Old Port Roofing, we have all your roofing solutions covered. We offer roofing services for residential, commercial and industrial sectors.
Old Port Roofing, we have all your roofing solutions covered. We offer roofing services for residential, commercial and industrial sectors.
Adelaide’s storm season can leave more than fallen branches behind. Strong winds, hail and heavy rain may dislodge tiles, dent metal sheeting and block gutters, often before damage is visible from the ground.
Post-storm roof maintenance helps homeowners identify these issues early. A damaged roof may not show obvious signs straight away, and water can sometimes seep into the roof cavity for weeks before a ceiling stain appears. Checking the roof systematically after severe weather can help prevent a small problem from developing into a more extensive repair.
This checklist explains what to look for, when a closer inspection is worthwhile and which jobs should be left to a licensed roofing professional.
After a storm, inspect your roof from the ground for loose or missing tiles, dented sheeting and missing ridge capping. Look inside for ceiling stains, damp spots or musty smells that could indicate a slow leak, and check the gutters and downpipes for blockages, damage or sagging. If you find exposed sarking, structural damage or anything else you can’t safely assess yourself, get in a professional inspector.
Post-storm roof maintenance is particularly important in Adelaide, where strong winds, heavy rain and hail can place different parts of a roofing system under pressure. Coastal properties may also experience increased corrosion due to salt exposure, while homes in tree-lined suburbs can be more prone to blocked gutters and falling branches.
Catching damage early, before a leak appears inside the home, can be the difference between a straightforward repair and more extensive restoration work.
Before checking anything, walk around the outside of your home and look for obvious hazards such as fallen branches, exposed wiring or loose guttering.
Never climb onto a wet or storm-damaged roof, even if it has a low pitch. Loosened tiles, damaged fixings and slippery surfaces can make falls far more likely. A careful walk around the property with a pair of binoculars can reveal much of the visible damage without putting you at risk.
If your home is two storeys, has a steep roof pitch, or you do not feel confident assessing the roofline, leave the physical inspection to a professional.
Once it is safe to do so, work through the following steps in order. Each one focuses on a different part of the roofing system, which helps reduce the likelihood of overlooking damage.
Check for missing, broken or dislodged tiles and dented or lifted metal roofing sheets Check the ridge cap at the top of the roof for loose mortar or screws, as heavy winds can dislodge these.
Look for tile fragments, granules or other unusual debris near downpipes. These may indicate damage to roof tiles or protective coatings. Photograph anything that looks out of place. Even if you are unsure whether an area is damaged, having a clear record may be useful later.
Once the rain has stopped, look for overflow marks on external walls, standing water, or gutters that are separating from the fascia.
If your gutters are already old or rusting, storm damage may be the point at which a small repair becomes a professional gutter replacement. With an average annual rainfall of about 550 mm, Adelaide gutters do considerable work, so it is worth checking them even when no obvious problems are visible.
Flashing around chimneys, skylights and roof valleys is one of the more vulnerable parts of a roofing system. Strong winds can loosen it or tear it away completely.
Water stains forming around a chimney or valley after rain are often among the first signs of flashing failure. Because repairs in these areas may involve both roofing and plumbing work, it is often safer to arrange expert roof plumbing services rather than attempt a temporary patch yourself.
Failed flashing is a common cause of hidden, slow-developing leaks. Addressing it early can help prevent moisture from spreading into the roof structure or the home’s interior.
If you can safely access the roof cavity, look for damp insulation, water stains on timber or daylight coming through gaps where it should not be visible.
Inside the home, check ceilings and cornices for discolouration, bubbling paint or a musty smell. These can indicate moisture sitting behind the surface. Some signs may not appear immediately after a storm and can take days or weeks to develop, so it is worth checking again after a week or two.
A slow leak is generally easier and less costly to repair when it is identified early.
Verandahs, carports, and patio roofs are often built with lighter materials so that storm damage may be more noticeable than on the main roof. Check for movement or lifting around fixings, brackets and roofing sheets, as wind uplift can particularly affect these structures.
If you are considering upgrading an older structure, it is worth exploring verandah roofing options suited to Adelaide’s weather conditions. Do not ignore any damage you find. A compromised verandah roof can allow water to track back towards the main house.
Photograph all visible damage before repairs begin. Take wide shots that show the affected area in context, along with close-ups of specific issues.
Save copies of local weather reports or warnings issued at the time and write down the date of the storm. Insurers can request this information when assessing a claim, so having it ready from the beginning can make the process easier.
If you are unsure whether the damage is claimable, a written assessment or quote from a licensed contractor may help clarify the extent of the work required.
Different roofing materials can show storm damage in different ways. Knowing what is typical for your roof can help you identify potential problems.
| Roof Type | Common Storm Damage Signs | What It Often Means |
| Terracotta or concrete tiles | Cracked, chipped or slipped tiles; dislodged ridge capping | Water can enter through gaps even when the tile itself appears largely intact |
| Colorbond or metal sheeting | Hail dents, lifted screws, torn flashing at joins | Dents rarely cause leaks on their own, but lifted fixings can create entry points for water |
| Older asbestos-cement sheeting | Cracked or crumbling sheets; exposed fibres | These materials require careful handling, so do not disturb them yourself |
Homes built before the mid-1980s may still have asbestos-cement roofing sheets. Storm damage can crack or dislodge these materials without warning.
