Fallen tiles on the lawn, a slate hanging loose over the porch, or a damp patch spreading across the bedroom ceiling – storm damage rarely announces itself politely. What you do in the first hour or two afterwards can make a real difference to how much disruption, and expense, you end up dealing with.
Check for Immediate Safety Risks
Before anything else, look at the situation from ground level rather than heading up a ladder in blustery conditions. Loose slates, cracked ridge tiles and damaged chimney stacks can all shift further in aftershock winds, so keep family members, pets and cars away from areas directly beneath the roofline until it's been properly assessed.
If you can see a section of roof that looks close to collapse, or there's a live electrical hazard from a fallen cable or nearby power line, treat it as an emergency and call the fire service before worrying about the roof itself. Fallen branches resting against a roof can also be unstable, so leave those where they are too.
Limit the Water Damage Inside
Once it's safe, deal with what's happening indoors. Move furniture and belongings away from any drips, place buckets or towels to catch water, and if you can safely access the loft, take a look with a torch to see how far the leak has spread, since roof water often travels along timbers before it shows up on a ceiling.
Take photos of any visible damage, both outside and in, as this will make an insurance claim far more straightforward later on. It's also worth noting the date and rough time the damage was first noticed, since insurers often ask for this detail.
Book a Professional Inspection Promptly
Resist the temptation to climb up and start pulling at loose tiles yourself, even if it looks like a quick fix. A trained eye will spot secondary damage that isn't obvious from the ground, such as felt tears or slipped battens, which matter for a lasting repair rather than a temporary patch.
Brunel Roofing Bristol offers a 24-hour emergency call-out across Bristol and the surrounding areas, so a fully insured roofer can secure the roof and stop further water ingress while a proper repair plan is put together, backed by a 15-year guarantee once the work is carried out.
Get a Free Quote for Storm Damage Roof Repairs
Every roof is different — the fastest way to get an accurate answer is a quick chat with our team.