What wears out on a Cairns roof
Fifteen rain days a month
From January to March, Cairns averages about 15 to 16 days of rain a month (1991 to 2020 normals, via Wikipedia). There's little chance for a roof to dry between storms, and a leak that starts in January can run for weeks before anyone gets up there safely.
Corroded screws pull roofs off
The QRA's cyclone guidance includes a roof that came off because the roofing screws had corroded. Its common upgrade list starts with replacing rusted or deteriorated sheeting and screws, then split battens, then swapping nails for screws or straps where battens meet rafters under a metal roof.
Trees and power lines
When Cyclone Larry crossed near Innisfail in 2006, Cairns got off with minor structural damage, mostly from fallen power lines and trees hitting houses. Branches over the roof are a repair bill waiting for a storm.
Wet insulation keeps doing damage
The QRA warns that water entering a roof space in a cyclone can pool on ceilings or soak into insulation, which then holds water and keeps humidity high enough for mould. Cairns already averages 71% afternoon humidity in February, so wet batts need drying or replacing after a leak.
Getting a repair done around the wet
Emergency repairs and tarping happen whenever they're needed. Anything bigger, like re-screwing a roof or replacing sheets, is best booked for the dry from June to October, when sealants can cure and the roof can be opened safely. Our pages on emergency roof repairs and metal roof repairs explain each step.
The QBCC suggests that when only sheeting needs repair in a cyclone area, owners consider upgrading the tie-downs across the whole roof, including the battens. Repairs that affect structural parts usually need building approval, so ask the roofer whether yours does. Building work over $3,300 needs a QBCC-licensed contractor, though the state has flagged changes to that threshold, so check the current figure.
Questions to ask a Cairns roofer
- Are the screws around the leak corroded too, and will you replace them?
- What fasteners are you using, and do they suit how close I am to salt water?
- Did you see any split battens or nails where there should be screws or straps?
- Is the insulation wet, and does it need replacing?
- Should this wait for the dry, or is it urgent?
- Can you send before and after photos?
Where we'd start
Get the leak stopped now, even if it's a tarp. Then book a proper repair for the dry season and ask the roofer to replace any corroded screws they find, not just the one that leaked. Trim back branches over the roof while you're at it. In Cairns, the cheap fixes are the ones done before November.
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.
Let us know what's happening and your suburb. Where we have a licence-checked roofer who does repairs in your part of Cairns, they get your job, and only them. See our national roof repairs page and the Cairns hub for more.