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Roofing advice
What to do first after storm damage, how make-safe work differs from permanent repair, and the evidence insurers usually expect for a roof claim.
Quick answer
After storm damage, make people safe, contain water inside, and photograph everything from ground level before anything is moved. Make-safe work comes first and is deliberately temporary; the permanent repair is scoped once the roof can be inspected properly and safely.
Storm work happens in two stages for good reason. Specifying a permanent repair in the dark and the wet leads to work that has to be redone.
This section covers the first hour, the evidence that supports a claim, and what insurers typically will and will not cover.
Is storm damage to a roof covered by home insurance?
Many policies can cover sudden insured storm damage, but the exact position depends on the policy and cause. Insurers commonly distinguish sudden storm damage from deterioration, lack of maintenance or ordinary wear and tear. A clear, dated record of what was found can help support that assessment, though the final decision always rests with the insurer.
Will insurance pay for an old leaking roof?
Home insurance generally does not exist to fund ordinary roof ageing or maintenance. Coverage may apply where an insured event causes damage, but policy wording and the insurer's assessment determine the outcome. An honest, evidenced account of the roof's condition can help that conversation, though we cannot advise on what a specific policy will or will not pay.
Can roof inspection photographs help with an insurance claim?
Photographs can provide useful evidence of visible roof condition and damage, particularly where areas cannot be seen from ground level. They do not guarantee an insurer will accept a claim, but dated and clearly referenced imagery can make the circumstances easier to document.
Can high winds damage a roof even if nothing has blown off?
Yes. Coverings, ridge details and fixings can move without falling to the ground. Small changes may only become obvious when wind-driven rain later enters, which is why an exposed roof may warrant inspection after unusually severe weather. Checking eaves, verges and ridge lines for loosened fixings is often more revealing than a general look across the roof.
What counts as an emergency roofing problem?
Major active water ingress, unsafe loose materials, obvious structural movement, storm-created openings and water threatening electrical installations are examples of urgent problems. A defect can still require prompt repair without necessarily requiring an emergency callout, and distinguishing the two helps avoid unnecessary out-of-hours costs while still getting the roof made safe.
Storm damage: what to do first
Keep people clear of falling material, record what you can see safely, then arrange an inspection before permanent repairs are planned.
The immediate priority is preventing danger and further damage. Where possible, document the condition before any temporary work and contact your insurer about permanent repairs before they are carried out. Keep photographs and invoices associated with any emergency measures, as these form part of the record an insurer may later ask to see.
In many situations a temporary covering or other make-safe measure can reduce further water ingress until a permanent repair can be completed. The correct approach depends on the extent of the damage and whether safe access to the affected area is possible. This is a stopgap, not a substitute for a proper assessment and permanent repair.
Climbing onto a wet, damaged or wind-affected roof introduces serious fall risk. Temporary weather protection should be installed using suitable access equipment and competent people, rather than turning a water-ingress problem into a personal safety problem. If you cannot arrange this quickly, focus on protecting the inside of the property instead.
Water around electrical equipment or fittings should always be treated as a safety issue rather than a roofing one first. Keep away from the affected equipment, avoid touching switches or sockets in the area, and obtain appropriate professional assistance rather than attempting roof or electrical work in the wet area yourself.
For active leaks, storm damage, fallen materials or an unsafe chimney — call. Make-safe work first, permanent repair scheduled after inspection.
