How to deal with storm damage to roof

Assess and repair roof damage

Storms can be terrifying, and they can leave big problems behind for a homeowner. A common casualty is the roof. Whether it’s heavy rain, strong winds or large hail, it’s important to know how to deal with storm damage to a roof. Although it might seem like a daunting challenge, the right approach will help you both repair and protect your roof.

How to check your roof for damage

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you check your roof after a storm:

• Safety First

  Before you even think about inspecting the damage, ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Wait for the storm to completely pass before attempting to check for any damage. If there are power lines down or any other hazards, keep your distance and call the relevant authorities.

• Document the Damage

  Never attempt to climb your roof to check for damage. Visually inspect the roofline from the ground. Roof tiles may have become dislodged or fallen onto the ground, so look around for any debris. Take clear photographs and make notes. Check inside your loft space, your bedrooms and bathroom for any watermarks on ceilings, as this will be a sign of a leak. This documentation will be needed for an insurance claim.

• Temporary Repairs

  If you have a water leak, try to secure the area with a tarpaulin, board or another protective waterproof material until the damage can be repaired. Make sure you remove any electrical appliances to avoid these getting wet. Cover up any gaps exposed to the elements to help minimise any further damage.

• Contact Your Insurance Company

  Call your insurance company as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process and they may send a loss adjuster to assess the damage. Provide them with the documentation you have produced to speed up your claim.

• Hire a Professional Roofer

  Never be tempted to tackle roof repairs yourself, it’s always safer and more effective to hire a professional roofing company. They have the expertise, experience, and equipment necessary to assess the extent of the damage and carry out repairs safely and efficiently.

• Get a Detailed Inspection

  As clay roof tiles can crack when pressure is applied, never attempt to check your roof yourself. Your roofing contractor will conduct a thorough inspection to identify all damage, including any hidden issues that might not be immediately visible. This inspection will result in a comprehensive repair plan.

• Repair or Replace

  Based on the inspection, your roofing contractor will advise you on the type of repair you need. As clay roof specialists, we can restore your clay roof, including sourcing and matching replacement tiles. We can also recement chimneys and ridge tiles. We are a professional roof company, which means we have all the necessary equipment, and health and safety training.

Professional clay roof restoration

Dealing with storm damage to your roof can be a stressful experience, but with the right approach and professional help, you can carry out the necessary repairs. Prioritise safety, document the damage, involve your insurance company, and hire a qualified roofing contractor to make repairs. Remember, a well-maintained roof not only protects your home, but it adds to the overall property value too.

As well as restoring clay roof tiles, we can clean your roof and remove any storm debris such as leaves and tree branches. When it comes to cleaning your roof, we will prepare the area around your home by moving any garden furniture and plant pots out of the way. We will also remove any downpipes to avoid any falling debris during our cleaning process. We use CAT ladders to inspect and clean your roof, which means we never step onto your roof tiles.

Next, we apply an anti-fungal wash to remove any micro roots such as moss, algae or lichen. We then work across your roof, cleaning small areas at a time without using any damaging high-pressure power jets. Once we’re done, we will apply the RENOTEC® Roof Coating, which helps to protect your roof tiles and this comes with a 10-year guarantee.