Australia’s summer of 2024–2025 has brought a series of significant weather events across multiple regions. From Cyclone Zelia in Western Australia’s Pilbara region to Townsville’s 4.4 magnitude earthquake, widespread flooding in parts of Queensland and New South Wales—and most recently, Cyclone Alfred affecting South East Queensland—many communities have been impacted by storms and extreme weather.
With many recovery efforts still in progress, the structural impacts of these storms are still coming to light. In many cases, damage isn’t immediately visible—leaving property owners, insurers and brokers unsure when expert input is needed.
Why storm-related structural issues aren’t always obvious
Storm damage doesn’t always present itself clearly. While fallen trees and broken tiles are easy to spot, other issues can take days or even weeks to show up—especially in older buildings or those already under strain.
It’s not uncommon for cracks to appear well after the skies have cleared or for floors to shift subtly as the ground beneath settles again. Wind uplift might have weakened parts of the roof structure that aren’t visible from below. Water may have compromised retaining walls or soaked deep into footings, setting the stage for future movement.
These kinds of issues often slip through the cracks in the early stages of recovery—particularly when the focus is on fast clean-up and restoration.
Timely disaster assessment can make a real difference in these instances. It helps ensure hidden or slow-moving damage isn’t missed, giving everyone a clearer picture of what needs attention before small problems turn into major ones.
When to engage a certified engineer—and why it matters
In the early stages of storm recovery, it’s not always clear who needs to be involved—or when. But when there’s uncertainty about structural safety, engaging a certified engineer can save a lot of time, cost and second-guessing down the line.
Here are some of the more common scenarios where expert advice is a necessity.
Cracking or movement in the building
New cracks in walls, ceilings or floors may indicate that the structure has shifted. Sticking doors, sloping floors or bowed ceilings can also point to movement that needs closer inspection.
Roof or ceiling damage
High winds and falling branches can cause more than just visible breakage. Uplift forces may weaken internal roof framing or connections, even if the outer roofing looks intact. Signs like sagging ceilings or new leaks should be taken seriously.
Impact damage from debris
If the property has been hit by trees or flying debris, it’s worth checking whether load-bearing areas have been compromised—even if the damage seems minor on the surface.
Retaining wall or footing concerns
After heavy rain or flooding, waterlogged soil can put pressure on retaining walls or wash away support from underneath foundations. Any visible movement or leaning is worth investigating before it worsens.
Conflicting advice or unclear next steps
In some cases, builders, insurers and property owners may all have different views on what’s needed. A certified engineer brings a neutral, technical perspective—along with formal reporting that insurers and loss adjusters can rely on.
In all of these situations, what matters most is clarity. A certified engineer assesses whether damage is present and then can determine the extent, the likely cause, and what needs to happen next. That kind of certainty can make the recovery process faster, safer and far less stressful for everyone involved.
What a certified engineer provides during storm recovery
When engaged for a disaster assessment, a certified engineer helps remove the guesswork from the situation. Their role is to assess the condition and integrity of a structure using formal engineering principles—helping to inform decisions that carry safety, legal and financial implications.
Their involvement can include:
- Detailed cause analysis – Identifying what led to the damage (e.g. wind load, soil movement, impact) and whether it was a result of the storm or a pre-existing defect.
- Risk evaluation – Determining if a structure is safe to occupy, whether urgent remediation is needed, or if further monitoring is required.
- Independent reporting – Producing documentation that meets insurance and legal standards, with findings that are clear, technically defensible and grounded in relevant codes.
- Repair recommendations – Outlining the most appropriate repair approach, including structural requirements and compliance considerations.
This level of analysis is often essential when a claim involves high-value assets, complex damage, or uncertainty about liability. It also supports clearer communication between insurers, brokers, builders and property owners—reducing the risk of disputes or under-scoped repairs.
At Morse Building Consultancy, we help insurers, brokers and property owners make informed decisions after extreme weather events. Our team provides independent disaster assessments, structural building reports and expert guidance that supports safe, compliant recovery.
If you’re dealing with complex storm damage, structural uncertainty or conflicting advice, we’re here to help. Get in touch to find out how our building reports can bring clarity to your next steps.