Roof Damaged After a Storm? What to Do Next
Missing slates, a leaking ceiling or guttering hanging loose? Finding roof damage after a storm is stressful, but your priorities are straightforward: keep people safe, limit further damage and establish what needs repairing. Here’s what to do.
1. Keep clear of anything that could fall
Stay away from areas beneath loose tiles, damaged chimneys or hanging gutters. Keep children, pets and visitors clear too. Do not climb onto the roof, use ladders in strong winds or attempt to secure a tarpaulin yourself. Wait until conditions are safe for a contractor to assess access. Never touch fallen electricity cables.
If a ceiling is bulging or sagging, keep out of the room and seek urgent professional help.
2. Limit damage inside—if it’s safe
For a manageable leak:
Put a bucket beneath drips.
Move furniture, valuables and electrical items away.
Protect the surrounding floor with towels.
If water is entering lights, sockets or electrical equipment, keep clear and seek urgent electrical advice. Do not touch wet switches or fittings.
Temporary protection can help, but it does not replace a proper roof repair.
3. Photograph what you can safely see
Once the storm has passed, check from ground level or a safe indoor position. Look for displaced slates or tiles, debris, damaged gutters and new water staining.
Take photographs of both external damage and affected rooms. Record when you first noticed the problem and keep any earlier roof photographs for comparison.
You do not need to get onto the roof to collect evidence.
4. Contact your insurer early
If you may claim, contact your buildings insurer promptly. Ask:
Does the policy cover this damage?
Is emergency assistance available?
Can you arrange temporary repairs?
Do they need to inspect before permanent work begins?
Photograph the damage before repairs where safe, and keep itemised invoices and receipts. Cover depends on your policy and the circumstances; damage discovered after a storm is not automatically covered.
If you rent, notify your landlord. For a shared roof, contact your factor or the other owners promptly.
5. Arrange urgent protection, then assess permanent repairs
Active water ingress or loose materials may need urgent attention. Explain exactly what is happening when contacting a roofing contractor, and ask whether temporary protection is appropriate.
For permanent work, request a written quotation explaining:
Which areas need repairing and why
What materials and work are included
Access arrangements, such as scaffolding
The price and payment terms
Ask for photographs supporting the recommendations. If someone proposes extensive work, ask why a smaller repair would not be suitable.
6. Get independent advice if you’re unsure
If you receive conflicting recommendations or are told you need a replacement roof, an independent inspection can help clarify the visible condition and appropriate next steps.
Assure Roof Surveys provides independent roof inspections across Central Scotland from only £150. We do not carry out repairs or sell roofing work. We explain our findings, highlight priorities and help you understand what to discuss with contractors.
Emergency make-safe work should take priority. Once immediate risks are controlled, contact Assure Roof Surveys Scotland if you need an impartial assessment before committing to further work.
If you live in Scotland, Assure Roof Surveys are here if you need an impartial roof assessment.
