Storm Damage Restoration
Emergency Storm Response
When a severe storm hits, every minute counts. Exposed roofing, shattered windows and waterlogged interiors deteriorate rapidly — turning a manageable repair into a major rebuild if left unprotected. Disaster Recovery connects you with IICRC-certified contractors who deliver emergency make-safe services across Australia, day or night.
What to do immediately after storm damage:
- Ensure all occupants are safe — do not re-enter a structurally compromised building
- Stay clear of downed power lines and report them to your electricity provider
- Photograph all visible damage before any cleanup begins
- Cover exposed belongings with plastic sheeting if it is safe to do so
- Start your claim online — our platform lodges your details and dispatches the nearest available contractor for emergency make-safe work
Emergency make-safe work — including roof tarping, window board-up, debris clearance and temporary waterproofing — is typically covered under your insurance policy and prevents costly secondary damage such as mould growth and structural deterioration.
Types of Storm Damage We Handle
Australia's climate delivers everything from tropical cyclones in the north to severe hailstorms across the eastern seaboard and destructive wind events nationwide. Our contractor network is equipped and certified to restore damage from every type of storm event.
Wind Damage
Lifted roofing, blown-off ridge caps, damaged fencing, collapsed carports and compromised wall cladding from high winds and gusts.
Hail Damage
Cracked and dented roofing tiles, shattered skylights, pitted metal roofing, broken guttering and downpipes, and damaged external cladding.
Cyclone Damage
Severe structural damage, complete roof loss, widespread debris impact and major water ingress from tropical cyclone events across northern Australia.
Fallen Trees
Tree strike on roofs, vehicles, fences and power lines. Includes safe tree removal, structural assessment and associated repair work.
Roof Damage
Displaced tiles, torn metal sheeting, damaged flashings, compromised valleys and ridges — from minor leaks through to complete roof replacement.
Water Ingress
Storm-driven rain entering through damaged roofing, broken windows, failed seals or overwhelmed guttering — causing ceiling, wall and flooring damage inside the property.
Our Storm Restoration Process
From emergency call-out to final sign-off, our four-stage process ensures your property is stabilised, documented and fully restored — with insurance supported at every step.
1. Assessment
A certified contractor inspects the property, documents all damage with photographs and moisture readings, and produces an initial scope of works. Drone photography is used for safe roof inspections where required.
2. Emergency Make-Safe
Temporary roof tarps, board-up of broken windows and doors, hazardous debris removal and deployment of industrial drying equipment to arrest water ingress and prevent secondary damage.
3. Insurance Documentation
Comprehensive reports including photo evidence, moisture mapping, thermal imaging results and a detailed scope of works are prepared and submitted to your insurer to support a smooth claims process.
4. Full Restoration
Once the claim is approved, permanent repairs are completed — roofing replacement, structural repairs, internal plastering, painting and any other works required to return your property to its pre-storm condition.
Storm Damage Insurance Claims
Navigating an insurance claim after a storm can be overwhelming — especially when you are dealing with property damage and displacement at the same time. Disaster Recovery simplifies the process by connecting you with experienced, insurance-approved contractors who understand exactly what insurers require.
How we support your storm damage claim:
- Thorough documentation — every aspect of damage is photographed, measured and recorded using professional-grade equipment including moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras
- Detailed scope of works — a line-by-line breakdown of all required repairs is prepared in the format your insurer expects
- Emergency make-safe invoicing — temporary repair costs are documented separately to support immediate reimbursement under your policy
- Comprehensive claims documentation — IICRC-certified contractors in our network prepare detailed documentation, photos, and reports to support your insurance reimbursement claim
- Progress reporting — regular updates with photographic evidence are provided throughout the restoration to satisfy insurer milestones
Most Australian home and commercial insurance policies cover storm damage as a standard peril. Cover typically extends to wind, hail, lightning strike, fallen trees and rainwater ingress that results from storm damage to the building.
Equipment & Technology
IICRC-certified contractors in the Disaster Recovery network use professional-grade equipment to ensure every area of storm damage is identified, stabilised and restored to the highest standard.
Moisture Meters & Thermal Imaging
Non-invasive detection of hidden moisture behind walls, under flooring and within ceiling cavities — critical for identifying water ingress that is not visible to the naked eye.
Drone Roof Inspections
Safe, high-resolution aerial photography of damaged roofing without the need for ladder access on unstable structures. Provides clear evidence for insurance documentation.
Industrial Drying Equipment
Commercial-grade dehumidifiers, air movers and axial fans for rapid structural drying. Prevents mould growth and timber deterioration following storm water ingress.
