From the first enquiry to an agreed repair
Storm damage does not always need the same response. The weather, roof condition and access determine what can happen first. Temporary protection, where suitable, has a different purpose from permanent repair. Use these four stages to understand what needs confirming at your property.
Describe the change, then confirm a safe assessment
Start here once people are safe; roof access must wait until conditions are suitable.
Tell us what changed during the wind or rain, which rooms are affected and whether water is still entering. Safely taken photos help explain the problem, but cannot confirm the full repair scope. The assessment needs to consider the likely water path, affected roof components and nearby drainage, rather than treating the ceiling mark as the roof entry point.
- Provide the suburb and postcode, property type, storeys and roof material if known.
- Describe leak timing, gutter overflow, visible displacement and previous or temporary repairs.
- Confirm the authorised contact, site access and any electrical, structural or tree hazards that require another specialist first.
Next step Confirm who can assess the property, when access may be safe and what the assessment charge covers.
Discuss temporary protection if it is suitable and available
This stage is conditional; suitability, availability and safe access must be confirmed.
An opening or active leak may need temporary protection while permanent work is planned. Ask whether this can be arranged for your roof, what area it would protect and what limitations remain. A temporary measure may reduce further rain exposure; it does not establish the cause or replace a permanent repair. If protection is already in place, tell us who arranged it and when.
- Check the proposed protection, access method, timing and separate charge before authorising it.
- Ask about remaining exposure, access restrictions and any further specialist attention needed.
- Confirm how long the measure is intended to remain and what could require it to be checked again.
Next step Keep the temporary-work details and agree the next assessment or repair step.
Agree the permanent repair scope
Choose the repair after assessment, with suitable weather, materials and any required approvals.
The findings should connect the problem to the proposed work. A tile roof may need damaged or displaced tiles and adjoining details addressed; a metal roof may need sheet edges, fixings or flashings checked. Overflow can involve gutter outlets or downpipes as well as the roof. Ask which sections need repair or replacement, and whether existing wear or hidden damage changes the plan.
- List the roof areas, materials and repair or replacement work included in the quote.
- Separate roof work from ceiling, eaves, electrical, structural or regulated drainage work that needs another trade.
- Confirm weather and access requirements, material availability, insurer instructions and owner or strata approval where relevant.
Next step Agree a written scope and price before permanent work starts; confirm any additional work if new damage is found.
Keep the completion details and agree any follow-up
Review what was completed against the agreed scope, including any work still outstanding.
Ask for a clear account of the areas repaired, materials used and any checks completed or limitations remaining. Keep this with the quote, safe photos, temporary-work details and invoice. If the ceiling or eaves also need attention, confirm that the water source has been addressed before arranging cosmetic repairs. If water returns in later rain, record when and where it appears and contact the team.
- Confirm what is complete, what needs a separate trade and any remaining access or maintenance advice.
- Ask whether a further check is appropriate and how to report a recurring leak.
- Retain records for the property owner, strata manager or insurer; claim acceptance remains the insurer's decision.
Next step Leave with an understandable record of the work and a clear next action for any unresolved issue.
What should a storm repair quote make clear?
A small visible defect can involve more work if it is high, difficult to reach or connected to damaged drainage or interior finishes. Compare the actual scope, rather than only the total price. Provide safe photos and the event details, then ask for the following items to be explained.
- Assessment or call-out charges, and whether they are separate from the repair price.
- Temporary protection, if proposed, itemised separately from permanent work.
- The roof sections, materials, labour and access equipment included; what remains outside the scope.
- The effect of weather, storeys, access restrictions, material availability and required approvals on scheduling.
- How additional damage or a change in scope would be reported and priced before extra work is agreed.
There is no single price or arrival time that fits every storm-damaged property. Confirm availability and charges directly. If an insurance claim is involved, ask your insurer what evidence or approval it requires before permanent work is authorised.
Details to include in your enquiry
- When the event occurred and which rooms or roof sections changed.
- Safe photos and any temporary work already arranged.
- The authorised owner or manager and any insurer instructions.
Separate temporary protection from permanent repair in the request. Confirm safe access, availability and any approval needed before work starts.
Use the RFQ and comparison checklistNeed more detail about wind and rain damage?
Our storm guide explains common Sydney weather hazards, safe observations and the records to prepare after wind, heavy rain, hail or a branch impact. Use it alongside this service page when deciding what to tell the assessor.
Common homeowner questions
Can you guarantee my insurer will cover the roof repair?
No. Cover depends on the policy and the insurer's assessment. Keep event details, safe photos and previous repair records, and ask your insurer what evidence or approval is needed before permanent work is agreed.
Is temporary weatherproofing a permanent repair?
No. If temporary measures are used, the permanent work still needs a defined scope. Confirm what has been done, any access restrictions and the next assessment or repair step.
What should I do if my roof leaks during a storm?
Move away from a sagging ceiling, falling material or water near electrical fittings. Stay sheltered and do not climb onto the roof. If the room is safe, move belongings out of the drip path. For storm emergency assistance call NSW SES on 132 500; for a life-threatening emergency call 000. Once safe, contact Ellis with your suburb, the affected rooms and when the leak started.
Why does my roof leak only in heavy rain or strong wind?
Intense rain can reveal a blocked outlet or a drainage problem; wind-driven rain can enter a vulnerable flashing, tile overlap or roof penetration. The timing is a useful clue, but an inspection needs to follow the water path and check the surrounding roof before choosing a repair.
Does Sydney have a monsoon season?
Sydney does not have the tropical monsoon season described for northern Australia. For roof care here, pay attention to thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong winds and east coast lows. Check current Bureau of Meteorology warnings rather than waiting for a particular season to deal with a known leak.
How much will a storm-damaged roof repair cost?
The price depends on the damaged area, roof material, height, safe access and any flashing, drainage or interior repairs needed. Ask for temporary protection and permanent repairs to be itemised separately. Describe the damage first so the quote can cover the actual work at your property.
Related roof services
Useful official information
Official homeowner and safety information:
Service NSW: check a builder or tradesperson licenceNSW SES: storm and flood emergency assistance
SafeWork NSW: asbestos safety