Overview
Roof problems spike after an Adelaide storm for good reason: wind lifts sheets and tiles, branches come down, and a roof that was fine yesterday is suddenly letting water into the house. Emergency work is about stopping the damage first — make the roof safe and watertight, then carry out the proper repair.
When you need it
- A storm has lifted or torn off tiles or sheets
- Hail has cracked tiles or dented and split metal sheets
- Water is actively coming into the house
- A branch or debris has come down on the roof
- The roof needs to be made safe before more weather arrives
How Sam approaches it
- 01 The roof is made safe and watertight — tarping or a temporary repair to stop water getting in
- 02 The full extent of the damage is assessed once it's safe to do so
- 03 The permanent repair is carried out, or quoted if it's a larger job
- 04 You receive clear documentation of what was found and what was done
What it resolves
- A roof opened up by wind or debris
- Water coming in during or after a storm
- The immediate risk before the next front arrives
Hail and wind damage: what to look for
Storm damage is not always obvious from the ground. After high winds or hail, look for:
- Tiles or ridge caps out of line, or pieces of tile and mortar in the gutters and on the ground
- Metal sheets or flashings lifted at the edges, or a section of roof missing
- Dents or cracks from hail, and gutters bent by falling branches
- New ceiling stains, or water in the roof space after the rain
Take photos before anything is moved, keep any receipts for make-safe work, and talk to your insurer before you clean up. Our guide covers the steps in order: storm-damaged roof, what to do first.
Real jobs, real photos
These are A1 jobs, not stock images. Sam runs A1 Roofing from Redwood Park and quotes and does the work himself, so the person who looks at your roof is the person who fixes it. Adelaide's northern and north-eastern suburbs are the heart of the service area.
Common questions
Will the SES fix my roof after a storm?
The SES gives emergency help, including securing damaged roofs and tiles to limit further damage. It doesn't do permanent repairs, so you'll still need a roofer for the proper fix.
Should I clean up before the insurer sees the damage?
Talk to your insurer before you clean up, and take photos before and after. Stopping further damage, like moving belongings or getting the roof tarped, is sensible, but keep records and receipts of what was done.
Can a storm-damaged roof be repaired in the rain?
It can usually be made safe in wet weather with a tarp or a temporary repair. The permanent repair is done once the roof is dry and safe to work on.
How long does an insurer have to decide a storm claim?
Under the General Insurance Code of Practice, insurers should decide within 10 business days of having all the information they need, and generally within four months of the claim being lodged, unless there are exceptional circumstances such as a declared catastrophe.
What if I disagree with my insurer?
Use your insurer's internal complaints process first. If that doesn't resolve it, you can lodge a free complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).
Helpful guides
Local to the north-east
Based in Redwood Park: Storm & Emergency in Tea Tree Gully · Storm & Emergency in Modbury · Storm & Emergency in Golden Grove · Storm & Emergency in Salisbury · all areas
You may also need
Have a roof you'd like us to look at?
Call Sam for a straight answer, or send a photo of the problem and receive an honest assessment without waiting for a site visit.