storm season: a quick checklist

From the ground, look for:

1. Loose, lifted or missing tiles or sheets
2. Cracked or missing ridge bedding on tile roofs
3. Rust at the laps and screws on metal roofs
4. Lifted or rusted flashings
5. Gutters and valleys full of leaves
6. Overhanging branches that could fall on the roof

If you see several of these, it is worth having the roof inspected before the storms arrive.

Plan a replacement before summer if you can

If your roof is near the end of its life, replacing it before the wet season has real advantages:

• Better weather for the work. Roof replacement needs dry days. Fewer storms means fewer delays.
• Less risk of damage. A new, properly fixed roof with new flashings is far better prepared for strong winds and heavy rain.
• Peace of mind. You are not lying awake listening to the rain.

After a storm

If a storm has been through:

1. Stay off the roof. Wet roofs are slippery and storm damage can be unstable.
2. Check from the ground and inside. Look for missing or moved tiles and sheets, bent flashings and new water stains on ceilings.
3. Take photos before anything is moved or cleaned up.
4. Protect what you can inside. Move belongings away from leaks and catch drips.
5. Contact your insurer if you plan to claim.
6. Get the roof inspected so you know what is needed.

We can provide a written quote you can send to your insurer. Your insurer decides what your policy covers.

Making a new roof storm ready

When a roof is replaced, the details that matter most in a storm are:

• Sheets fixed correctly for the location and exposure
• New flashings and valley iron, properly installed
• New ridge capping
• Gutters and downpipes sized and clear so water can get away

Not sure where your roof stands?

If you are worried about how your roof will handle this storm season, book a free inspection. We tell you honestly what we see and send a written quote if work is needed.