You know how it is – Christmas is meant to be all about peace, goodwill and family time. But this year, Mother Nature had other ideas. She decided to give South East Queensland a right old battering with some of the worst storms in years. High winds, driving rain, even hailstones the size of golf balls came pelting down. No surprise that quite a few roofs couldn’t take the punishment. From the Gold Coast to Brisbane and beyond, homes and businesses saw tiles ripped off, solar panels smashed, and leaks springing everywhere. If you were hosting Christmas lunch and had to stick buckets under new drips from the ceiling, you’re not alone. Plenty of people are now facing a big repair job. But it’s not all doom and gloom – local tradies have been run off their feet with work, and communities have rallied round to help out those worst affected.
Overview of the Christmas Storms in South East Queensland
The recent storms around Christmas caused extensive damage to roofs throughout Brisbane and the Gold Coast. On Christmas Day, golf ball-sized hail pummelling parts of southeast Queensland, leaving thousands without power. A tornado even tore through the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim, with wind speeds up to 150 mph, resulting in an unprecedented blackout on Christmas night.
Between the hail, heavy rain and tornado, many homes and businesses were left with severely damaged roofs. Rooftops made of metal sheeting or tiles were dented, cracked and stripped bare in some cases. The roofs of houses, apartments, shops and industrial buildings all took a beating.
Repairing or replacing damaged roofs has been an urgent priority for many in the aftermath. With heavy demand, roofing contractors have been working around the clock. If your roof was impacted, it’s important to get it assessed right away to determine if repairs or replacement are needed and to prevent further damage.
A damaged roof can lead to leaks, mould growth and higher energy bills if left unaddressed. Seeking advice from a professional roofing company is highly recommended. They can inspect your roof, provide solutions for your needs and get your roof watertight again, whether through repairs, patchwork or total replacement.
The scale of destruction from these wild Christmas storms has been devastating for many, but coming together to help each other during this time is a source of comfort. With hard work and community spirit, damaged roofs across Brisbane and the Gold Coast will be mended and made whole again.
Extent of Roof Damage Caused by the Storms in Brisbane and the Gold Coast
The powerful storms that hit South-East Queensland over Christmas caused widespread damage to homes and businesses in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. High winds and heavy rain battered the region, leaving many without shelter or power for days.
According to emergency services, four houses were completely destroyed while hundreds more suffered damage, mainly to rooftops and upper storeys. The storms brought trees and power lines down, blocking roads and cutting off electricity in some suburbs. Many families were displaced over the holidays, staying with relatives or in emergency accommodation.
The worst affected areas were Brisbane’s bayside, the Gold Coast, and the Scenic Rim. Strong winds tore roofs from houses, allowing rain to pour in and ruin interior rooms and belongings. Metal sheeting was sent flying, windows were smashed, and outdoor structures collapsed under the extreme weather.
On the Gold Coast, a family of five was left with no roof, doors or windows after 90km/h winds battered their home on Christmas night. They described it as a ‘war zone’ and have been staying in emergency housing ever since. Others told of waterfalls forming in their living rooms and having to climb into their attics to avoid flooding.
The damage bill is expected to run into tens of millions of dollars due to the number of properties impacted. Many homeowners face expensive repairs or entire roof replacements to make their houses habitable again. The storms were a sobering reminder of the power of nature and how quickly lives can be disrupted. But community spirit has shone through, with people banding together to help neighbours in need.
Assessing Storm Damage on Your Roof
The recent storms have really done a number on rooftops along the Gold Coast and in Brisbane. All that wind and rain (not to mention hail!) can wreak havoc on your roof, and it’s important to conduct a thorough inspection to determine if any repairs or replacements are needed.
To get started, do a visual check of your roof from the ground for any obvious issues like torn or missing tiles. Use binoculars if needed to get a better view of areas you can’t see clearly. Next, carefully climb up on a ladder for a closer look, or hire a professional to inspect the roof. Check that all tiles are still securely fastened and sealing properly. Look for any cracks or fractures in the tiles, especially around edges and seams. Impact points from hailstones often cause the most damage, so examine the roof closely for circles or pockmarks where hail has struck.
