Emergency Storm Repairs Byron Bay - What to Do First

Cyclone season hits Byron Bay hard. February-March especially - we get these massive storm cells rolling in from the ocean. 100km/h winds, driving rain sideways, hail. Your roof lifts, windows smash, fence blows over, water pours into your house.

I get about 30 storm damage callouts every cyclone season around Byron. Sunrise Beach, Belongil, Suffolk Park - anywhere exposed to east wind cops it. Same problems every time.

Here's what to do when a storm damages your Byron Bay property.

Fix These Issues IMMEDIATELY (Same Day)

Some damage can wait. Some damage gets exponentially worse every hour. Here's what needs fixing right now:

1. Active Roof Leaks

Water coming through your ceiling will:

• Destroy ceiling plaster (soggy, collapses, Contact for quote-3,000 to replace)
• Rot ceiling joists (structural, Contact for quote-8,000)
• Damage electrics (dangerous, expensive)
• Grow mold within 48 hours (health hazard, expensive remediation)

Temporary fix: Tarp the roof from outside. Blue poly tarp from Bunnings (Contact for quote-80 depending on size). Weight it down with sandbags or timber. Doesn't look pretty but stops water getting in.

Proper fix: Replace damaged roof sheeting, flashing, or tiles. Byron Bay roofs cop a beating - iron rusts through from salt air, tiles crack from hail and heat cycles. Cost: Contact for quote-2,500 for typical storm damage repairs.

Can't get on your roof safely? Don't. Call someone. Broken leg costs more than a callout.

2. Broken Windows or Doors

Broken glass = two problems:

• Security - anyone can walk in
• Weather - rain/wind blowing through ruins everything

Temporary fix: Board it up. 12mm ply from hardware store, screw it over the opening from inside. Or heavy plastic sheeting if you need light.

Proper fix: Replace the glass or window. Byron glaziers are usually booked solid for weeks after a big storm - everyone's got broken windows. If you can source the glass yourself and it's a simple frame, I can fit it same-day.

3. Compromised Security

Doors blown in, locks broken, windows smashed - your property's not secure.

Priority fix because Byron has property crime. Opportunists drive around after storms looking for unsecured houses.

Temporary: Board it, padlock what you can, get someone to stay there if it's really bad.

Proper fix: New locks, doors, security screens. Contact for quote-800 depending on what's damaged.

Fix These Within 24-48 Hours

Not immediately urgent but will cause bigger problems if ignored:

Fence Damage

Panels down, posts leaning, gates hanging off. Not urgent for safety but:

• Dogs get out
• Neighbors get annoyed
• Looks terrible
• If it's a pool fence - illegal to leave it broken (safety regs)

Byron Bay fences cop 100km/h easterlies straight off the ocean. Colorbond usually just bends. Timber tends to snap.

Cost: Contact for quote-800 to fix typical fence damage. Full fence rebuild Contact for quote-8,000 depending on length.

Gutter Damage

Gutters ripped off, downpipes torn away, hangers broken.

Seems minor but broken gutters dump water right next to your foundation. In Byron's clay soil, that undermines foundations and causes cracks. Seen it heaps in older Sunrise Beach homes.

Fix within 48 hours, before next rain.

Cost: Contact for quote-450 for typical gutter repairs.

Deck Damage

Boards lifted, railings broken, stairs damaged.

Safety issue if someone uses the deck - broken boards collapse, people fall through. Seen this twice in Byron. Not fun.

Cover it or fence it off till it's fixed. Then replace damaged boards.

Cost: Contact for quote-900 depending on how much of the deck's damaged.

Can Wait A Week (But Don't Ignore)

These won't get dramatically worse in a few days, but need fixing soon:

• Minor roof damage (but not leaking): Missing ridge caps, loose sheeting that hasn't holed yet
• Cosmetic damage: Paint blown off, trim boards damaged but not structural
• Garden/landscaping: Trees down (unless they're on something), plant damage
• Outdoor structures: Damaged sheds, carports (if not about to collapse)

Byron Bay Storm Damage Patterns

After every cyclone season, I see the same areas get hit:

Belongil/beachfront: Cop the worst wind. Roofs lift (especially older iron roofs with rusty screws), windows smash from flying debris, fences blow down. East-facing properties get smashed.

