Storms are one of the biggest causes of roof damage for households in the UK. Recent examples, such as Storm Éowyn (early 2025) and Storm Darragh (late 2024), caused significant damage to roofs across the UK. From minor leaks to severe wind damage, storm damage can be stressful, especially when you aren’t sure if you have storm damage or not, or what to do.
This article will explore what you need to do when you believe that a storm has damaged your roof. By acting quickly when disaster strikes, you can get your roof fixed quickly, and before minor damage can become a major issue.
Help! My Roof Has Been Damaged By a Storm
What Are the Signs Your Roof Has Storm Damage?
In the aftermath of a storm, there are plenty of telling signs that your roof didn’t quite weather the rain and wind. These include:
- Missing or Damaged Tiles: Look for roofing shingles or tiles that are cracked, loose, or missing entirely. This could be broken tiles on the ground around your house or the roof of your home if you have visibility.
- Leaks or Water Stains: Inspect ceilings and walls inside your home for signs of water damage or stains.
- Flashing and Sealant Issues: Check around chimneys, vents, and skylights for loose or damaged flashing and sealants that could allow water into your home.
- Debris or Dents: Notice any debris embedded in the roof, such as branches, or dents on metal roofing components.
- Sagging or Uneven Areas: Look for signs of structural issues, such as sections of the roof that appear lower or uneven.
Please note: Any inspections that you carry out on your own property should be carried out from the ground or within your loft - you should never attempt to climb onto your roof, especially a damaged one! Instead, leave it to the professionals; we have the equipment and safety measures to get the job done with as little risk as possible.
Common Types of Roof Storm Damage
Unfortunately, storms can wreak havoc on roofs in several ways, with wind, water, hailstones, and flying debris each contributing to significant damage.
Wind Damage
Strong winds can lift or tear off shingles and other roofing materials, exposing the underlying structure. Storm Eunice (2022) - which featured gusts up to 122mph - severely damaged many properties across London, the South-East, and the South-West.
Water Damage
Heavy rain associated with storms can seep into damaged areas of a roof, causing leaks and water stains inside your home. Prolonged exposure to water can weaken the roof structure, leading to mould, decay, and sagging over time.
Hailstone Impact
Hailstones can cause visible dents, cracks, or breakage in roofing materials. In storms where hail is a factor, homeowners often report damage ranging from shattered tiles to small punctures that compromise the roof's weatherproofing.
Debris Damage
High winds can turn loose objects, branches, or other debris into serious threats. These can puncture or scratch roofing surfaces and even damage the flashings around chimneys or vents. Earlier in 2025, debris from Storm Éowyn, such as falling trees, caused major damage to properties across the UK, and sadly, even loss of life.
When Does a Roof Need Replacing Due to Storm Damage?
Although storms can cause all sorts of damage, they don’t always necessitate a complete roof replacement. For example, loose flashing or a small number of cracked tiles are easy for roofers to repair, although the problem could worsen if you don’t get these small repairs done promptly!
If the damage is particularly severe, such as if there’s light seeping through the roof or you’ve noticed severe sagging, then this may indicate that a structural replacement is needed. Similarly, massive sections of cracked slate, weakened structural integrity, or large areas of damaged rubber roofing may warrant a new roof.
Alternatively, old roofs that are near the end of their lifespan may benefit from a total replacement to make sure they’re fit for purpose the next time poor weather arrives.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Damaged Roof?
The cost to fix a damaged roof massively depends on both the extent of the damage and the type of roofing materials you use:
Damaged Roof Slates
Typically, the cost of replacing damaged Spanish slate tiles starts from 75+ per m² for just the cost of the materials. Whereas a total roof material replacement using the same material could cost between £8,500 to £13,500 for a standard 4-bed home.
Sagged Roofing
If your roof is sagging from storm damage, most routine repairs will cost between £2,000 to £4,000. However, a complete structural overhaul caused by severe storm damage can sometimes cost over £30,000. If you need new timber rafters for support, these may cost from £25+ per linear metre for 150 x 50mm joists.
Damaged Flat Roofs
It’s not just traditional pitched roofs that can be damaged by storms - flat roofs can also feel the effects of strong weather conditions. If your flat roof needs replacing, smaller properties using cheaper materials, such as a 55 m² asphalt roof, often cost between £2,750 - £4,400 to replace. On the other hand, a 100 m² lead flat roof could cost between £8,000 - £15,000 to replace.
For the most accurate costs, it’s important to contact a local roofer and discuss the extent of your damage - these costs are based on industry averages.
Does Insurance Cover Storm Damage to Your Roof?
In the event of a storm, building insurance will typically cover any damage your roof experiences. However, you should check your insurance policy documents to be sure of your coverage options and exclusions.
You should photographically document any noticeable damage to your roof (if it is safe to do so from a distance) and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. If you're a tenant, storm damage repairs are typically the landlord's responsibility, but be sure to check your tenancy agreement for specific details.
How to Check If Your Roof Has Storm Damage
Once the storm has cleared, there are several steps you should take to ensure a timely, safe repair of your roof. Here’s what you should do:
1. Conduct a Safe Inspection
Begin by assessing your roof from a safe distance - ideally from the ground - to avoid potential hazards like falling debris or unstable structures. Use binoculars if necessary to get a closer look at the extent of the damage without putting yourself at risk. If you notice any fallen powerlines or other serious risks, contact your local authority immediately.
2. Document the Damage
Record all visible damage with clear photographs and detailed notes, if it is safe to do so. Capture multiple angles of the affected areas and document any interior signs of water damage or leaks for insurance purposes. If you can’t safely document the damage, a roofer will be able to do so for you during their inspection (explained later).
3. Manage Urgent Leaks
If you have a large leak, place buckets or bowls to catch water and move any nearby electrical items. Some guides may mention placing temporary covers over the affected area, but we’d advise you to call an emergency roofer to handle the issue on the exterior, whilst you focus on safely blocking the interior.
4. Call Reputable Roofing Contractors
Contact experienced and trusted roofing professionals (such as Empire Roofing) for a detailed inspection; they can accurately assess the damage and provide repair estimates. In the event of an emergency, you’ll need a roofer with fast availability. Choose contractors with good reviews and credentials to ensure quality work and avoid further complications.
5. Report the Damage to Your Insurance Provider
Once you have gathered documentation and professional assessments, contact your insurance provider to report the damage. Provide them with the photos, notes, and repair estimates so they can begin processing your claim and guide you through the next steps.
How to Reduce the Risk of Damage in the Future
Although storm weather can be highly unpredictable, there are several things you can do to help your roof stand firm in extreme conditions, including:
- Scheduling regular roof inspections to spot small issues that could become problematic.
- Replacing broken or missing tiles, since these can cause water ingress after heavy rain.
- Trimming nearby tree branches, which could fall onto your property after strong winds.
- Keeping gutters and downspouts clear of debris, as blockages can cause water to pool.
- Replacing an old roof with more resistant materials, such as slate or metal roofing.
Our Roofing Experts Can Help in an Emergency
Don’t let storm damage compromise your property any longer - at Empire Roofing, we’re here to help. Contact our expert team today to arrange a detailed inspection of the storm damage, and we’ll discuss the next steps with you for a lasting resolution.
