Perth’s severe storm season brings far more than just standard winter rain. A typical cold front moving across Western Australia can bring damaging wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h, flash flooding, and occasionally large hailstones. When a major weather event passes, your roof bears the brunt of the impact. While a tree falling onto a house is an obvious emergency, the vast majority of storm damage is subtle, quiet, and easily missed from the ground.
Once the blue sky returns, it is vital to perform a quick home safety check to ensure your roof structure hasn’t been compromised before the next cold front rolls in. You do not need to climb up a ladder to do this; a thorough walk around the perimeter of your lawn is the safest way to assess the situation.
First, scan the ground for physical clues. Are there broken pieces of clay or concrete tiles lying on the grass? Have sections of metal flashing or gutter brackets pulled away from the fascia boards? High winds can lift up metal roof sheets or cause individual tiles to shift out of alignment, leaving completely exposed gaps in your roof’s waterproofing layer.
Next, step inside and look up. Grab a torch and examine your internal walls, cornices, and ceilings. Look for bubbling paint, lifting plaster tape, or faint water rings in the corners of your rooms. If you can safely access your manhole, check the roof cavity for damp insulation or the smell of stagnant moisture. Even a single displaced tile or a small section of lifted Colorbond sheet provides an open door for rain, birds, and pests. Documenting these visual changes immediately after a storm is incredibly important, as most insurance policies require prompt notification and photographic proof to process storm damage claims efficiently and get your home sealed before subsequent rains cause secondary damage.