From a roof problem to an agreed repair
In short
Choose a contractor who services your Brisbane suburb and regularly repairs your roof material. Check the business's QBCC licence scope: roof tiling and roof and wall cladding cover different work, so the label 'roofer' or 'roof plumber' alone is not enough. Ask for an inspection and a written repair scope that explains the cause, access equipment and rain protection. For emergency storm or flood assistance, call Queensland SES on 132 500; call Triple Zero (000) for a life-threatening emergency.
Step 1
Decide whether you need emergency help or a booked inspection
During severe weather, describe the damage from inside the property or a safe place on the ground. Stay away from fallen powerlines and trees, and do not climb onto the roof. Queensland SES provides temporary emergency measures; your insurer or a private contractor arranges permanent repairs.
Choose the first call
| What you have noticed | What to ask for |
|---|---|
| Storm damage with water entering the home | Request emergency assistance from SES on 132 500. Have the address, roof type, number of storeys and hazards ready. |
| A recurring stain after rain, with no immediate emergency | Book a roof inspection. Describe when the leak appears, the affected room and any earlier repairs. |
| Overflowing gutters or water around a roof join | Ask for the roof drainage and joins to be assessed, rather than assuming the roof covering needs replacing. |
Step 2
Match the QBCC licence to the roof work
QBCC's roof tiling class includes fixing tiles, bedding and pointing, and associated flashing. Bedding and pointing secure and seal ridge tiles. The roof and wall cladding class includes roof coverings other than terracotta and concrete tiles, rainwater goods and external flashings. Flashing seals joins and openings around features such as skylights.
A company may describe metal roofing and gutter work as roof plumbing. Check its actual QBCC licence classes against the proposed scope. A roof and wall cladding licence does not itself authorise separate regulated plumbing or drainage work. Ask who holds the appropriate credentials if the job extends into those areas, structural work or another trade.
Ask for the contracting business's name and licence number. Use QBCC's licensee register to check the current licence, classes, conditions and full history, and match the holder to the quote. Ask for examples of comparable repairs and evidence of relevant insurance. Confirm that the contractor services your suburb and can attend for an inspection.
Step 3
Include the house height, access and storm history
For a raised Queenslander, describe the height above ground and access around the house, rather than giving only the number of bedrooms or storeys. Include sloping ground, narrow side access, overhead wires and where equipment could stand. For a townhouse or apartment, identify who can approve work to a shared roof.
Say whether the problem followed hail, strong winds or heavy rain, and whether gutters overflowed at the same time. Include solar panels, skylights, previous repairs and any suspected asbestos roofing. Send existing roof photos or photos taken safely from ground level, plus interior damage photos; the contractor can arrange closer inspection.
Step 4
Compare the diagnosis and the complete repair cost
For planned repairs, get more than one written quote using the same brief. Ask each contractor what evidence supports the diagnosis and what still needs investigation. If one proposes patching and another recommends replacement, ask what condition makes each option suitable and which defects would remain.
Check the roof areas, materials, access equipment, waste removal and GST. Ask who will arrange any solar panel removal and reinstatement, how an open roof will be protected from rain and what happens when weather delays work. Record exclusions and how concealed damage will be priced before authorising extra work.
Check the payment terms before signing. QBCC says a deposit is not required until a contract is signed. Its quote guidance links to contract and payment requirements; check the applicable deposit limit for your job rather than accepting a large upfront request. Agree start and completion expectations and how you will receive updates.
Step 5
Keep the repair evidence and arrange follow-up care
If the damage may be an insurance claim, contact your insurer before authorising permanent work and ask what assessment and approval it needs. Keep the SES reference number if you requested assistance. Tell the repair contractor about temporary measures already in place.
Ask for completion photos, the invoice and written warranty details, including who to contact if water enters again. Have the contractor identify any remaining maintenance, such as gutter cleaning or damaged sections outside the agreed scope. Before the next period of severe weather, arrange that work using someone who can reach the roof safely.
Sources and useful links
Sources checked 7 October 2026
- QBCC: roof tiling
Scope includes tiles, bedding, pointing and associated flashing.
- QBCC: roof and wall cladding
Scope covers roof cladding, rainwater goods and flashings; separate occupational plumbing and drainage work needs appropriate credentials.
- Queensland SES: assistance
Emergency numbers, information to provide and the distinction between temporary emergency measures and permanent repairs.
- QBCC: seeking and comparing quotes
Comparing inclusions, contractor history, timelines and payment terms before agreeing to work.
