Table of contents
Put safety before inspection
Stay away from fallen powerlines, sagging ceilings, loose roof materials and areas where water is near electrical fittings. Do not climb onto a wet or storm-damaged roof.
- Keep children and pets away from debris
- Move valuables only when safe
- Photograph damage from ground level
- Call emergency services for immediate life-safety hazards
Visible signs to record
From a safe location, look for missing tiles, lifted metal sheets, damaged ridge caps, bent gutters, fallen branches, debris in valleys and water entering ceilings or walls.
Note the time of the storm, the rooms affected and whether the leak continues after the rain eases.
What a roof make-safe is designed to do
A make-safe is temporary work intended to reduce immediate risk or weather exposure. Permanent repairs may require separate materials, better weather or a more detailed assessment.
Planning permanent storm repairs
Once the roof is safe, the damaged components can be assessed and a permanent scope prepared. This may include tiles, sheets, flashings, gutters, roof penetrations or structural elements affected by impact.