The early months of 2025 brought a stark reminder of nature’s power with Tropical Cyclone Alfred. While Sydney is rarely the direct hit for cyclones, the remnants of Alfred in March 2025 lashed the Greater Sydney region with destructive winds and rainfall totals exceeding 200mm in 24 hours.
This event led to a surge in emergency calls, with the SES responding to thousands of incidents involving leaking roofs and fallen debris. Statistics from the Major Incidents Report 2024-25 show that “leaking roofs” remain one of the top reasons for emergency SES requests in New South Wales.
What did Alfred teach us? That “minor” issues become “major” disasters under pressure. A single cracked tile or a slightly blocked gutter acts as an entry point for high-velocity rain. At Stevens Roofing and Building, we advocate for preventative maintenance rather than reactive repairs.
Modern roofing systems are now being tested against these “new normal” weather patterns. We recommend a professional inspection every two years to check:
- Pointing and Bedding: Ensuring ridge tiles are secure against 100km/h+ gusts.
- Gutter Capacity: Ensuring your drainage can handle “flash flood” level downpours.
- Flashings: Checking the seals around chimneys and skylights—the most common failure points during Alfred.