Do not try to clean up debris or move damaged sheets yourself if you believe asbestos is present. Fibres may be released into the air when the material is disturbed. The safest way to guarantee that damaged sheeting is properly evaluated, handled, and replaced is to arrange for licenced asbestos roof removal.
This is one situation where a professional assessment is essential rather than simply recommended.
Roofing materials can make a meaningful difference to how a roof performs during severe weather. Modern Colorbond roofing materials are designed with impact resistance and corrosion protection suited to Australian conditions. Even so, large hailstones can still leave visible dents.
An older tile roof can be structurally sound for years to come, but it depends on each tile remaining in place to keep water out. A few slipped tiles after strong winds can therefore be more important than they seem at first.
Understanding how your particular roofing material responds to wind, hail, and heavy rain can help you assess storm damage more realistically and recognise when further inspection is needed.
| Situation | Safe to Check Yourself | Recommended for a Professional |
| Visual check from the ground | Yes | — |
| Minor gutter debris removal on a single-storey home using a stable ladder | Yes, with care | — |
| Roof cavity inspection for leaks | Often | If access is difficult or unsafe |
| Walking on the roof | No | Always |
| Flashing, ridge capping or structural repairs | No | Always |
| Suspected asbestos materials | No | Always |
As a general rule, homeowners can safely conduct checks from the ground. Homeowners should leave any work involving roof access, working at heights, or potentially hazardous materials to a licensed roofing contractor. A professional inspection can also identify hidden issues around flashing, roof valleys and ridge lines that may not be visible from ground level.
It is helpful to inspect after a storm, but it is best done as part of a regular maintenance routine rather than as a one-off exercise. Industry guidance generally recommends a scheduled roof maintenance service at least twice a year, with inspections timed to coincide with Adelaide’s wetter months to identify issues before they exacerbate.
Regular inspections also create a record of your roof’s condition over time. This can provide useful context if you later need to make an insurance claim.
Homes in coastal or tree-lined suburbs may benefit from more frequent checks due to the added risk of salt-related corrosion, falling branches, and debris buildup.
Some signs require a professional assessment rather than a DIY check. These include:
If a storm is strong enough to bring down branches or cause visible damage to neighbouring properties, it may be worth having your roof inspected, even if nothing appears wrong from the ground.
Damage can be hidden beneath roof coverings or in hard-to-see areas. If the issue is minor, early assessment may help you address it before it becomes a more costly repair.
Post-storm roof maintenance does not need to be complicated, but it should be systematic. A ground-level inspection, a check of the gutters and downpipes, and a search for signs of moisture inside the home can help uncover problems before they become more serious.
Keep a simple record of inspections completed after major storms and during routine maintenance. If you notice damaged roof materials, active leaks, exposed underlay or anything that cannot be assessed safely from the ground, arrange an inspection with a licensed roofing professional.
Check your roof within a day or two, once it is safe to do so. Early documentation can help link visible damage to the storm, particularly if you need to make an insurance claim.
Start with a quick ground-level inspection. If you notice anything concerning, arrange a more detailed professional assessment rather than climbing onto the roof yourself.
You can safely check for visible damage from the ground and, where access is safe, inspect the roof cavity for signs of leaks. However, even confident DIYers should avoid walking on a storm-damaged roof because surfaces may be slippery, unstable or weakened.
If you need more than a visual inspection, a licensed roofing contractor is the safer option.
Look for cracked, chipped or slipped tiles, as well as dislodged ridge capping along the roofline. Even one displaced tile can create a gap that allows water to enter.
Tile fragments or unusual debris collecting near gutters and downpipes may also indicate damage.
Hail can leave visible dents in Colorbond or steel sheeting, although dents alone do not always cause leaks. Lifted screws, torn flashing and sheets that have shifted at the joins are often more concerning because they can create entry points for water.
A professional inspection of joints and fixing points may be worthwhile if the roof has been exposed to severe wind or hail.
Many home and contents policies cover storm damage, but coverage varies by insurer and policy. Check your policy wording or contact your insurer to confirm what applies to your circumstances.
Photographing damage promptly and recording the storm date can help support the claims process.
Twice a year is a useful general guideline. Homes in coastal or tree-lined suburbs may need more frequent checks because they are more exposed to salt-related corrosion, leaves and other debris.
Routine inspections help identify wear and tear before it develops into a larger problem. Scheduling checks around seasonal changes is a practical way to keep roof maintenance on track.
Do not disturb the material. Avoid sweeping up debris, moving broken sheets, or attempting repairs, as these actions may release fibres into the air.
Homes built before the mid-1980s are more likely to contain asbestos-cement roof sheeting, so treat cracked or crumbling material with caution until it has been professionally assessed. A licensed asbestos removal specialist can identify, handle and dispose of the material safely.
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