STORM DAMAGE | RESULTANT DAMAGE CLAIM

DAMAGE REPORT | OVERVIEW

Black Bird Construction was instructed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of a reported roof leak at the above-mentioned property following a severe weather event. The purpose of this inspection was to determine the cause of the water ingress, assess the extent of the resulting damage, and provide recommendations for the necessary remedial works required to restore the affected areas of the property.

The inspection was carried out through a visual examination of the roofing structure, ceiling, and internal areas affected by the water penetration.
According to information provided at the time of inspection, the property experienced a significant storm event accompanied by exceptionally heavy rainfall and strong winds. During the storm, a large tree branch was dislodged from a nearby tree and was blown onto the roof of the dwelling.

The impact of the fallen branch caused physical damage to one of the existing asbestos cement roof sheets. The force of the impact resulted in the roof sheet cracking, thereby compromising the weatherproof integrity of the roofing system.

The damaged roof sheet subsequently allowed rainwater to penetrate through the roof covering and into the roof cavity during the storm.

RESULTANT DAMAGE:

The inspection confirmed the following:

Roof Damage:

A visual inspection of the roof identified a cracked asbestos cement roof sheet consistent with impact damage caused by a fallen tree branch.

The damaged sheet has lost its watertight integrity, allowing rainwater to enter the roof space during periods of rainfall.

The observed damage is consistent with sudden accidental impact rather than deterioration, ageing, or poor maintenance.

Water Ingress:

Due to the compromised roof sheet, rainwater entered the roof cavity and accumulated within the roof space before migrating into the ceiling structure.

Evidence of water penetration was observed directly beneath the damaged roof sheet.

Water staining and moisture damage indicate that the ingress occurred as a direct result of the storm event.

Ceiling Damage:

The ceiling directly beneath the damaged roof sheet has sustained significant water damage. Observed damage includes:

Water saturation of ceiling materials.
Visible water staining.
Loss of structural integrity to the affected ceiling panels.
Risk of ongoing deterioration should repairs not be undertaken promptly.

The ceiling materials have been compromised beyond practical repair and require replacement.

Internal Wall Damage:

Moisture migration from the roof leak has also affected the adjoining internal walls. The following defects were observed:

Water staining.
Dampness to wall finishes.
Paint deterioration.
Potential deterioration of plaster finishes if left untreated.

The wall damage is consistent with water travelling from the roof leak through the ceiling and down adjoining wall surfaces.

Cause of Damage:

Based on the physical evidence observed during the inspection, Black Bird Construction concludes that the damage was directly caused by the severe storm event. The sequence of events is assessed as follows:

Severe storm conditions produced strong winds.
A tree branch was dislodged during the storm.
The branch impacted the asbestos cement roof sheeting.
The impact cracked the roof sheet.
Rainwater entered through the damaged roofing material.
Water infiltrated the roof cavity.
Moisture penetrated the ceiling system.
Water subsequently migrated into the internal wall finishes, resulting in additional damage.

There is no evidence to suggest that the damage was caused by normal wear and tear, deferred maintenance, or gradual deterioration.

Extent of Damage:

The following building components have been affected:

Asbestos cement roof sheet.
Roof weatherproofing system.
Ceiling lining.
Ceiling finishes.
Internal wall finishes.
Paintwork to affected areas.

Further concealed moisture damage may become evident during demolition and replacement works and should be assessed once the damaged materials have been removed.

Recommended Remedial Works:

Black Bird Construction recommends that the following repairs be undertaken:

Roof

Safely remove and dispose of the damaged asbestos roof sheet in accordance with all applicable asbestos handling and disposal regulations.
Supply and install a replacement roof sheet matching the existing roofing profile where practicable.
Inspect surrounding roof sheets for any additional impact damage.
Reinstate all roof fixings and weatherproof seals.
Confirm that the roof is fully watertight following completion of repairs.

Ceiling

Remove all water-damaged ceiling boards.
Dispose of damaged ceiling materials.
Install new ceiling boards to affected areas.
Reinstate cornices where required.
Prepare, sand, prime, and repaint the repaired ceiling to achieve a uniform finish.

Internal Walls

Allow affected wall areas to dry thoroughly.
Repair damaged plaster where necessary.
Repaint affected wall surfaces

CONCLUSION:

Following inspection, Black Bird Construction has determined that the roof leak and associated internal water damage were directly attributable to storm-related impact damage sustained during a severe weather event.

The impact of a fallen tree branch caused the asbestos roof sheet to crack, resulting in rainwater entering the roof cavity. This water ingress subsequently caused damage to the ceiling and adjoining internal walls.

The damaged roofing material can no longer provide adequate weather protection and requires replacement. Likewise, the water-damaged ceiling has been compromised and should be replaced to restore the structural integrity and appearance of the affected area. Associated repairs to the internal wall finishes will also be necessary.

SOW (SCOPE OF WORK):

Refer to the SOW below for a detailed list of the required repair work.

SCOPE OF WORK

Electrical repairs | Inspection of electrical components:

Call out to remove light fitting.
Call out to reinstall light fitting after ceiling repairs have been conducted.

Removal of old/damaged ceiling boards | Kitchen:

Breakdown and strip the damaged ceiling boards.
Remove all existing ceiling boards away from workspace.
Strip and remove cornice.

Repairs to internal ceiling (Brandering/repairs) | Kitchen:

Rework ceiling substructure and brandering.

Repairs to internal ceiling (Rhinoboard replacement) | Kitchen:

Supply and fit new ceiling boards.
Ensure that the ceiling is level before fitting the cover strips.
Supply and fit cover strips.
Prep for paintwork.

Cornice Installation | Kitchen:

Supply and install new 75mm Rhino cornice onto ceiling and wall.

Prime coat to ceilings | Kitchen:

Fill, sand and prep ceilings & cornices thoroughly before primer application.
Supply and apply wood priming paint to all affected ceilings and cornices.

Paintwork to ceilings & cornices | Kitchen:

Prep ceilings & cornices thoroughly before paint application.
Supply and apply 2 coats of high quality PVA paint to all affected ceilings in the affected areas.
NOTE: End-to-end application to be conducted to ensure a high-quality finish.

Paintwork to interior walls | Kitchen:

Prep affected internal walls thoroughly before paint application.
Fill, sand and prep thoroughly before applying the required paint coats.
Supply and apply multiple coats of the finishing paint to ensure a high-quality finish.
NOTE: End-to-end application to be conducted to ensure a high-quality finish.

Roof Repairs| Roof Sheet Replacement:

Cut back existing tree to gain access to roof sheet.
Remove existing asbestos roof sheet and dispose in compliance with asbestos laws.
Rework roof framework as required.
Install a new Fiber cement roof sheet to match the existing profile.
Fasten roof sheet using approved fixing methods.
Rectify disturbed beam filling once complete.
Waterproof roof as required using Fiber Membrane and Acrylic waterproofing.
NOTE: A higher rate has been applied due to the existing roofing material containing asbestos. As asbestos is classified as a hazardous material, its removal, handling, and disposal must be undertaken in accordance with all applicable asbestos health and safety legislation. This requires specialized procedures, additional safety measures, and a more complex scope of work, resulting in increased labour and compliance costs.

Rubble removal | Site clearance:

Remove all rubble from site and ensure that the client’s property is left in a clean and orderly manner before departing from site indefinitely.
NOTE: Due to the costs of the disposal of Asbestos, we have subsequently had to increase our rates for the rubble removal to cover the necessary costs.