Storm Damage to Your Roof: What to Do in the First 24 Hours
When a storm hits {location} and damages your roof, the first 24 hours are critical. Acting quickly can prevent further damage to your property and strengthen any insurance claim you need to make. Here's exactly what to do.
Step 1: Stay Safe and Assess from the Ground
Never climb onto a damaged roof yourself. Loose tiles, weakened timbers and wet surfaces make it extremely dangerous. Instead, walk around the outside of your property and look for:
- Missing or displaced ridge tiles
- Slipped or cracked slates and tiles
- Damaged lead flashing around chimneys or walls
- Debris from the roof in the garden or gutters
- Sagging or bulging sections on the roof line
Step 2: Check Inside for Water Ingress
Head into the loft space with a torch. Look for daylight coming through the roof covering, damp patches on the felt or underlay, and any water pooling on the loft floor. Check upstairs ceilings for brown staining or bubbling paint — these are telltale signs of water getting through.
Step 3: Contain the Damage
If water is coming in, place buckets to catch drips and move any belongings away from wet areas. If you have a tarpaulin large enough, you can drape it over the affected area from the ground using a weighted rope — but only if it's safe to do so. Do not attempt to fix anything on the roof itself.
Step 4: Document Everything
Before anything gets cleaned up or repaired, take photographs and video of all visible damage — inside and out. This evidence is essential for your insurance claim. Note the date and time of the storm, and keep a written log of what you find.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurer
Most home insurance policies cover storm damage, but you must report it promptly. Call your insurer's claims line within 24 hours. They may send their own assessor, or they may ask you to get quotes from approved roofers. Ask whether you need authorisation before commissioning emergency repairs.
Step 6: Call a Reputable Emergency Roofer
Look for an emergency roofer in {location} who is a member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) or the Confederation of Roofing Contractors. A reputable roofer will make the roof watertight as an emergency measure and provide a full written quote for permanent repairs. Be wary of door-to-door traders who appear after storms offering cheap fixes.
What Not to Do
- Do not climb onto the roof — leave that to professionals with scaffolding and safety equipment
- Do not ignore even minor damage — small gaps let water in, which causes rot and mould over time
- Do not accept a verbal quote — always get a written breakdown
- Do not throw away damaged materials — your insurer may want to see them
Storm damage is stressful, but acting methodically in those first 24 hours protects your home and your wallet. If you're in {location} and need help after a storm, an NFRC-registered roofer can attend quickly and carry out a proper inspection.