How to Spot Roof Damage After a Storm

Post-Storm Roof Inspection Guide

London's weather can be unpredictable, and storms can cause significant roof damage. Here's how to check your property after severe weather and when to call for professional help.

Safety First

Before You Start

Wait until the storm has completely passed

Never go onto a wet or icy roof

Use binoculars for close inspection from ground level

Check for overhead cables before using ladders

If in doubt, call a professional

Warning Signs of Structural Damage

Call a professional immediately if you see:

Visible sagging in the roof line

Chimney leaning or collapsed

Large sections of missing covering

Trees or debris impacting the roof

External Inspection Checklist

From Ground Level

Check for:

Missing or Displaced Tiles/Slates

Gaps in the roof covering

Tiles on the ground around the property

Slipped tiles sitting at angles

Ridge and Hip Tiles

Gaps along the ridge line

Tiles sitting proud or shifted

Missing mortar

Flashings

Lead lifting or detached

Gaps between roof and walls

Visible felt or membrane

Chimney

Cracked or missing pointing

Pots displaced or fallen

Stack leaning

Gutters and Downpipes

Sections detached

Visible damage

Overflowing (may indicate blockage)

With Binoculars

Look more closely at:

Individual tile condition

Flashing details

Moss or debris accumulation

Any lifting or displacement

Internal Inspection

Loft Space

If safe to access, check for:

Water Ingress

Damp patches on rafters

Water stains on insulation

Active dripping (obvious emergency)

Musty smells

Daylight

Any visible light through the roof

Check around chimneys and vents

Look along valleys and edges

Debris

Broken tiles in the loft

Mortar debris

Signs of animal or bird ingress

Inside the Property

Check upper floor ceilings for:

New water stains

Bubbling or peeling paint

Damp patches appearing

Cracks around chimneys

Common Storm Damage Types

Wind Damage

Lifted or missing tiles

Ridge tiles displaced

Flat roof membrane lifted

Flashing damage

Impact Damage

Cracked tiles from debris

Chimney pot impact

Tree branch damage

Antenna or satellite damage

Water Damage

Usually follows wind damage

Blocked gutters flooding

Valley or gutter overflow

Flashing failures

When to Call a Professional

Emergency (Same Day)

Active water coming in

Structural damage visible

Large areas of missing covering

Chimney damage

Urgent (Within 48 Hours)

Multiple missing tiles

Flashing damage

Gutter damage causing issues

Any uncertain damage

Standard (This Week)

Single displaced tile

Minor pointing damage

Cosmetic issues

Inspection for insurance

Documenting Damage

For Insurance Claims

Take photos of all damage

Note date and time of storm

Record when damage was discovered

Keep any fallen materials

Get professional written assessment

Our Storm Damage Service

We provide:

Emergency weatherproofing

Detailed damage reports

Insurance documentation

Permanent repair quotes

Priority booking for storm damage

Prevention for Next Time

Regular Maintenance

Annual roof inspection

Gutter cleaning twice yearly

Secure loose tiles promptly

Tree maintenance near property

Storm Preparation

Clear gutters before autumn

Secure loose aerials and dishes

Know your emergency contacts

Review insurance coverage

Need a Post-Storm Inspection?

Don't wait for small damage to become major problems. Our team can inspect your roof and provide honest assessment and recommendations.

**Call 020 8528 3900** for post-storm inspections.