Temporary Roofing & Board-Up
Heavy-duty tarps, structural-grade boarding, and temporary waterproofing membranes to secure exposed areas until permanent repairs can be completed.
Digital Documentation Systems
Cloud-based reporting with geotagged photographs, timestamped readings and standardised scope-of-works templates that meet all major insurer requirements.
IICRC-Certified Practices
All restoration work follows IICRC S500 (water damage) and IICRC S520 (mould) standards, ensuring best-practice outcomes and insurer confidence in the completed works.
Areas We Service
Disaster Recovery operates a nationwide contractor network, ensuring storm damage restoration coverage across every state and territory. Whether you are in a capital city CBD or a remote regional community, we coordinate the closest available IICRC-certified contractor to your location.
New South Wales
Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Central Coast
Victoria
Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo
Queensland
Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Cairns
Western Australia
Perth, Bunbury, Geraldton, Broome
South Australia
Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Port Augusta
Tasmania
Hobart, Launceston, Devonport
Northern Territory
Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine
ACT
Canberra and surrounding region
Our network also supports deployments to mining sites, offshore facilities and international operations including Papua New Guinea. No location is too remote.
Storm Damage Restoration — Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a storm damages my property?
Ensure everyone is safe and stay away from downed power lines or structurally compromised areas. Document visible damage with photographs, then start a claim through our online form. Our network of IICRC-certified contractors can provide emergency make-safe work — including tarping, board-up and debris removal — to prevent further damage while your full restoration is organised.
How quickly can you respond to storm damage?
Our contractor network operates 24/7 across Australia. In most metropolitan areas, emergency make-safe crews can be on-site within hours of a claim being lodged. During widespread storm events, response times may vary due to demand, but we prioritise urgent safety risks such as exposed roofing and structural instability.
What types of storm damage do you handle?
We coordinate restoration for all storm-related damage including wind damage to roofs, walls and fences; hail damage to roofing, cladding and vehicles; cyclone and severe weather structural damage; fallen trees on buildings, driveways and power lines; water ingress from broken windows, lifted roofing or failed flashings; and flooding caused by storm-driven rain.
Will my insurance cover storm damage restoration?
Most Australian home and commercial insurance policies include storm damage as a covered peril. Cover typically extends to wind, hail, lightning and rainwater ingress that results from storm damage. Our platform helps you document every detail — photos, moisture readings, scope of works — so your insurer receives a thorough, well-supported claim from day one.
Do you perform temporary repairs before the full restoration?
Yes. Emergency make-safe is a critical first step. Contractors in our network install temporary roof tarps, board up broken windows and doors, remove hazardous debris and set up industrial drying equipment if water has entered the property. These temporary measures are typically covered under your insurance policy and prevent secondary damage such as mould growth.
How much does storm damage restoration cost?
Costs vary widely depending on the type and extent of damage. Minor roof repairs may start from a few hundred dollars, while major cyclone or hail events involving structural, roofing and internal water damage can run into tens of thousands. Our cost guide at /cost/storm-damage provides indicative ranges, and our contractors provide detailed quotes after an on-site assessment.
Is it safe to stay in my home after a storm?
It depends on the severity of damage. If the roof is compromised, walls are cracked, or water is actively entering the building, temporary relocation is recommended until a qualified contractor confirms the structure is safe. Never enter a building where you can see sagging ceilings, smell gas, or observe exposed electrical wiring. Our contractors perform a safety assessment as part of every emergency response.
How do you handle fallen trees on a property?
Fallen tree removal is coordinated alongside structural assessment. Certified arborists or qualified contractors safely section and remove the tree, assess damage to the roof or structure beneath, and perform emergency make-safe work. If the tree has brought down power lines, the electricity provider must isolate the supply before any work begins. All tree removal and associated structural repairs are documented for your insurance claim.
What equipment do your contractors use for storm damage assessment?
IICRC-certified contractors use professional-grade equipment including moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden water ingress, drone photography for safe roof inspections, industrial dehumidifiers and air movers for drying, and digital documentation systems for comprehensive insurance reporting. This ensures every area of damage is identified, even where it is not visible to the naked eye.
Do you service rural and remote areas of Australia?
Yes. Disaster Recovery operates a nationwide contractor network covering metropolitan, regional, rural and remote Australia. While response times in remote areas may be longer than in capital cities, we coordinate with the closest available IICRC-certified contractors to reach every location. Our platform also supports deployments to mining sites, offshore facilities and operations in Papua New Guinea.
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Australia-wide emergency storm response — IICRC-certified contractors for cyclone, hail, wind and roof damage. Insurance-approved, 24/7 availability.
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