Roof Damaged in a Storm? A 5-Step Guide for Surrey & Hampshire

The sound of rattling tiles during high winds or the sight of a damp patch appearing on your ceiling after a torrential downpour is a stressful experience for any homeowner. Storms across Surrey and Hampshire can be fierce, and your roof bears the full brunt of the weather.

When damage occurs, it’s easy to feel panicked and unsure of what to do next. This guide provides a calm, clear, step-by-step action plan. Follow these five steps to ensure your safety, minimise further damage to your property, and start the repair process correctly.

Your Immediate 5-Step Action Plan

In the aftermath of a storm, a methodical approach is crucial. Work through this checklist to take control of the situation.

1. Prioritise Safety Above All Else

Before you do anything else, ensure the immediate area is safe. The most important rule is: do not go onto your roof yourself. A wet, damaged roof is incredibly dangerous. Be mindful of potential hazards like fallen branches, debris, or downed power lines.

2. Assess the Damage from Inside Your Home

Once it is safe to do so, check the top floor of your house and loft space. Look for the obvious signs of water ingress:

• Drips and active leaks

• Damp patches or discolouration on ceilings

• Bulging or sagging plasterboard

If you have an active leak, use buckets and old towels to contain the water and prevent it from spreading and causing more damage to your floors and belongings.

3. Take Photos & Document Everything

Using your mobile phone, take clear pictures and videos of any damage you can see, both inside your home and any external damage visible from the ground or a safe upstairs window. This evidence will be essential when you contact your home insurance provider.

4. Call a Professional Emergency Roofer

Your next call should be to a trusted, local roofer who offers an emergency service. A professional will have the correct safety equipment and expertise to assess the damage properly. Their first job will be to carry out a temporary "make-safe" repair. This is designed to stop any further water from entering your property—for example, by securing a heavy-duty tarpaulin over the damaged area—before a full, permanent repair can be scheduled.

5. Contact Your Insurance Company

With the situation under control, you should now contact your insurance company to inform them of the damage and begin the claims process. Let them know you have already contacted an emergency roofer to mitigate further damage, which they will see as a responsible step. Your roofer can provide a detailed report and quote to support your claim.

How We Handle Storm Damage Emergency Calls

We understand that you need a fast and reliable response. When you call our emergency line, here is what you can expect:

• Immediate advice over the phone to help you manage the situation.

• Rapid dispatch of our local roofing team to your property.

• A thorough safety assessment upon arrival.

• Professional "make-safe" repairs to protect your home.

• A detailed report and an itemised quote for the permanent repairs required for your insurance claim.

Your Local 24/7 Emergency Roofers in Surrey and Hampshire

Storm damage doesn't stick to a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. If your roof has been compromised, don't wait for the damage to get worse.

Call our 24/7 emergency response team now at [Your Emergency Phone Number] for immediate assistance.