What breaks Sunshine Coast roofs
The November 2019 hailstorm
Radar estimated hail up to 7.7 cm when a storm hit parts of Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast on 17 November 2019, and news reports described stones the size of cricket balls. More than 5,000 insurance claims were in by the next afternoon, and homes reported damage to roofs, awnings and solar panels.
May 2021, from the coast to the hinterland
A storm reported on 13 May 2021 brought hail, strong wind and rain to Maroochydore, Nambour, Palmwoods, Eudlo and Buderim. SES volunteers helped secure more than 100 properties, more than 5,000 homes lost power, and the Kmart roof at Sunshine Plaza gave way.
Rain that finds the damage
February averages 217.5 mm at Sunshine Coast Airport and March 187.7 mm. A cracked tile or lifted cap that stays dry in a shower will often let go in a downpour like that.
Lows in the cooler months too
Sunshine Coast Council says east coast lows can arrive any time from January to June, and they're usually behind the fast-moving winter storms. Storm damage isn't only a summer problem here.
What hail and storms do to different roofs
Tiles crack or chip, and Monier says storm-damaged tiles can be replaced individually. Metal dents. BlueScope says hail dents don't usually shorten a COLORBOND roof's life, though large dents on a low-pitched roof can hold water, and bent overlaps can let rain in. Solar panels are a job for an accredited installer, who must also hold an electrical licence, not for the roofer.
Leaks usually come from the same few places: cracked tiles, ridge mortar, flashings and valleys. Our national roof repairs, leak repair and hail and storm damage pages go into detail.
Insurance, emergencies and paperwork
Moneysmart says to contact your insurer as soon as you can, photograph and video the damage before anything is moved, and ask before paying for temporary repairs, since many insurers can arrange a tarp. If the roof is open to the weather, call the SES on 132 500.
In Queensland, emergency work to protect life, health or a building's structural safety can go ahead without the usual approvals, as long as the council is told in writing soon after it starts.
What to ask a Sunshine Coast roofer after hail
- Is this hail damage, and can you put that in a report for my insurer?
- Can you photograph every damaged tile or sheet?
- Will dented sheets be replaced, or are they fine to leave?
- Who should check the solar panels?
- What's your QBCC licence number and class?
Your part, and the roofer's
You can
- Photograph hail damage from the ground, plus any ceiling stains
- Write down the date and time of the storm for your claim
- Move belongings away from drips
Leave to a roofer
- Inspecting the roof for cracks and dents
- Replacing tiles, sheets or ridge mortar
- Tarps and temporary covers
- Older roofs that might be asbestos cement
What we'd do
After hail, we'd get the roof inspected even if nothing's leaking yet, because cracked tiles often don't show until the next downpour. We'd tell the insurer first and keep every photo. And we'd aim to have repairs finished before the February and March rain. The Sunshine Coast hub covers the rest of the local picture.
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.