The hail hits, and for a couple of days, everything looks perfectly fine. The call usually comes a day or two after this hail when people come out to inspect the roof. Ignoring inspection of the roofing structure after a hailstorm can be an open invitation to problems that start quietly. The dents are obvious on Colorbond roofing, and they can be easily compared to an older asbestos roof, which makes the situation tricky. There will be no drama, no visible cracks or anything else, but this doesn't mean the asbestos roofing is fully immune.
 |
| Colorbond roofing and they can be easily compared to an older asbestos roof - Rooftek |
HOW HAIL HITS THE ROOFING STRUCTURE
You will not notice the impact of
hailstorms on some obvious spots. However, with asbestos, even small fractures
found randomly will matter.
In this situation, leakage is not
the only problem – compliance is. Damaged asbestos or Colorbond roofing
means breaching Safe Work Australia guidelines. Some common spots, where
you notice the real effect of hailstorms are –
●
Ridge caps have more
impact than flat sheets
● Older fixings loosen before panels fail
● Valleys tend to hide damage until the next rain
 |
| Colorbond roofing means breaching Safe Work - Rooftek |
COLORBOND ROOFING VERSUS ASBESTOS: WHAT SURVIVES HAIL BETTER
The answer is simple: one reveals the damages easily while the
other hides them completely.
COLORBOND ROOFING
●
Cosmetic dents vs.
structural damage (not always the same thing)
● Roofing colours paint coating, can weaken over time after repeated hits
● Usually repairable — but not always worth it if older
ASBESTOS ROOFING
●
Hairline cracks you
won't see from the ground
● Disturbing it during DIY checks can release fibres
● Often pushes you toward full replacement, not patch jobs
According to THE AUSTRALIAN
INSTITUTE OF HEALTH AND WELFARE asbestos-related conditions still account for
thousands of deaths annually. This is something not to take lightly to save a
couple of hundred dollars.
 |
| Disturbing it during DIY checks can release fibres - Rooftek |
You must avoid some common
mistakes after a hailstorm. They will not show their consequences immediately,
and that's a major problem.
● Climbing up too early (wet sheets = dangerous)
●
Assuming insurance
will cover everything (they won't without proof)
● Ignoring minor dents on metal roofs
● Disturbing asbestos without licensed help
 |
| Widespread and coatings are compromised - Rooftek |
FAQs
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY COLORBOND ROOF NEEDS REPLACING?
- If dents are widespread and coatings are compromised, replacement often makes more sense than patching.
IS IT SAFE TO INSPECT ASBESTOS ROOFING MYSELF?
- No. Visual checks from the ground only. Anything more requires licensed roofs professionals.
WILL INSURANCE COVER HAIL DAMAGE?
- Usually yes, but documentation and timely reporting matter.
CAN SMALL DENTS IN METAL ROOFING BE IGNORED?
- Sometimes, but they can affect drainage and coating integrity over time.
HOW SOON SHOULD I ACT AFTER A STORM?
- Within days, not weeks. Damage can worsen quickly with rain.
DO ROOFING COLOURS AFFECT HAIL DAMAGE?
- Not directly, but darker colours may show damage more clearly and absorb more heat, affecting long-term wear.
THE FINAL TAKEAWAY
Storm damage rarely looks like a
cinematic disaster. Usually, it is quiet, creeping, and mildly annoying—factors
that explain why homeowners ignore it.
When uncertainty hits, call a
specialist who handles roofing services constantly. Don't ask for a quote
immediately—simply find out what is actually happening with your property.