Suffolk Park/Sunrise: High exposure. Lots of deck damage from wind, outdoor furniture destroyed, pergola damage common. Trees come down on houses fairly regularly.

Byron town: More sheltered but still get damage. Mainly older buildings - roof tiles, window damage, fences. Heritage buildings around Jonson Street cop it.

Hinterland (Bangalow Road, Ewingsdale): Big trees = falling branches. Deck damage from debris. Road access blocked by fallen trees.

Insurance Claims - Document Everything

Do this before fixing anything major:

• Photos of all damage - multiple angles, close-ups, wide shots showing context
• Video walkthrough - especially water damage (shows extent better than photos)
• Keep damaged materials - insurance may want to inspect broken tiles, wood, etc.
• Get quotes in writing - most Byron insurers want written quotes before approving repairs
• Keep all receipts - even for tarps and temporary fixes

Byron Bay post-storm, every tradie and builder is slammed. Insurance assessors are booked 2-3 weeks out. Document everything yourself immediately - don't wait for the assessor.

Common Byron Storm Damage Costs

What you're looking at (2025 prices):

• Emergency roof tarp: Contact for quote-500
• Roof repairs (minor): Contact for quote-1,500
• Roof repairs (major): Contact for quote-6,000
• Window replacement: Contact for quote-800 per window
• Sliding door replacement: Contact for quote-2,500
• Fence repairs: Contact for quote-800
• Deck repairs: Contact for quote-1,200
• Door repairs/replacement: Contact for quote-900
• Gutter repairs: Contact for quote-450
• Water damage ceiling: Contact for quote-3,000

Emergency callouts (same-day response during storm season): Contact for quote-200 minimum callout fee plus repairs.

Preventing Storm Damage (Before Next Season)

February-March is cyclone season. Do this before summer:

Roof Maintenance:

• Check all roof screws - replace rusty ones with marine stainless (iron roofs lift when screws corrode)
• Replace cracked or broken tiles
• Re-seal flashing around chimneys, vents
• Clean gutters (blocked gutters overflow, water gets under roof)

Windows & Doors:

• Check all latches work properly
• Replace perished window seals
• Security screens (protect glass from debris)
• Storm shutters for beachfront properties (expensive but worth it)

Fence & Structures:

• Check fence posts are solid - replace wobbly ones
• Reinforce gates
• Trim trees back from house (big branches = roof damage)
• Secure outdoor furniture (it becomes flying missiles in 100km/h wind)

Deck Safety:

• Check all deck boards are screwed down properly
• Check structure underneath isn't rotten
• Secure or store deck furniture before storms hit

What to Have Ready Before Storm Season

Keep these at your property (Byron hardware stores sell out fast when storms are forecast):

• 6x4m blue poly tarp (Contact for quote-80)
• Sandbags or similar weights
• 12mm ply sheets (2-3 sheets for boarding windows)
• Cordless drill with charged batteries
• 50mm screws (for emergency boarding)
• Heavy duty garbage bags (water damage cleanup)
• Torch and batteries

The 24 Hours After a Byron Bay Storm

Big storm hits overnight. Here's what happens next day in Byron:

• Every tradie's phone blows up with callouts
• Bunnings runs out of tarps, ply, sandbags by 10am
• Most tradies are booked 1-2 weeks out for non-emergency work
• Emergency repairs get prioritized (water coming in, security issues)
• Insurance assessors booked weeks ahead

This is why you need a local handyman's number saved before the storm. Trying to find someone after the storm hits - everyone's slammed.

I prioritize emergency work (active leaks, security) during storm season. Cosmetic stuff waits. If water's coming into your house or property's not secure, that's priority one.

When to Call Emergency Services vs A Handyman

Call SES (132 500):

• Tree fallen on house
• Major structural damage
• Roof completely gone
• Flooding inside property
• Power lines down

Call a handyman/tradie:

• Roof leaking but structure sound
• Window/door damage
• Fence down
• Deck damage
• Gutter damage
• Minor to moderate repairs

SES is free but they're volunteers and get slammed during storms. They do emergency stuff only - make it safe, not fix it properly. Then you need a tradie for permanent repairs anyway.