How tiled roofs resist wind
Traditionally, tiled roofs relied largely on the sheer weight of the tiles to stay put in the wind. That works up to a point — but flatter tiles, and older unclipped tiles, can be lifted and dislodged by strong gusts.
What the rules require now
Mackay sits in a cyclone wind region. Under modern building requirements for these areas, roof tiles must be mechanically fixed down — using approved wind clips or screws — rather than just relying on their weight. It's there to keep tiles in place when a cyclone hits.
The catch is age. Homes built before the mid-1980s often predate these requirements, so their tiles may not be clipped or screwed down at all. That can leave an older roof far more vulnerable in a severe storm than the owner realises.
Quick tip — If your home is from the early 1980s or earlier and the roof hasn't been upgraded, it's worth confirming whether the tiles are mechanically fixed — it matters for both storm safety and, in some cases, insurance.
Why it's worth checking
- Older roofs may rely on tile weight alone, not clips or screws
- Dislodged tiles in a storm cause both leaks and a falling hazard
- Mechanical fixing is the current standard for tiled roofs in cyclone regions
- Re-securing tiles can often be done as part of other repair work
Bringing an older roof up to standard
Re-securing tiles to meet the wind-fixing requirements is something a specialist can assess and carry out, often alongside re-bedding, re-pointing or tile replacement. It's one of the more meaningful upgrades you can make to an older Mackay roof.
Think this might be your roof? Get a free, no-obligation quote from a local Mackay tiled-roof repairer. Get in touch →