A storm rolls through, the wind howls overnight, and in the morning you spot tiles scattered across the lawn — or worse, a damp patch spreading across the ceiling. It's stressful, but what you do in the first few hours makes a real difference to the damage, the repair cost, and your insurance claim. Here's a clear five-step guide for homeowners across Surrey & Hampshire.

Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Before anything else, keep people away from the danger. If tiles or debris have fallen, cordon off the area below — a dislodged tile can come down at any moment. Inside, if a ceiling is bulging with trapped water, stay out of that room and turn off the electricity to it if water is anywhere near light fittings or wiring.

Never climb onto the roof to assess storm damage yourself. Wet, wind-loaded roofs are extremely dangerous, and more people are injured inspecting damage than by the storm itself. Everything you need to do at this stage can be done from the ground.

Step 2: Contain the Damage Inside

If water is coming in, limit what it can ruin:

  • Move furniture, electronics and valuables away from the affected area.
  • Place buckets or a large container under active drips, and lay down towels or a tarpaulin to protect flooring.
  • If a ceiling is sagging with a pool of water behind it, the safest move is to pierce a small hole at the lowest point with a screwdriver, over a bucket, to release the water in a controlled way. A slow drip is far better than a whole ceiling collapsing.

These steps don't fix anything, but they stop a roof problem becoming a whole-house problem while you arrange a repair.

Step 3: Document Everything for Insurance

Most home insurance policies cover storm damage, and good evidence makes the claim smoother. Before you tidy up:

  • Photograph and video the damage from the ground — fallen tiles, debris, interior water stains, and any damaged belongings.
  • Note the date and time, and check local weather reports confirming the storm — useful supporting evidence.
  • Keep any tiles or materials that have come down; your insurer or roofer may want to see them.
  • Don't throw away damaged items until your insurer has confirmed they're not needed.

Contact your insurer to start the claim, but don't wait for them before arranging emergency measures to make the property safe — most policies expect you to prevent further damage, and a reputable roofer can provide the report and quote your insurer will need.

Step 4: Get a Professional Emergency Assessment

This is where you call in a qualified roofer. Storm damage often goes beyond the obvious — a few missing tiles on the surface can mean lifted flashing, cracked ridge tiles, or a compromised flat roof you can't see from the ground. The tile-hung Victorian and Edwardian homes common around Guildford, Woking and Epsom are particularly prone to slipped slates and loosened ridge lines in high winds.

A professional will safely inspect the roof, carry out temporary weatherproofing — such as fitting a tarpaulin or replacing slipped tiles — to stop further water ingress, and give you a clear report and quote. As Surrey & Hampshire roofers, we offer a 24/7 emergency response and can usually get to you the same day for urgent roof repairs.

Step 5: Arrange the Permanent Repair

Once the property is safe and watertight, you can deal with the lasting fix. Depending on what the storm exposed, that might be:

  • Replacing slipped, cracked or missing tiles and slates.
  • Re-bedding or replacing ridge tiles dislodged by wind uplift.
  • Renewing damaged lead flashing around chimneys, valleys and abutments.
  • Clearing and repairing gutters and downpipes torn loose in the storm.
  • In severe cases, a section of re-roofing where the covering and underlay have failed.

If you're claiming on insurance, we'll provide the detailed report and itemised quote your insurer needs, and we're happy to liaise with them throughout. Because we ask for no deposit, you're never out of pocket waiting for a claim to settle.

Why Act Quickly

Storm damage rarely improves on its own. A small gap that lets water in tonight can rot timbers, ruin insulation, and stain ceilings within days — turning a modest repair into a major one. Acting fast protects both your home and your wallet.

Storm Damage? Call Us Now

If your roof has been hit by a storm anywhere across Camberley, Guildford, Woking, Basingstoke, Eastleigh or Epsom, don't wait for the next downpour. With over 10 years of experience, a 10-year insurance-backed guarantee and £2M public liability cover, we'll make your home safe and watertight fast.

Call our 24/7 emergency line on 07470 744247 or message us on WhatsApp for a free quote and rapid response.