Two winds matter most for Christchurch roofs. The nor'wester is a hot, dry föhn wind that can reach storm force and cause widespread minor property damage, and it is often followed by a southerly change that brings cold rain. A roof that has been loosened by one can start leaking in the other.
After a storm the priority is to stop water getting in, then to record the damage for your insurer, then to repair it permanently. This page covers each step. If water is already coming through, see our roof leak repairs page. If you want the roof checked after a storm with no obvious damage, a roof inspection gives you a written record.
Pricing: every roof gets a free on-site measure and an itemised written quote, with a fixed price agreed before any work starts.
Typical storm damage to Christchurch roofs
Wind does most of the damage. It gets under an edge, a sheet or a flashing and works it loose. Once one thing lifts, the next gust has more to catch. These are the problems we see most after a storm.
- Roofing sheets lifted at the edges or peeled back
- Ridging, barge and apron flashings pulled loose
- Cracked or dislodged concrete tiles and ridge caps
- Damage from falling branches and flying debris
- Spouting pulled away from the fascia or overflowing in heavy rain
- Water getting in at loosened fixings and laps
Make it safe first
Stay off the roof, especially in wind or rain. Keep clear of fallen power lines and treat them as live. Inside, catch water, move belongings and switch off any circuit where water is near light fittings.
We make the roof safe as soon as conditions allow. That means securing loose sheets and flashings, covering damaged areas with tarpaulins tied down to resist the wind, and clearing debris that could cause more damage. Make-safe work stops the problem getting worse while the insurance process and permanent repair are arranged. We will not send anyone onto a roof in conditions that are unsafe, as WorkSafe guidance on working at height requires.
How It Works
Documenting damage for your insurer
Insurers want to see what happened and what it will cost to fix. We photograph the damage before and after make-safe, write a short report on the cause and extent, and give you an itemised quote for the permanent repair. Accurate reports help your claim; inflated ones damage your credibility with the insurer.
Wind and rain damage to the roof itself is normally claimed through your private home insurance, so check your policy and talk to your insurer early. The Natural Hazards Commission covers some natural hazard damage under the Natural Hazards Insurance Act 2023, but whether any of it applies depends on the event and what was damaged. We do not make promises about what your insurer will pay.
Permanent storm repairs
Once the claim is approved, or you decide to go ahead yourself, we carry out the permanent repair. Loose sheets are refixed or replaced, flashings are remade, and new fixings are used. Your wind zone is shown on your consent plans, and we check the fixing pattern suits it. As a general rule, hilltops and exposed coastal sites face higher wind loads than sheltered flat sections, so fixings matter even more there.
If the storm has exposed a roof that was already near the end of its life, we say so and explain your options. Sometimes the right answer is a partial or full replacement; our roof replacement guide covers that decision.
Getting your roof ready for the next storm
A few checks reduce the chance of storm damage. Make sure sheets, ridging and flashings are firmly fixed, trim branches that overhang the roof, and keep spouting clear so heavy rain after a southerly change can drain. Our spouting service handles replacement and repair. Canterbury roofs also need to handle cold weather, so a check before winter is worth doing.
If you live by the coast in New Brighton, Southshore or Sumner, salt air can weaken fixings and laps over time, which makes them more likely to lift in a storm. A regular check helps catch that early.
Storm repairs across Christchurch
We carry out storm repairs from the beach suburbs of East and Coastal Christchurch to the hill streets of South and Port Hills and the towns of Selwyn and Waimakariri. Your local page gives more detail about common roof types and conditions in your area.
Why Choose Cheeky's Roofers for Storm Damage Roof Repairs
Make-safe and repair from one team
The people who secure your roof are the people who fix it, so nothing is lost in between.
Insurer-ready reports
Photos, a written report and an itemised quote give your insurer what they need.
Accurate, not inflated
We report what we find. Honest reports make claims go more smoothly.
Fixed for your site
Repairs use the fixing pattern your wind zone needs, not just whatever was there before.
Storm Damage Roof Repairs FAQs
Should I call my insurer or a roofer first?
If water is coming in, get the roof made safe first, then tell your insurer. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Keep the receipts and photos.
Will insurance pay for my roof repair?
That depends on your policy and on whether the damage was sudden or caused by wear and tear. Our report helps your insurer decide.
Can you deal with my insurer directly?
We can supply photos, reports and quotes directly to your insurer or assessor if you ask us to.
How quickly can you come after a storm?
We prioritise active leaks and unsafe roofs. After a widespread storm demand is high, so call early and we will give you a time.
Can you match my existing roof?
We source matching profiles and colours where possible. Older roofs fade, so new sheets may look brighter at first.
Is it safe to stay in the house?
Usually yes, as long as no ceilings are sagging, no water is near electrics and no power lines are down. If in doubt, keep clear of affected rooms.
Storm Damage Roof Repairs Across Christchurch
We cover every region: Central Christchurch, North Christchurch, East and Coastal Christchurch, South Christchurch and Port Hills, West Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri.
Related Roofing Services
Storm Damage Roof Repairs Guides
See the roof replacement cost guide or every service we offer.