Storm Damage on Your Roof: What to Do in the First 48 Hours
Hail, fallen branches, lifted ridge caps in a southerly — Sydney homes cop it. Here's the playbook we give every customer who calls us after a storm.
Hour 0–2: stop the water
- Move furniture and electronics out of any wet rooms
- Catch internal drips with buckets, not towels — towels hold water against floors
- If there's pooling in the ceiling, pierce a small drain hole with a screwdriver to release it controllably
- Turn power off to any wet circuits at the switchboard
Hour 2–24: document everything
Insurance claims live or die on documentation. Take date-stamped photos of every damaged area, internal and external. Don't throw anything away — broken tiles, branches, hail stones — your assessor will want to see them.
Hour 24–48: temporary make-safe
A licensed roofer can install a tarp 'make-safe' that buys you weeks while your claim is processed. Most insurers will cover this cost — get the invoice and a written scope.
Working with your insurer
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Get your own independent quote | Sign anything from a door-knocker |
| Photograph before make-safe work | Pay cash for any work |
| Request the assessor's report in writing | Accept a verbal scope |
| Use a licensed local roofer | Use the cheapest interstate crew |
"Storm season is when the cowboys come out. If a 'roofer' knocks on your door after a storm — close it."
— Kahli, 2 Old Roofers
FAQ
Will my insurance cover the full repair?+
If the damage is storm-caused (not pre-existing wear), most policies cover repair to pre-storm condition.
Do you do emergency make-safe?+
Yes — we offer same-day make-safe across Sydney during storm season. Call Jeff on 0448 428 000.
How long until I can get a permanent repair?+
Storm season backlog is usually 2–4 weeks. Get on a list early.
Need a real roofer on the job?
45+ years on Sydney roofs. Call Jeff direct or request a written quote.
