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Blue tarp over hail damaged tile roof with melting hailstones on lawn

Storm and hail damage in Canberra

Storm damage roof repair in Canberra after hail and wind

Help to make your roof safe, document the damage and plan the permanent repair.

  • Temporary cover for leaks and missing sheets
  • Photos and written scope for your insurer
  • Permanent tile and steel roof repairs

Step 1 of 3

What do you need?

What should I do first after a hailstorm or severe wind?

Put safety first. Do not climb onto a damaged roof. Broken tiles, wet surfaces and weakened sheets can give way, and a fall can be serious.

  1. If anyone is in danger or there is a fire risk, call 000. For storm help that is not life-threatening, contact the ACT State Emergency Service.
  2. Check inside for ceiling bulges, drips and wet insulation. Move belongings out of the way and put a bucket under the drip.
  3. If water is near light fittings or switches, turn off the power to that area.
  4. From the ground, take clear photos of the damage and of any hail on the ground, with the date.
  5. Contact your insurer and ask how its claims process works.
  6. Call us for temporary cover and an inspection.

How does hail damage Canberra roofs?

Canberra can get severe hail in the warm months. The January 2020 hailstorm damaged many roofs, cars and windows across the city, and it is a reminder of how quickly a good roof can be hit.

Typical damage includes:

  • Cracked or broken concrete and terracotta tiles.
  • Dented steel sheets and bruised paint or coating.
  • Cracked skylights, vents and whirlybirds.
  • Dented gutters and downpipes.
  • Damaged solar panels and flashings.

Some damage cannot be seen from the ground. Small cracks in tiles and dents in steel can let water in weeks later, so a close inspection after any severe hail is worth doing. A longer look at the roof's overall condition is described on our roof inspection page.

What does emergency make-safe work involve?

Make-safe work is temporary and aims to stop more water getting in until a proper repair can be done. Depending on the damage, it may include:

  • Covering open areas with heavy-duty tarpaulins, tied down to withstand wind.
  • Replacing or refixing a few tiles or sheets to close the worst gaps.
  • Securing loose ridge capping, flashings and guttering.
  • Removing debris and broken pieces that could fall.

Make-safe work also protects what is inside. Moving furniture, covering floors and lifting damp insulation early can reduce mould and stained ceilings. Keep photos of the cover as well as the damage, because your insurer may ask for both.

A tarp is not a permanent fix. It can flap, tear and move in strong westerlies, so plan the permanent repair soon. For the next step, see roof repair for smaller fixes, or roof replacement if the damage is widespread.

Policies differ, so read yours or ask your insurer. Many Australian home policies cover sudden storm and hail damage, but they usually exclude wear and tear. Note your excess and ask whether the insurer wants its own assessor or has a preferred process.

We can inspect the roof, take photos and write up the scope and quote. That documentation helps your claim, but we do not make claims for you and cannot say what an insurer will approve. Keep all receipts, including any for make-safe work.

After a large storm, be wary of traders who knock on your door. Ask for a licence, insurance and a written quote, and do not pay the full amount before work is done.

How long do permanent repairs take, and when should you call?

It depends on the damage and on how many other roofs were hit. After a big storm, demand for roofers and replacement tiles jumps, and lead times grow. Small repairs may take a day, while a large re-roof takes longer.

Call as soon as it is safe, even if damage looks minor. Early action limits water damage inside and gives you records for your insurer. If you are worried about your roof in general, return to the Canberra Roofing Co home page for the full list of services.

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Written estimates
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Questions about roofing in Canberra

Does home insurance cover hail damage to my roof?

Many Australian home insurance policies cover sudden storm and hail damage, but terms, excesses and exclusions vary. Wear and tear is usually not covered. Read your product disclosure statement and ask your insurer before you arrange any permanent work, so you know what it needs from you.

Should I climb up to check the damage myself?

No. Damaged tiles and wet or icy surfaces are dangerous, and falls from roofs cause serious injuries. Look from the ground, from a window or with a camera zoom, and photograph what you see. Leave the close inspection to a roofer with the right access and safety equipment.

Can you put a tarp on my roof?

We can arrange temporary cover when it is safe to work. Wind, lightning and a very wet roof can make it unsafe, and we will tell you if a visit has to wait. A tarp limits further water damage but it is only a short-term measure until the permanent repair.

How soon after a storm should I have the roof checked?

As soon as it is safe. Small cracks and dents can leak weeks later, after the next rain. A check soon after the storm lets you document the damage for your insurer and fix small problems before they turn into stained ceilings and wet insulation.

What about damaged gutters, skylights and solar panels?

We can inspect and repair gutters, downpipes, flashings and skylights as part of roof work. Solar panels usually need a licensed electrician to test, remove or refit. Tell us about them when you call so the work can be planned in the right order.

How it works

Call or request a quote

Tell us what is happening with the roof.

Free inspection

A roofer checks the roof and gives a written price.

Work done right

Clean crew, nail sweep, warranty in writing.

Request storm and hail damage

Tell us what you need and we call you back.

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What do you need?

No obligation.

Ready when you are

Call now or request a quote online.

(02) 5550 4993

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