If you live in Melbourne, you’ll know how variable and harsh the weather here can be, particularly when it comes to winter storms. From heavy rain and hail to strong winds, these events can wear away at commercial and residential roofing quickly, or do a whole lot of damage all at once. 

Some roofing issues are immediately visible, like gutter leakages or cracks in the roof, but others may go unnoticed until leaks or internal water damage begin to appear. If you’re not sure what to look for, we’ll cover all the most common concerns and how to go about getting things repaired. 

Common Types of Roof Storm Damage

Storms can affect your roofing in a number of ways, with things like the materials your roof is made of, how old it is, and the condition it’s in all playing a major part. Here are some of the most common issues:

• Wind-Lifted Tiles or Sheets: Wind alone can be enough to loosen or dislodge roof tiles and metal sheets, especially if the fixtures have become rusted or damaged. This can then expose the roof cavity underneath. 
• Hail Impact Damage: Hail can be another factor, with the speed and size of it resulting in things like cracks, dents in metal roofing, and damage to your gutters. While the odd hail storm alone isn’t necessarily going to have a major impact, over time, it can weaken the roof and increase the risk of water penetration into your home. 
• Gutter Overflow and Water Pooling: Guttering is an often overlooked component of roof damage, but blocked gutters often overflow during heavy rain. Caused by things like leaves and debris, poor drainage can lead to ceiling leaks, mould, and water damage around the property. 

Signs of Storm Damage to Roofs

While it’s easier to see things like damaged or overflowing gutters, if there’s an issue in the centre of your roof that isn’t visible, you may notice the issue from inside the house first. Here are some of the key ways you can tell if major storm damage has occurred: 

• Ceiling Leaks or Water Stains: If you’re starting to notice marks on the ceiling that are discoloured, can feel a clear damp patch, or have paint that’s warped or bubbled, these are strong signs you’ve got some storm roof damage. It’s especially important to get your roof inspected quickly so any damage can be properly assessed and fixed before anything spreads further or structural rot can set in. 
• Missing Shingles or Roof Panels: If you’ve gone outside and noticed a roof tile has slipped, or you can hear the metal panelling of your roof making noise like it’s become dislodged, you likely have structural issues that have loosened the protective components of your roof. 

What to Do Immediately After Discovering Roof Storm Damage

If it’s been a while since you’ve had a roof inspection and you have got some damage, there are a few things you can do before getting in a professional to assess and repair your roof. 

Stay Safe and Assess the Situation

First and foremost, your own personal safety is key. While it can be tempting, we don’t recommend trying to climb onto the roof. After heavy rain, or in the instance of structural damage, your roof can be slippery or unstable. At Clarke Roofing, we have plenty of experience identifying issues and also use drones to get a proper look at our customer’s roofs before getting up there ourselves. 

What you can do is check your interiors for signs of damage which can span from anything like cracks or wet patches to leaks and dripping noises. This will help you figure out where damage has occurred and all point to more intensive, urgent, professional assessment. 

Document the Damage for Insurance

If you are noting damage at home, proper documentation can make any insurance claims you want to make go a lot smoother. Start by taking photos of any damage so they’re time-stamped. You should include things like visible damage to your roof and gutters, but also any internal damage. 

When to Call for Professional Storm Damage Roof Repair

To limit further issues and address any storm damage, getting a professional opinion should be top priority. The sooner you can get things checked over and get a quote, the sooner you can have things mended, which is especially important when it’s winter and further rain can exacerbate existing concerns. 

When you get roof repairs done quickly, you’ll be helping reduce the chances of rain from soaking into the insulation, weakening timber structures, and encouraging mould growth. Even small issues can have bigger, unseen impacts over time, so if a loose tile or cracked roof appears, getting onto it quickly can save you on a damp house and reduce overall costs in the long run. 

How Experts Handle Roof Storm Damage

Here at Clarke Roofing, we have all the tools and skills required to do everything from initial assessments to full scale roof replacements. We’ll look at things like guttering and the quality of your roof, check for any areas that aren’t an issue yet but could be susceptible to damage, and put together a full report. 

Getting ahead with an inspection and getting roof maintenance done in advance is a great way to ensure you’re protecting your home or commercial property. Preventative maintenance is always better than something happening when you least expect it, and we’re happy to help with a free inspection and an obligation-free quote for any work we’d recommend. 

If a storm has come through and you have got some damage, we can typically attend within 24 hours. From there, we can patch any major issues until full-scale roof repairs can be completed, reducing the potential for further damage and limiting disruption at home. 

The team at Clarke Roofing are fully qualified and have over  20 years experience in the roofing industry. We cover a broad area throughout the Melbourne area, so if it’s been a while since you had your roof inspected, or are worried about structural damage, contact our team any time for support.