Why Townsville roofs leak when they do
Rain arrives in a rush
February averages 338.1 mm at Townsville Airport and January 252.6 mm. In January 1998 the remnants of Cyclone Sid dropped 548.8 mm in 24 hours, mostly over about 12 hours after dark, which locals still call the Night of Noah. A small gap that stays dry all winter can pour in a night like that.
Wind pushes water uphill
The QRA warns that cyclonic winds force rain through gaps, up valley gutters and under the flashings where walls meet the roof. So a roof can leak in a blow without losing a single sheet. Water that soaks ceiling insulation keeps the roof space humid and invites mould, so get wet batts looked at.
Damage at low wind speeds means a weak spot
Townsville homes felt only Category 1 or 2 winds in Yasi, according to the QRA, yet roofs were torn off and sent down streets. The QRA says damage at speeds well below a home's design wind speed shows a structural weakness, and that it should be fixed as part of the repair.
Kirrily was a reminder
Cyclone Kirrily made landfall north-west of Townsville in January 2024. Roof damage near landfall was minor, but nearly 34,000 homes and buildings, mostly in Townsville, lost power. Small damage after a near miss is the cheapest kind to fix, so get it done before the next one.
What a proper Townsville repair includes
Finding where the water actually gets in, which isn't always above the stain. Then replacing rusted screws or sheets, resealing or replacing flashings, and clearing valleys. On a metal roof, ask for cyclone-rated fixings to match what's there. Our national guide to roof repairs and the one on flashing and valley repairs go into each job.
The QBCC's guide to cyclonic roof repairs suggests that if only the sheeting needs fixing, you consider upgrading the tie-downs for the whole roof, battens included, and a building certifier can advise. Repairs that touch the structure usually need building approval, though minor like-for-like work affecting no more than 20% of the structure may be exempt.
Stay off the roof in the wet
Don't go up on a wet roof, and never once a cyclone warning is out. If water is dripping near light fittings, turn the power off at the switchboard. For storm damage emergencies call the SES on 132 500. If you're claiming, Moneysmart says to photograph the damage and talk to your insurer before paying for temporary repairs.
Questions to ask a Townsville roofer about a repair
- Where exactly is the water getting in, and can you show me photos?
- Are the screws you're using rated for cyclonic areas?
- While you're up there, will you check how the battens are fixed to the trusses?
- Does this repair touch the structure, and does it need building approval?
- If the job is over $3,300, what's your QBCC licence number and will there be a written contract?
- Is any of this caused by corrosion that will keep spreading?
If it were our roof
We'd fix the leak and ask what it's telling us. If sheets lifted or screws pulled out in a storm that wasn't that big, the fixings underneath are probably the real problem. Pay for the roofer to check them while the roof is open. It costs less now than after the next cyclone season.
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.
Tell us what's happening and your suburb. Where we have a licence-checked roofer for repairs in your part of Townsville, they get your contact details and no other roofer does. Our Townsville roofing page has the bigger picture.