When a single storm delivers hail, destructive wind and flash flooding in one event, clarity matters for insurers, loss adjusters and brokers. Commissioning an independent building consultancy for insurance claim assessment Australia ensures your file is evidence based, NCC aligned and auditable. The objective is a defensible outcome that separates storm damage from pre-existing defects and avoids double counting across perils. Australian severe thunderstorms routinely combine large hail, damaging winds and intense rainfall in the same system.
What it is and when it applies
A forensic building report is a structured investigation that determines causation, extent, compliance gaps and a practical rectification method. It is designed for mixed-peril files where hail impact, wind-driven rain and overland flow occur within one event. Recent seasons have lifted complexity and volumes, which is why disciplined evidence and clean apportionment between perils are critical.
Storm or mixed-peril damage vs pre-existing defects
This is the core question the report answers. MBC separates event damage from defects by testing against multiple evidence points rather than a single observation.
- Event timing and meteorology. We align observed damage with official storm characteristics and timing from the Bureau of Meteorology.
- Damage morphology. Hail damage presents as localised impact fractures or punctures consistent with strike patterns, while long-term corrosion or UV degradation shows uniform wear, coating loss or perforation unrelated to a specific event.
- Ingress pathways. Wind-driven rain typically tracks from displaced cappings, failed laps or broken seals, while chronic leaks often align with aged flashings, poor fall or historic detailing deficiencies.
- Material age and condition. Manufacturer life expectancy and maintenance records are considered to identify wear, fatigue or prior non-compliance that pre-dates the storm.
- Moisture and drying curve. Moisture mapping and re-inspection show a fresh wetting profile after the event, whereas pre-existing damp shows staining, mould colonisation or salt efflorescence beyond the event window.
- Structural adequacy. If capacity or stability is in question, a targeted review by registered engineers confirms whether uplift, racking or impact loads exceeded design or whether weaknesses were already present.
- Compliance and evidence of suitability. Products and methods used in reinstatement are checked against the ABCB Evidence of Suitability handbook.
How insurers use expert evidence in building reports
Insurers rely on impartial, well-scoped reports that stay within the author’s competence and document instructions, assumptions and limits. The Insurance Council of Australia Expert Report Best Practice Standard sets clear expectations that reduce leakage and dispute risk. Independent reports also help brokers and legal professionals advise with confidence by providing quantified scopes suitable for tendering and settlement.
Compliance and the NCC
Every reinstatement decision must align with the National Construction Code and the Evidence of Suitability provisions for products and systems. The ABCB Evidence of Suitability handbook explains acceptable evidence pathways, including certificates, test reports and engineering judgements. Flood-affected properties benefit from resilient repair choices set out in Queensland’s Flood Resilient Building Guidance.
Mixed-peril triage you can act on
- Hail and wind together. Check for fractured or punctured roofing, displaced cappings, seal failure and fastener fatigue that lets wind-driven rain bypass flashings, noting the combined-hazard behaviour described by the Bureau of Meteorology.
- Rain ingress versus flood. Separate internal rain ingress from overland flow at slab or threshold, then document controlled strip-out to substrate and dry-back verification before reinstatement using flood-resilient guidance.
- Safety and moisture. Capture moisture mapping early and manage health risks associated with persistent dampness and mould during recovery with NSW SES storm guidance.
Mixed-peril files demand discipline. A coordinated, independent forensic report that distinguishes storm damage from pre-existing defects, proves compliance and quantifies reinstatement will shorten lifecycles and reduce disputes. For rapid triage or a current file, contact us today.
FAQ
Do I always need a structural engineer report on storm claims
No. Start with a building consultant report for causation and scope, and request a structural engineer report from registered engineers where capacity, bracing or stability may be compromised.
How do I prove compliance in complex reinstatement
Reference the NCC and record Evidence of Suitability for products and systems using the ABCB handbook, then file the documentation with the report.
Where can I find authoritative industry context during catastrophes
Use ICA updates and market coverage to corroborate timing, scale and impacts, such as Christmas storms cost $1.4 billion and Half-year weather losses top $1.8 billion
Why partner with Morse Building Consultancy
MBC provides independent, insurer-grade reporting for insurers, loss adjusters, brokers and legal professionals. Our team separates event-related damage from defects, applies ICA best practice and aligns reinstatement with the NCC and Australian Standards. We offer costed scopes for tendering and surge capacity nationwide, backed by licensed building consultants and registered engineers.