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Storm-Damaged Roof? What Hertfordshire Homeowners Should Do

Strong winds and heavy rain can expose weaknesses in a roof very quickly. If you suspect storm damage, knowing what to do next can help protect both you and your property.

Stay off the roof

Your first instinct might be to climb up and investigate. Do not. Damaged roofing can be unstable and wet tiles, ladders and strong winds introduce serious risks. Assess only what you can see safely from ground level.

Look for visible signs

Potential warning signs include missing tiles, roofing material on the ground, damaged guttering, displaced flashing and obvious debris. Inside, look for damp patches, staining or active dripping.

Protect the interior

If water is entering and it is safe to do so, move furniture and electrical items away from the affected area and use containers to collect dripping water.

Document what you can safely see

Photographs taken from a safe position can help record what has happened and can be useful when explaining the problem to a roofing contractor or insurer.

Arrange an assessment

Storm damage does not automatically mean complete replacement. Individual tiles or sections may be repairable depending on the extent of damage and the overall condition of the roof. Significant water ingress, fallen branches or unstable sections should be treated urgently.