Winter storms can expose every weak point in a roof, from loose ridge capping to blocked gutters and cracked flashing. A little maintenance before the wet, windy weather arrives can help reduce leaks, avoid costly interior damage and keep your home safer through the colder months.
This guide is designed for Australian homes and conditions, whether you have a tiled roof, Colorbond or other metal roofing, or an older property that needs extra attention. If any part of the job involves working at height, or you are unsure about the condition of the roof, it is safest to call a qualified roofer.
Start With A Ground-Level Roof Check
Before climbing a ladder, walk around your home and inspect the roof from the ground with a good eye and, if needed, binoculars. You are looking for obvious signs of trouble that can worsen during a storm.
- Missing, cracked or slipped roof tiles
- Rust spots, loose sheets or lifted flashing on metal roofs
- Sagging rooflines or visible dips
- Loose ridge capping, capping mortar or roof trim
- Debris sitting on the roof, especially near valleys and gutters
- Stains on ceilings or wall edges inside the house
Check the roof space from inside the home as well. Dark marks, damp insulation or daylight showing through where it should not are all warning signs. If you notice water damage, persistent mould or structural movement, arrange an inspection promptly.
Clean Gutters, Valleys And Downpipes
Blocked drainage is one of the most common causes of storm-related roof leaks. When gutters overflow, water can back up under roofing materials and into eaves or wall cavities. This is especially important in areas that cop heavy rain, hail and strong winds.
Remove leaves, twigs and roof debris from gutters, valleys and downpipes. Use sturdy gloves and sensible ladder safety, and never overreach. If your roof is steep, slippery or multi-storey, hire a roofer or gutter professional instead of attempting it yourself.
After clearing debris, run water through the system to confirm it drains freely. If water pools in sections, the gutter may be out of alignment, the fall may be wrong, or there may be a hidden blockage. In some homes, gutter guards can help reduce leaf build-up, but they still need regular maintenance.
Repair Minor Problems Before They Become Storm Damage
Small issues can turn into major leaks during a winter blow. Loose flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights and wall junctions should be secured and resealed. Broken tiles should be replaced, and exposed nail heads or fasteners on metal roofs should be checked for corrosion.
For tiled roofs, look for cracked bedding and pointing along ridge capping. For metal roofs, inspect screws, washers and sealants around overlaps, penetrations and roof edges. If the roof has signs of rust, bubbling paint or degraded sealant, it may need repair, not just a patch-up.
Use products suited to the roof material and Australian conditions. Bunnings and Mitre 10 stock a range of roof sealants, replacement fixings and maintenance products, but be sure to match the product to the roof type and follow the manufacturer instructions carefully. If you are dealing with structural repairs, extensive corrosion or repeated leaks, bring in a licensed roofer.
Compare Common Roof Preparation Tasks
| Task | Why It Matters | Best Done By |
|---|---|---|
| Clear gutters and valleys | Prevents overflow and water backing under the roof | Homeowner or roofer, depending on access and safety |
| Replace broken tiles or fasteners | Reduces direct water entry during heavy rain and wind | Qualified roofer |
| Reseal flashing and penetrations | Protects vulnerable junctions around vents, skylights and chimneys | Qualified roofer |
| Trim overhanging branches | Reduces impact damage and debris build-up | Homeowner or qualified arborist |
| Inspect roof plumbing and drainage | Helps move water away from the home efficiently | Licensed plumber where required |
Trim Surrounds And Secure Loose Items
Storm preparation is not just about the roof surface. Branches hanging over the house can scratch roofing, block gutters and break off in high winds. Trim back vegetation so it is well clear of the roofline, or engage a qualified arborist if the work is large or unsafe.
Also secure anything that could be lifted or thrown by wind, such as loose antenna fittings, outdoor furniture, shade cloth and unsecured roofing accessories. Check that roof-mounted items like solar panels, antennas and aerials are firmly fixed. Do not touch wiring, inverters or electrical components unless you are a licensed electrician.
If your home has solar, inspect from the ground for loose rails, cracked panels or damaged cabling. Any repairs involving electrical isolation or rewiring must be done by a licensed professional in line with Safe Work Australia guidance and state licensing requirements.
Know When To Call A Licensed Professional
Some roof maintenance tasks are suitable for careful homeowners, but many should be left to tradespeople. In Australia, roofing, plumbing and electrical work can be regulated by state-based licensing and Fair Trading bodies, and work must comply with the National Construction Code where applicable.
- Call a roofer for tile replacement, flashing repairs, ridge capping, leak tracing and metal roof repairs.
- Call a licensed plumber for roof drainage, roof plumbing and related water entry issues where plumbing work is involved.
- Call a licensed electrician for solar, roof-mounted lighting, fans, wiring or any exposed electrical fittings.
If you are ever unsure, err on the side of caution. A professional inspection before winter can be much easier than dealing with stained ceilings, damaged insulation or emergency tarping after a storm.
For homeowners who want to compare options or learn more about trade services, a useful place to start is Building or renovating across the Tasman? Our sister site Trade Directory NZ covers the same topics for New Zealand homeowners.