Queensland homeowners are no strangers to strong winds, especially during storm season. But while the sound of wind outside is normal, many homeowners start to worry when they hear rattling, banging or tapping sounds coming from the roof itself. In most cases, these noises are caused by roof tiles moving or vibrating in the wind.
At Storm Call Roofing Projects, we often get calls from Brisbane and Gold Coast homeowners concerned about roof noise during high winds. In this blog, we’ll break down why tiled roofs sometimes rattle in windy conditions, what the causes may be, and what you should do if you start hearing these noises at your home.
Is It Normal for Roof Tiles to Make Noise?
The short answer is: no, but it’s not uncommon. Tiled roofs are designed to stay secure and silent, even during heavy winds. If you’re hearing movement or rattling, it usually indicates that something isn’t quite as tight or secure as it should be.
The good news is, early detection often means a fairly simple fix. Ignoring it, however, can lead to bigger issues, especially during Queensland’s storm season.
Common Causes of Rattling Roof Tiles
There are several reasons why your tiled roof may start making noise when the wind picks up. The most common culprits include:
1. Loose or Dislodged Tiles
Over time, tiles can shift slightly due to thermal expansion, age, or previous storms. Even a small amount of movement leaves tiles vulnerable to wind uplift, causing them to lift slightly and bang back into place as the wind gusts.
2. Poor Fixing or Missing Clips
Modern tiled roofs often use clips, nails, or fasteners to secure tiles to the roof battens. If tiles weren’t properly fixed during installation, or if older clips have corroded or failed, tiles can move freely in strong winds.
3. Deteriorating Ridge Capping
The mortar that secures ridge capping can crack or crumble over time, leaving sections of ridge tiles slightly loose. As wind moves across the roof, even a small amount of play can cause knocking or rattling noises.
4. Wind Uplift
Queensland’s strong winds create pockets of uplift across the roof, particularly around:
- Roof edges and eaves
- Gables
- Valleys
- Ridge lines
If tiles aren’t properly seated or clipped, uplift pressure can momentarily lift them, causing repeated tapping sounds as they settle back down.
5. Age and General Wear
Older roofs that have weathered many seasons may simply be showing signs of general wear. Repeated exposure to sun, rain, and wind slowly loosens fixings and weakens the overall tightness of the roofing system.
Is It Dangerous or Just Annoying?
While the rattling may start out as just an annoying noise, any loose tiles can quickly become a much bigger issue if left unattended. Movement caused by wind can:
- Allow water to enter beneath the tiles, leading to leaks and ceiling damage.
- Worsen over time, eventually resulting in tiles becoming fully dislodged.
- Create safety risks if tiles lift or fall during high wind events.
Early investigation is always recommended. Catching a minor movement issue now can save you from much more serious roof damage during Queensland’s next storm season.
What Should You Do If You Hear Roof Tile Noise?
If you’re hearing rattling or banging noises coming from your tiled roof:
- Don’t climb up yourself – walking on a tiled roof can cause more damage or even injury.
- Monitor when the noise occurs – note whether it happens only during strong winds or if it’s becoming more regular.
- Arrange a professional roof inspection – qualified roofers can safely assess whether tiles are loose, if ridge capping needs repair, or if fixings have failed.
Often, resolving roof noise is a straightforward repair such as re-fixing loose tiles, replacing damaged clips, or repointing sections of ridge capping.
Preventative Maintenance Is Key
Regular roof maintenance helps prevent these issues from developing in the first place. We recommend Queensland homeowners have their tiled roofs professionally inspected every 1–2 years, particularly before storm season.
A routine check can identify:
- Loose or shifted tiles
- Early signs of mortar cracking
- Failing fixings or corroded clips
- Blocked gutters that contribute to water build-up
By staying on top of maintenance, you’ll extend the life of your roof and avoid the costly repairs that come from neglected minor issues.
Hearing Noises? We’re Here to Help.
If your tiled roof is rattling in the wind, don’t ignore it. What starts as a small noise can quickly turn into serious roof damage if left unchecked, especially with Queensland’s wild weather.
At Storm Call Roofing Projects, we specialise in tiled roof inspections, repairs, and maintenance across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Our experienced team can quickly identify the cause of roof tile movement and carry out the right repairs to keep your roof secure and quiet.
Contact us today to book your roof inspection and give yourself peace of mind before the next big storm rolls through.
