Storm Damage Repairs Preston
If water is coming into the house right now, see our emergency roof repairs page first.
Common storm damage to roofs
| Damage | What it can lead to |
|---|---|
| Slipped, cracked or missing tiles and slates | Rain getting under the roof covering and into the loft |
| Loose or dislodged ridge and hip tiles | Water entering along the top of the roof; tiles falling |
| Lifted or torn lead flashing | Leaks around chimneys, walls and roof windows |
| Damaged chimney pots or flaunching | Falling debris; water getting into the stack |
| Flat roof coverings lifted at the edges | Wind getting under the covering and tearing more of it away |
| Gutters and downpipes pulled loose | Overflowing water running down the walls |
| Impact from branches or debris | Broken tiles, damaged timbers and holes in the roof |
What to do after a storm
- Stay safe. Don't go up on the roof or use a ladder in high winds or wet weather. Keep people away from anywhere tiles, bricks or pots could fall.
- Look from the ground. Walk round the house and look up, ideally with binoculars. Check the garden for pieces of tile, slate or mortar.
- Check inside. Look at the ceilings of top-floor rooms and, if it's safe, in the loft, for damp or daylight.
- Take photos of any damage, inside and out, for your records and any insurance claim.
- Call us on 07742 720 236.
How we deal with storm damage
Making it safe
The first job is to secure anything at risk of falling and stop more water getting in. Sometimes that means a temporary cover until the permanent repair can be done in suitable weather.
Checking the whole roof
Storms rarely damage just one thing. Once we have safe access, we check the rest of the roof, the ridges, the flashing, the chimney and the gutters, so nothing that has been loosened is missed. Damage that isn't visible from the ground can be the cause of a leak weeks later.
The permanent repair
We replace tiles and slates to match the roof, re-bed ridges, renew flashing in lead and repair or replace flat roof coverings. For the details of these repairs, see our roof repairs in Preston page.
Storm damage and insurance
Storm damage is often covered by home insurance, but it depends on your policy. The Association of British Insurers advises contacting your insurer as soon as possible and speaking to them before arranging temporary repairs where you can. If you have to arrange emergency repairs yourself to stop further damage, tell your insurer and keep the receipts.
When we inspect storm damage, we can explain what we found and what needs doing, so you have the information you need when you speak to your insurer. The decision on any claim is always theirs.
Why some roofs suffer more than others
A storm often exposes problems that were already there. Tiles held by rusted nails, ridge mortar that has cracked over the years and flashing that was already lifting are the first things to go in high winds. That's why two neighbouring houses can come through the same storm very differently.
After a storm repair, it's worth thinking about the rest of the roof. Our roof inspections and roof maintenance can pick up weak points before the next storm finds them.
Flat roofs and storm damage
Wind can get under the edges of a flat roof covering and peel it back, especially where the edge trims or upstands are already tired. If a flat roof on an extension, dormer or garage has lifted, it needs attention quickly, because more wind will tear more away. We repair and replace flat roofs in felt, EPDM rubber and GRP fibreglass. See our flat roofing page.
Chimneys after a storm
Chimney pots and the tops of stacks are especially exposed. If a pot has come down or looks loose, keep people away from below it and call us. See our chimney services page for the repairs we carry out.
Storm damage for landlords and businesses
For rental properties, a storm-damaged roof can quickly turn into a damp complaint from a tenant. For businesses, leaks can damage stock and close off parts of a building. We carry out storm damage repairs for landlords and commercial properties as well as homeowners. See our commercial roofing page.
Frequently asked questions
Should I go on the roof to check for storm damage?
No. Look from the ground or a window, take photos, and leave the roof to us.
Will my insurance cover storm damage?
Many home insurance policies cover storm damage, but it depends on your policy. Contact your insurer as soon as possible.
Can you make my roof safe before the full repair?
Yes. Our first priority is to make the roof safe and stop more water getting in. The permanent repair follows.
Why did my roof leak after a storm when I can't see any damage?
Wind-driven rain can get in through small gaps, lifted flashing or cracked ridge mortar that can't be seen from the ground. We'll find where it's getting in.
Do you repair storm-damaged flat roofs?
Yes. We repair and replace felt, EPDM rubber and GRP fibreglass flat roofs.
Are your quotes free?
Yes. Call 07742 720 236 for a free quote.
Storm damage to your roof in Preston?
Call Danny on 07742 720 236 or request a free quote. We cover Preston, Leyland, Chorley, Penwortham and the surrounding area. See all the areas we cover.