Storm or Hail Damaged Your Roof? Here’s What to Do First

Damage to the roof can sometimes appear fine at first from the outside, but upon further inspection is actually damaged from hail dents to both the tiles and the Colorbond sheeting.

It is not uncommon for us to find that a leak occurs days or weeks after the initial storm due to some damage which might not have been so apparent during the storm. This guide is an explanation of the actions that need to be taken following a storm, insurance claims, and damage assessments.

What to Do Right After a Storm?

Look out for any visible signs of damage from ground level, avoid climbing on top of the roof and take pictures of what you can see. Get in touch with a professional roofer who will inspect the damage for you before filing for the insurance claim as proof will greatly increase your chances.

If the water is entering the home, put buckets there and get the roof inspected urgently.

Spotting Storm and Hail Damage

Some damage is obvious immediately, while other signs take longer to notice. Knowing what to look for from ground level helps you act faster.

• Dented or dimpled Colorbond roofing sheets
• Cracked, chipped or displaced roof tiles
• Granules from tiles collecting in gutters
• Bent or damaged gutters and downpipes
• Debris, branches or leaves sitting on the roofline
• New water stains appearing on ceilings after rain

Many Melbourne homeowners don’t realize hail damage can be cosmetic in some spots and structural in others, which is exactly why a proper inspection matters.

Hail Damage vs Wind Damage: How They Differ

Storms often bring both hail and strong winds together, but the resulting damage looks and behaves differently.

Factor

Typical signs

Hail Damage

Dents, cracks, granule loss

Wind Damage

Lifted or missing tiles, torn flashing

Factor

Common cause

Hail Damage

Direct impact from hailstones

Wind Damage

Uplift force on loose or ageing roofing

Factor

Visibility

Hail Damage

Often subtle, scattered

Wind Damage

Uplift force on loose or ageing roofing

Factor

Repair urgency

Hail Damage

Moderate unless leaking

Wind Damage

Often urgent if tiles are missing

Why This Distinction Matters for Claims ?

Hail and wind damage may be assessed differently by insurers, so establishing the right cause will guarantee that the claim is evaluated properly right away.

How Roof Insurance Claims Usually Work

Filing a storm damage claim follows a fairly consistent process across most Australian insurers, though specific requirements vary by policy.

1. Report the damage to your insurer as soon as possible
2. Take dated photos of visible damage before any repairs begin
3. Arrange a professional roof inspection and written damage report
4. Submit the report and photos alongside your claim
5. An insurance assessor may inspect the property directly
6. Approved repairs are scheduled once the claim is finalised

One mistake we regularly see is homeowners starting repairs before the claim process begins, which can complicate the assessment.

What a Professional Damage Assessment Involves

Having looked at hundreds of roofs after storm damages, our approach is to identify roof damage that can’t be seen from the ground, not just the obvious one.

• Close inspection of tiles, ridge capping and flashing
• Checking Colorbond sheeting for dents and compromised coating
• Gutter and downpipe inspection for blockages or damage
• Interior ceiling check for early signs of water ingress
• A written report with photos suitable for insurance purposes

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

It is quite common for an older roof made of tiles to be patched up hastily without going for an assessment first. Some of the other problems that arise include the fact that many people wait too late before reporting any damages because some policies may have timelines for claims.

Another very common error that people make is climbing onto their roofs to assess them physically, especially after they have been through a storm.

Expert Roofing Tips

• Photograph damage as soon as it’s safely visible, including wide shots and close-ups
• Keep a record of the storm date and any related weather warnings
• Request a written damage report, not just a verbal opinion
• Ask your roofer whether they provide insurance-ready documentation
• Avoid full repairs until your claim has been assessed, unless it’s an emergency

Post-Storm Roof Checklist

• Check for visible damage from the ground, safely
• Photograph any dents, cracks or missing tiles
• Check gutters for granules or debris build-up
• Report damage to your insurer promptly
• Book a professional roof inspection and written report
• Arrange emergency repairs immediately if water is entering the house

How Astar Roofing Can Help

Roof inspections for storm and hail damage can be done anywhere in Melbourne – east, north, west, and bayside areas, with thorough inspection reports ideal for insurance claims. We find the damage that you can’t see on the ground level, so there’s no damage left out of your claim.

For urgent repair to prevent water from leaking into your home, we make sure to attend to those calls first.

Conclusion

Damage due to storms and hail is not very straightforward either. While it might appear that you have just a few dented tiles on the ground, you may discover that there is a crack in your ridge capping and your flashing needs fixing only after it rains again. An early roof inspection saves you and your roof.

If you are a victim of storms recently, you should contact Astar Roofing for your free roof inspection.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my roof has hail damage?

Look for dented Colorbond sheeting, cracked or chipped tiles, and granules collecting in your gutters. Some damage is subtle, so a professional inspection is the most reliable way to confirm it.

2. Does home insurance cover storm and hail damage to roofs?

Most Australian home insurance policies cover storm and hail damage, though coverage details vary by insurer and policy. Check your specific policy or ask your insurer directly.

3. Should I get my roof inspected before or after lodging an insurance claim?

It’s generally best to arrange an inspection and written report as early as possible, since documented evidence supports your claim and helps avoid delays.

4. Can I repair storm damage myself before the insurance assessor visits?

It’s best to avoid full repairs before your claim is assessed, unless it’s an emergency like an active leak, since early repairs can complicate the claims process.

5. How much does storm damage roof repair cost in Melbourne?

Costs depend on the extent and type of damage, ranging from minor tile replacement to more involved repairs. A professional assessment provides an accurate quote.