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When a storm blows through Cheshire, roofs take the hit first. One strong gust can lift a ridge tile, rip off a section of flat roof felt or bend a chimney flashing, and by the next downpour water is finding its way into your loft. Acting quickly in the first 48 hours makes a big difference to how much the repair costs, and to whether your insurer pays for it.
This guide explains how to spot storm damage safely, what to do straight away, how home insurance usually treats storm claims, and when to call a roofer.
Signs your roof has storm damage
Never climb onto the roof yourself. Most damage can be spotted from the ground, from an upstairs window or from inside the loft. Look out for:
- Slipped, cracked or missing tiles or slates, often lying in the garden or on the driveway
- Loose or missing ridge tiles along the top of the roof
- Lifted or torn felt on flat roofs over extensions, garages and dormers
- Bent or lifted lead flashing around chimneys, roof windows and wall junctions
- Leaning chimney pots or loose mortar on the chimney stack
- Damaged or detached gutters, fascias and soffits
- Damp patches, drips or daylight visible from inside the loft
For a longer checklist of the less obvious signs, read our guide to the 10 warning signs your roof needs repair.
What to do in the first 48 hours
- Make it safe. Keep people and cars away from anything that could fall, such as loose tiles, chimney pots or gutters. If water is near light fittings or sockets, switch off the electricity at the consumer unit.
- Contain the water. Put buckets under drips, move furniture and valuables, and lay down towels. If a ceiling is bulging with water, keep clear of it and call for help.
- Take photos and videos. Photograph the roof from the ground, any debris, the loft and any internal damage. Note the date and time of the storm.
- Call a roofer for an emergency repair. A temporary repair, such as a tarpaulin, replacing a few tiles or sealing flashing, stops further damage and is usually expected by insurers.
- Contact your insurer. Report the damage as soon as you can and ask what evidence they need. Keep receipts for any emergency work.
- Book a full inspection. Once the weather settles, have the whole roof checked so hidden damage doesn’t turn into a leak months later.
Will my home insurance cover storm damage?
Most buildings insurance policies cover sudden damage caused by a storm, but not damage caused by wear and tear or poor maintenance. Insurers usually check three things:
- Were there storm conditions on or around the date? Many insurers use a wind speed threshold, often around 55mph, but definitions vary, so check your policy wording.
- Is the damage consistent with what a storm typically causes, such as lifted tiles or a blown-off flat roof?
- Was the storm the main cause, or was the roof already in poor condition?
This is why a roofer’s report with clear photos helps. At Home Pride Roofing Services we photograph everything we find and explain whether the damage looks storm-related or age-related, so you can give your insurer an honest picture. If your claim is declined and you disagree, you can complain to the insurer and then to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Temporary vs permanent roof repairs
After a big storm, every roofer in the area gets busy. An emergency visit is about stopping water getting in. A permanent repair follows once materials are sourced and the weather is dry enough to work safely.
| Type of repair | What it involves | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency tarpaulin or temporary cover | Securing a sheet over the damaged area to keep water out | £150 – £400 |
| Replace a few slipped or missing tiles/slates | Matching and fixing new tiles with clips or nails | £150 – £400 |
| Re-bed or replace ridge tiles | Re-fixing loose ridges, or fitting a dry ridge system | £400 – £1,300 |
| Replace chimney lead flashing | Removing damaged lead and fitting new flashing | £400 – £1,200 |
| Flat roof repair | Patching or re-sealing a damaged section | £150 – £1,200 |
Guide prices include VAT and vary with access and scaffolding. If a storm has exposed a roof that is near the end of its life, it may make more sense to replace it. See how much a new roof costs in Cheshire.
Which roofs are most at risk in Cheshire?
Some homes are far more exposed than others:
- Homes facing open ground or water. In Frodsham, for example, many houses look straight out over the Mersey estuary and marshes and take the full force of westerly winds.
- Older roofs with original fixings. Roofs from the 1960s and 70s often have corroded nails and perished felt, so tiles lift more easily.
- Mortar-bedded ridges. Old mortar cracks and lets ridge tiles work loose. A dry ridge system is far more secure.
- Felt flat roofs. Older felt can blister and peel, and storms often finish it off. Read about common flat roof problems.
How to protect your roof before the next storm
- Have your roof inspected every year or two, and after any major storm
- Replace slipped tiles and cracked ridge mortar before winter
- Clear gutters and downpipes so water drains away quickly
- Trim overhanging branches that could break off and hit the roof
- Consider upgrading to a dry ridge and dry verge system on older roofs
Need an emergency roofer?
Home Pride Roofing Services carries out emergency and permanent roof repairs across Greater Manchester and Cheshire, including Frodsham, Warrington, Chester and Crewe. We’ll make your roof safe, photograph the damage and give you a clear, itemised quote for the permanent repair.
Contact our team today for help with storm damage.
