Emergency Storm Damage Repair Guide

The UK's increasingly unpredictable weather patterns mean that severe storms are becoming more common across the country. High winds, heavy rain, and even occasional hail can cause significant damage to your roof, potentially leading to water ingress and further property damage. This comprehensive guide will help you understand how to assess storm damage, implement emergency measures, and work with professionals to restore your roof to optimal condition.

Immediate Actions After a Storm

1. Assess From a Safe Distance

Once the storm has passed and it's safe to do so, conduct an initial assessment of your roof from ground level:

• Use binoculars to scan for obvious damage like missing tiles/slates, damaged flashing, or dislodged guttering
• Look for fallen debris around your property that may have come from the roof
• Check for signs of water ingress inside your property, particularly in the loft/attic space
• Document any visible damage with photographs (this will be important for insurance claims)

2. Interior Check

Signs of roof damage are often first noticeable from inside your property:

• Examine ceilings for water stains, bubbling paint, or discoloration
• Check your loft/attic for damp patches, water droplets, or visible daylight through the roof
• Listen for dripping sounds, particularly during rainfall
• Look for mould growth or musty odours which may indicate ongoing water ingress

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

If you've identified significant damage:

• Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible
• Understand what your policy covers – most buildings insurance policies cover storm damage
• Ask about the specific process for making a claim, including any documentation required
• Determine if you need to obtain quotes from specific approved contractors

Types of Storm Damage

Understanding the specific type of damage your roof has suffered will help you communicate effectively with professionals and understand the repairs needed:

Wind Damage

High winds are one of the most common causes of roof damage in the UK, particularly affecting:

• Tiles and Slates: Can be lifted, dislodged, or completely removed, exposing the underlayment
• Ridge Tiles: These capping tiles along the peak of the roof are particularly vulnerable to wind damage
• Flashing: Metal strips that seal joints can be loosened or torn away
• Guttering and Fascias: Can be pulled away from the roofline or damaged by debris

Impact Damage

Falling debris, tree limbs, or even hail can cause direct impact damage:

• Punctures: Direct impacts can create holes in roofing materials
• Cracked Tiles: Even without being dislodged, tiles/slates may crack or split upon impact
• Structural Damage: Heavy impacts may damage the supporting structure beneath the outer roofing

Water Damage

Heavy rain, especially when combined with wind damage, can lead to:

• Leaks: Water penetrating through damaged areas
• Saturated Underlayment: The waterproof membrane beneath tiles can become saturated
• Damaged Insulation: Loft insulation may become waterlogged and ineffective
• Water Pooling: Particularly on flat roofs, drainage issues can lead to standing water

Emergency Temporary Measures

While waiting for professional repairs, you may need to implement temporary measures to prevent further damage. Always prioritize safety and only attempt these if it's safe to do so:

For Minor Leaks

• Place buckets or containers to catch dripping water
• Move valuable items away from leak areas
• Use towels or absorbent materials to soak up excess water

Tarpaulin Covering

For more significant damage where larger areas are exposed:

1. Obtain a heavy-duty waterproof tarpaulin large enough to cover the damaged area plus an additional 1m overhang on all sides
2. If safe to do so, secure the tarpaulin over the damaged area, ensuring it extends over the ridge for optimal water runoff
3. Use strong rope or bungee cords to secure the tarpaulin – avoid puncturing the roof with nails or screws as this can cause additional damage
4. Weight down the edges with sandbags or similar items

Note: Tarpaulin covering is a temporary solution only and should be professionally installed if the damage is extensive or the roof is difficult to access safely.

Clearing Drainage Paths

Storm debris often blocks gutters and downpipes, exacerbating water problems:

• If safely accessible, clear leaves and debris from gutters
• Ensure downpipes are unblocked and flowing freely
• Check that ground-level drains are clear to prevent water pooling around foundations

Working with Professional Roofers

Finding a Reputable Emergency Roofer

In the aftermath of severe storms, demand for roofing services can be high, and unfortunately, this can attract unscrupulous operators. To find a trustworthy emergency roofer:

• Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbours who have had recent roofing work
• Check for membership of professional bodies like the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC)
• Ensure they have proper insurance, including public liability coverage
• Look for reviews and ratings online, but be wary of companies with only a handful of reviews
• Verify their physical business address and how long they've been operating
• Be cautious of door-to-door roofers who appear after storms – reputable companies rarely solicit business this way

