Bloemfontein's summer storms develop fast and hit hard. The homes that come through with no damage are almost always the ones where someone took a few hours before the season to find and fix the weak points.
Gutters: the most neglected part of a roof system
Blocked gutters cause more avoidable damage than any other maintenance failure. When gutters overflow, water runs back under the fascia board, down the exterior walls and into the ceiling. Clean gutters before the season starts, check that all brackets are secure, and verify downpipes discharge water away from the house foundations.
Roof condition check
Walk the perimeter and look up. Lifted or cracked ridge capping, missing or broken tiles, rust streaks from exposed metal fixings and peeling flashing around chimneys and skylights are all entry points waiting to be activated by heavy rain. Any of these found in May or June can be repaired affordably before the first big storm. The same repair after water has entered the ceiling costs several times more.
Drainage around the house
Check that garden beds haven't been built up against the house walls over the years, which directs water toward foundations. If you've had water pooling near the house after previous storms, address the grading before this season.
After a hailstorm
If hail hits, don't wait to assess the damage. Water moves quickly through small penetrations. Photograph everything before emergency repairs for insurance purposes, and get a professional roof inspection done within a few days. Insurers expect prompt reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is thunderstorm season in Bloemfontein?
October through March is the main season, with the heaviest convective storms typically in November and December.
Does insurance cover hail damage to roofs?
Most household policies cover sudden hail damage. The claim is stronger when you can show the roof was in good condition before the storm, which is another reason a pre-season inspection is worth doing.
Do you do pre-season roof inspections?
Yes. Nexus General DIY offers roof inspections across all of Bloemfontein. We provide a written report of findings.