What shapes Mooroolbark's roofs
The 2021 storm
Speaking in Parliament a year later, the Member for Evelyn listed Mooroolbark among the communities where winds tore trees out across roads and properties on 9 June 2021, devastating the homes of around 80 families.
Houses with a view
Early subdivisions were sold on their views of the Dandenong Ranges, and the suburb sits at about 93 metres. Most growth came after the war, especially once dairy farmers sold land for housing in the 1960s.
Nearly all houses
At the 2021 Census, 95.4% of occupied homes were separate houses, 46.2% were owned with a mortgage and 38.7% had four or more bedrooms.
Bickleigh Vale
Edna Walling's landscaped village, created between 1920 and 1940, is on the Victorian Heritage Register and in heritage overlay HO75. Its cottages sit in dense planting and share dark stained timber, casement windows and stone chimneys, so check what approval you need before changing a roof there.
If a tree or branch comes down on your roof
Get everyone clear
Keep out of rooms where the ceiling is sagging or wet. Turn the power off at the switchboard if water is getting near lights or power points. Treat any fallen power line as live and call 000.
Call the SES for emergencies
For storm damage that needs urgent help, such as a tree through the roof, call the SES on 132 500. They make things safe, and the permanent repair comes later.
Photograph it and call your insurer
Take photos of the tree, the roof and any ceiling damage before anything is moved. The Insurance Council warns that disaster chasers knock on doors after storms, so speak to your insurer before signing any repair contract. Our storm damage claim guide walks through it.
Arborist first, roofer second
An arborist removes the tree. Once it's off, a roofer can tarp the hole and quote the repair.
Before the next storm
Have overhanging limbs checked by an arborist, and keep gutters and valleys clear so heavy rain can get away. Under big trees, gutter guards help, though they still need a clean. See gutter guards in Melbourne.
If your roof is older, a roof inspection before winter can pick up loose ridge caps and lifting sheets, which are what wind gets under first.
Our take for Mooroolbark
Trees are the biggest roof risk here, so spend on them first. Get an arborist to look at any big tree leaning towards the house, then keep the gutters clear. If a storm does hit, make it safe, document it and let your insurer guide the repair, rather than signing with the first person at the door.
Want a roofer to take a look?
Tell us the job and your postcode. We match it with a Find My Roofer certified roofer who specialises in that kind of work, and they call you to quote. Your number goes to them alone.