Professional Assessment

A qualified roofer will conduct a thorough inspection, which should include:

• External roof inspection (often using a ladder or scaffold)
• Inspection of the loft space/underside of the roof
• Assessment of guttering, flashing, and other roofing components
• Checking for hidden damage not visible from ground level
• Photographic documentation of all damage found

Understanding Quotes and Timelines

After assessment, a professional should provide:

• A detailed written quote specifying materials and labour
• Clear explanation of the necessary repairs and why they're needed
• Realistic timeframe for completing the work
• Information about warranties or guarantees on the repair work
• Payment terms and schedule

Questions to Ask Your Roofer

Before agreeing to repairs, ask these important questions:

1. Will the repairs match the existing roof aesthetically?
2. Are there options for upgrading to more storm-resistant materials?
3. What measures will be taken to protect my property during repairs?
4. Is there any additional maintenance recommended to prevent future storm damage?
5. Will you handle any necessary building control approvals or notifications?
6. Can you work directly with my insurance company for payment?

Common Repair Techniques

Understanding the repair methods that might be used can help you better evaluate quotes and proposals:

Tile/Slate Replacement

For damaged or missing tiles/slates:

• Individual tiles or slates can often be replaced without disturbing surrounding areas
• Matching new materials to existing ones is important for both functionality and aesthetics
• In older properties, reclaimed materials may be used to ensure a good match

Ridge Tile Re-bedding

For damaged ridge tile mortar:

• Ridge tiles are carefully removed and cleaned
• New mortar is applied and tiles are reset
• Modern systems may incorporate mechanical fixings as well as mortar for increased wind resistance

Flashing Repairs

For damaged or displaced flashing:

• New lead or alternative flashing materials are cut and shaped to fit
• Properly installed flashing should be secured both mechanically and with appropriate sealants
• Critical areas include chimney intersections, roof valleys, and abutments with walls

Structural Repairs

For more serious damage affecting the roof structure:

• Damaged rafters, joists, or other timber elements may need repair or replacement
• Roofing underlay (felt or membrane) may need replacement
• Insulation might need to be replaced if saturated

Complete Re-roofing

In cases of extensive damage:

• Sometimes a complete re-roof is more cost-effective than extensive repairs
• This provides an opportunity to upgrade insulation and incorporate more resilient materials
• Building regulations approval may be required for complete re-roofing projects

Preventing Future Storm Damage

Once repairs are completed, consider these preventative measures:

Regular Maintenance

• Schedule annual roof inspections, ideally before storm season
• Keep gutters and downpipes clear of debris
• Address minor issues promptly before they become major problems

Upgrades for Resilience

• Consider additional fixings for tiles in exposed locations
• Upgrade to storm-resistant materials when replacing roof components
• Improve attic ventilation to reduce moisture buildup
• Consider installing hurricane straps or improved roof-to-wall connections

Tree Management

• Regularly trim branches that overhang your roof
• Consider removing trees that pose a high risk in storms
• After storms, check remaining trees for damage that could make them unstable

Insurance Considerations

Documentation for Claims

To ensure a smooth insurance claim process:

• Take photographs of all damage before any temporary measures or repairs
• Keep all receipts for emergency measures taken
• Record dates and details of all communications with roofers and your insurance company
• Get detailed invoices and reports from roofing contractors

Understanding Coverage

Be aware of these common insurance considerations:

• Most policies cover sudden and unexpected damage from storms but may not cover damage due to poor maintenance
• There may be specific requirements for emergency measures to prevent further damage
• Some policies have specific excess amounts for storm damage claims
• Insurance may cover alternative accommodation if your home is uninhabitable due to roof damage

Conclusion

Storm damage to your roof can be stressful and disruptive, but prompt action and working with qualified professionals can minimise the impact on your property. By understanding the assessment process, implementing appropriate emergency measures, and choosing reputable repair specialists, you can ensure your roof is restored to its protective best.

At Tonkaya-Repa, we offer 24/7 emergency roof repair services across the UK, with rapid response teams equipped to handle all types of storm damage. Our experienced roofers can provide both temporary solutions to prevent further damage and permanent, high-quality repairs to restore your roof's integrity.