What Caboolture's weather does to roofs
A flash-flood river
The Caboolture River drains a 370 square kilometre catchment from the D'Aguilar Ranges and runs through town to Deception Bay. The Bureau says the Pine and Caboolture systems are prone to flash flooding that can do significant damage.
Huge daily totals
In February 2022, more than 400 mm fell in 24 hours at several places in the catchment, and flash flooding hit Morayfield and Deception Bay.
Storm season
Brisbane's thunderstorm season runs from November to March, and the severe ones bring large hail, torrential rain and destructive winds.
An old town that kept growing
Caboolture began as a small settlement in 1867 and got its railway in 1888. It's now the northern edge of greater Brisbane, about 44 km from the city.
Townhouses as well as houses
At the 2021 Census, 77.3% of occupied homes in the suburb were separate houses and 19.7% were townhouses or similar.
The roof jobs heavy rain creates
Gutters that can't keep up. When rain arrives faster than gutters and downpipes can carry it, water spills back into eaves, walls and ceilings, and blocked outlets make it worse. BlueScope says gutters need enough fall to avoid ponding, and that air conditioner condensate should be piped to the ground, not into the gutters.
Valleys and flashings. Valleys carry a lot of water in a downpour, and old or badly lapped flashings give way first. Our guide to roofs that leak in heavy rain explains the usual causes.
Downpipes and stormwater. In Queensland, plumbing and drainage work needs a QBCC licence at any value, and gutter or downpipe repairs over $3,300 can fall under the home warranty scheme. See roof plumbing in Brisbane.
When a big storm is on the way
Clear what you can reach
Clear downpipe outlets and grates at ground level. Don't climb a ladder in wind or rain.
Protect what matters
Move valuables and electronics away from ceilings that have stained before.
Keep the SES number handy
For storm damage emergencies, call the SES on 132 500.
Photograph the damage
Afterwards, take photos before anything is moved or repaired, for your insurer.
What we'd do in Caboolture
Before November, we'd have a roofer check that gutters, outlets and downpipes are clear and big enough for the roof, and that valleys and flashings are sound. It's a small job next to a ceiling coming down in a summer storm.
Want a roofer to take a look?
Tell us the job and your postcode. We match it with a Find My Roofer certified roofer who specialises in that kind of work, and they call you to quote. Your number goes to them alone.