If your roof is made of metal or tile, look for dents, leaks or loose pieces that could fall off. Flashings around skylights and vent pipes are common areas where water can seep in, so inspect them thoroughly.
Once you’ve assessed the full extent of the damage, you can determine what repairs or replacement may be needed. For minor dents, leaks or loose tiles, spot repairs can often be made. However, if there are many damaged or missing tiles, or you discover structural damage, it’s best to call a professional roofing contractor. They can properly assess if a full roof replacement is needed to prevent ongoing water damage and leaks into your home.
After a major storm, it’s critical to promptly check on the state of your roof. Conducting a thorough inspection yourself or with a roofing pro and making any necessary repairs quickly can help minimise damage to your home and keep your property protected from the elements. The time you take now to assess and fix your roof could save you from much bigger headaches down the road!
Repairing or Replacing Your Storm-Damaged Roof
If your roof has sustained damage from the recent storms, the next step is deciding whether to repair or replace it. As a homeowner, this can be a difficult choice, but there are a few factors to consider:
Once the storms have passed, have a reputable roofer like Storm Call Roofing Projects Pty Ltd inspect your roof to determine the severity of the damage. If there are only a few missing or damaged tiles, leaks, or minor dents, a roof repair may suffice. Repairs are often cheaper and can extend the life of an otherwise functioning roof.
However, if large sections of tiles have been torn off, the roof structure or frame is damaged, or your roof is quite old already, replacement is probably the better option. A new roof installation provides peace of mind that your home will be protected for years to come. While pricier upfront, a roof replacement adds value to your property and saves money in the long run.
When deciding between roof repair or replacement, think about your budget, the roof’s age and overall condition, and how long you plan to stay in the home. For extensive damage, roof replacement is usually the smarter choice structurally and financially. But for minor issues, targeted repairs can be an affordable short-term solution.
The recent storms have left many Gold Coast and Brisbane homeowners with damaged roofs and difficult decisions to make. But with the help of a reputable local roofer, you can determine whether roof repairs or replacement are right for your situation. Protecting your home and family should be the top priority right now; a new roof or professional repairs will give you security and comfort for years to come.
FAQs About Roof Repairs After a Storm in Gold Coast
The recent storms around Christmas caused widespread damage to properties across South-East Queensland. If your roof suffered damage from high winds or heavy rain, you likely have some questions about next steps. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about roof repairs after a storm.
How soon do I need to get my roof checked?
As soon as possible. Storm damage can quickly lead to leaks and further issues if left unaddressed. It’s best to get a professional roof inspection within a few days of a major storm. An assessment by a roofing contractor can determine if any immediate repairs or temporary fixes are needed to prevent damage to your home’s interior or valuables.
What types of damage should I look for?
Storms often cause damage like missing or loose tiles, holes, dents, or cracks. Water damage may show up as dark spots or stains on ceilings and walls. You may also notice leaks, pooling water, or visible standing water on the roof. Bent or damaged flashing around skylights, and vents can also allow water to seep in.
How much will repairs or replacement cost?
The cost will depend on the type of roof you have and the extent of the damage. Many roofers offer free estimates to assess damage and provide repair or replacement quotes.
Will my insurance cover the costs?
If you have homeowner’s insurance, damage from storms is typically covered under your policy. Your insurance provider may cover all or a portion of the costs for roof repairs or replacement, minus your deductible. Be sure to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after a storm to begin a claim for your roof damage. They can determine if your policy covers the needed repairs or replacement and how much they will contribute.
Roof damage should be taken seriously after a major storm. Addressing issues quickly can help prevent costly additional repairs down the road. With the right roofing contractor and potential insurance claim, you can get your roof back to providing dependable protection from the elements.
Conclusion
So there you have it. The recent Christmas storms have left a real trail of destruction on roofs across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. If your home or business has been affected, don’t delay in getting roof repairs done by a qualified roofer (like Storm Call) or speaking to your insurer. With the cyclone season just getting started too, it’s important to prepare your property as best you can. Stay safe out there! And here’s hoping for some calmer weather as we head into the New Year.
