Why Rockhampton roofs need repairs
Summer storms
Wikipedia notes Rockhampton is subject to thunderstorms in summer. February averages 135.0 mm and January 104.1 mm, often in short, heavy bursts. A roof that seems fine in the dry can show every weak lap and flashing in the first big storm.
Marcia found the weak roofs
ABC News reported Marcia ripping roofs off homes, including in Rockhampton, and 5,000 insurance claims had been lodged within three days. Yet the QRA rates the winds the city felt at only Category 1 and 2, and notes the speed at a house can differ from the Bureau's reports. Roofs that lift in winds like that usually have a fixing problem worth finding.
It's happened before
The January 1918 cyclone that devastated Mackay also took roofs off houses in Rockhampton and killed two people there. The city has a long history of roofs being tested by wind, not just rain.
Repairs that bring the roof up to standard
For roofs in cyclone areas, the QBCC suggests that if only the sheeting needs repair, owners consider upgrading the tie-downs for the whole roof, battens included. A building certifier can say what's needed. The QRA adds that homes built before 1985 usually take more damage than newer ones.
After a storm: getting it fixed without getting burnt
Moneysmart says to contact your insurer early, photograph the damage before you move anything, and talk to them before paying for temporary repairs. Many insurers can arrange a tarp.
If someone knocks on your door and you agree to work, Australian Consumer Law usually gives you ten business days to cancel, and the trader can't start work or take payment in that time. There's a narrow exception for emergency repairs where a state of emergency has been declared and the trader holds the right licence. The Insurance Council warns door-knocking disaster chasers are often unlicensed.
In a genuine emergency, Queensland law allows building work to start without the usual approvals, as long as council is told in writing soon after. Our guides to emergency roof repairs and storm damage claims go further.
Questions for a Rockhampton roofer
- What caused the damage, and is the same weakness elsewhere on the roof?
- Should the tie-downs be upgraded while you're repairing the sheeting?
- Is any of the framing affected, and would that need a building approval?
- Can you give me photos and a written report for my insurer?
- What's your QBCC licence number, and does it cover roof tiling or cladding?
- If the job is over $3,300, will I get a written contract?
If it were our roof
We'd make it safe straight after a storm, then book the proper repair for the dry months and ask the roofer to check the fixings across the whole roof, not just the damaged corner. If Marcia-strength winds could lift it, the next storm can too. And we wouldn't sign anything on the doorstep.
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.
Tell us what happened and your suburb. Where we have a licence-checked roofer for repairs in your part of Rockhampton, they're the one roofer who gets your phone and email. More on our national roof repairs page and the Rockhampton hub.