Simple checks and maintenance that can help prepare your roof for Sydney storms, plus what to do after damage.
7 min read
By Empire Roofing Team
Sydney storms can bring heavy rain, hail, strong wind and falling branches. You cannot storm-proof every roof, but dealing with loose materials, blocked gutters and known leaks beforehand can reduce the chance of avoidable damage.
Understanding Sydney's Storm Risks
The main roof risks include:
Common Storm Hazards:
Severe thunderstorms: Intense rainfall, hail, and damaging winds
East Coast Lows: Extended periods of heavy rain and strong winds
Hailstorms: Can cause significant damage to tiles and metal roofing
Coastal storms: Salt spray and high winds affecting beachside properties
Falling trees: Strong winds can bring down branches or entire trees
Check the Forecast
Use current Bureau of Meteorology warnings when severe weather is expected, and finish outdoor preparation before the storm reaches your area.
Check the Roof Before Storm Season
A ground-level check in late winter or early spring leaves time to deal with obvious problems before the warmer storm season.
What a Roofer Will Look For:
Structural integrity: Checking rafters, trusses, and decking for weakness
Roofing material condition: Looking for loose, cracked, or missing tiles/sheets
Flashing and sealants: Ensuring all joints and penetrations are watertight
Gutter system: Checking for blockages, damage, or improper drainage
Tree hazards: Identifying overhanging branches or unstable trees
Ventilation systems: Ensuring vents are secure and functioning properly
Checks You Can Make From the Ground:
Without getting onto the roof, you can:
Use binoculars to inspect roof surfaces for obvious damage
Check gutters from ground level for visible blockages or damage
Look for water stains on ceilings inside your home
Examine trees near your house for dead branches or instability
Check fence lines and outdoor structures that could become projectiles
Safety First
Do not climb onto the roof to inspect or repair it. Leave roof access to people with the right training and safety equipment.
Essential Pre-Storm Maintenance Tasks
These are the areas usually worth dealing with before severe weather:
1. Secure Loose Roofing Materials
Tighten or replace loose tiles, screws, or clips
Re-point ridge tiles and mortar joints
Replace damaged or missing roofing materials
Secure any lifted metal sheeting or flashings
2. Clean and Prepare Gutters
Remove all debris, leaves, and sediment buildup
Test downpipe flow with running water
Repair any holes, rust spots, or loose brackets
Consider gutter guards where the roof collects heavy leaf fall
Check that gutters fall towards the downpipes
3. Deal With Places Water Can Get In
Inspect and reseal around chimneys, vents, and skylights
Replace deteriorated flashings and sealants
Check and repair roof valley waterproofing
Ensure all roof penetrations are properly sealed
4. Tree and Vegetation Management
Have risky overhanging branches assessed and trimmed
Remove dead or weakened trees that could fall on your property
Clear vegetation growing on or near gutters
Ask a qualified arborist to check large or unstable trees
Other Ways to Get Ready
Beyond basic maintenance, consider these additional measures to improve your roof's storm resistance:
Temporary Storm Preparations:
Secure outdoor furniture: Store or tie down items that could become projectiles
Install temporary barriers: Use sandbags or barriers to redirect water flow
Emergency supplies: Keep tarps, buckets, and basic tools accessible
Document condition: Take photos of your roof before storm season for insurance purposes
Long-term Improvements:
Upgrade roofing materials: Consider impact-resistant materials in hail-prone areas
Improve drainage: Install additional downpipes or larger gutters if needed
Strengthen connections: Upgrade roof-to-wall connections in wind-prone areas
Install storm shutters: Protect windows and prevent interior pressure changes
Keep Useful Records
Photos of the property before and after a storm, along with quotes and invoices, can be useful if you need to speak with your insurer.
Stay Safe During the Storm
Follow official emergency advice and keep clear of damaged roofing, windows, wiring and floodwater.
Indoor Safety Measures:
Stay inside and away from windows and glass doors
Move to the lowest floor of your home if possible
Keep emergency supplies readily accessible
Monitor weather updates and warnings closely
Be prepared to shelter in an interior room without windows
What NOT to Do During a Storm:
Never go outside to inspect damage during the storm
Don't attempt roof repairs during severe weather
Avoid using electrical equipment if water is present
Don't try to clear gutters or downpipes during the storm
Never touch downed power lines or damaged electrical equipment
Immediate Post-Storm Actions
Once official advice says it is safe to go outside, check the property from the ground:
First Safety Check:
Check for immediate hazards like downed power lines or gas leaks
Inspect from ground level only - don't climb on the roof
Look for obvious structural damage or safety concerns
Document everything with photos before making temporary repairs
Record the Damage:
Photograph everything: Both exterior damage and interior water damage
Create a detailed inventory: List all damaged items and areas
Keep receipts: For emergency repairs and temporary accommodations
Contact your insurer: Follow the claim instructions in your policy
Maintain records: Keep all communication with insurance companies
Emergency Temporary Repairs:
Only attempt these if it's safe to do so and you can access the area from ground level:
Place buckets or containers to catch dripping water
Do not try to secure a tarp over the roof yourself
Keep clear of blocked gutters if access is not safely at ground level
Remove debris from around the house
Turn off electricity to affected areas if water is present
Beware of Storm Chasers
Be cautious of door-to-door contractors offering immediate repairs after storms. Always verify licensing, insurance, and get multiple quotes for significant work.
Insurance Claims and Roof Repairs
Policy conditions vary, so follow your insurer's instructions and keep a record of what was damaged and what work is recommended.
Working with Insurance Companies:
Report damage in line with your policy
Provide clear photos and a list of affected areas
Ask the insurer whether it needs to approve work before it starts
Understand the cover and excess that apply
Keep detailed records of all conversations and correspondence
Choosing a Roofer:
Verify credentials: Check licensing, insurance, and local reputation
Get multiple quotes: Compare detailed proposals from several contractors
Check references: Contact previous customers and check online reviews
Written contracts: Ensure all work is documented in writing
Payment terms: Make sure the deposit and progress payments are written clearly
Year-Round Maintenance Schedule
Consistent maintenance throughout the year ensures your roof is always prepared for storm season:
Seasonal Maintenance Calendar:
Spring (September-November): Pre-storm inspection and major repairs
Summer (December-February): Monitor for storm damage after each event
Autumn (March-May): Check for storm damage and arrange repairs
Winter (June-August): Gutter cleaning and minor maintenance
Monthly Tasks:
Visual inspection from ground level
Check for interior water stains or leaks
Clear debris from gutters and around downpipes
Monitor tree growth and health near the roof
When to Call Empire Roofing
Don't wait for storm damage to occur. Contact Empire Roofing if you notice:
Any signs of roof damage or deterioration
Poor drainage or water pooling issues
Interior water stains or leaks
Damaged or missing roofing materials
Concerns about your roof's storm readiness
For an urgent roof problem, call us during business hours. We can talk through what has happened and let you know the next available step.
Prepare Your Roof for Storm Season
If you have noticed loose tiles, rust, blocked gutters or an old leak, give us a call before the next spell of rough weather.
