Storm damage: what to do first and what insurance covers
The first 48 hours decide whether this is a repair or a ceiling replacement. Nothing on this list requires you to go up a ladder.
Water coming in right now? We prioritise active leaks across Hampton, Twickenham, Teddington and the wider TW and KT postcodes.
Call 07748 750711Stay off the roof. Photograph everything from ground level, contain any water inside, isolate affected electrics, then book a make safe. Most home policies cover storm damage subject to your excess, and insurers want photos plus a written scope from a roofer.
Make it safe first
Keep people away from anything that could fall, including hanging tiles and loose lead. If water is near light fittings or sockets, turn that circuit off at the consumer unit before you put a bucket anywhere.
Photograph before anything is touched
Wide shots of the property, then closer shots of the damage, the debris on the ground and any interior staining. Insurers ask for exactly this, and photos taken before a temporary repair are far more useful than after.
Contain the water inside
Buckets under active drips, plastic sheeting over furniture and floors. If a ceiling is bulging with trapped water, a small hole in the lowest point releases it into a bucket and can save the whole ceiling. Only do that if it is safe to reach.
Book a make safe, then the permanent repair
A tarp, temporary patch or dry fix ridge buys a few weeks while the proper repair is scoped and materials sourced. We separate the two on the quote so an insurer can see the emergency cost clearly.
What insurance usually covers, and what it does not
Storm damage is covered by most home policies subject to your excess. What insurers commonly decline is damage from gradual wear, missing maintenance or pre existing defects, which is why a written report describing the cause matters.
The report we provide
Photo documented, with cause, scope, materials and the cost split between make safe and permanent repair. We are happy to speak to your insurer directly where that helps.
FAQs
If the repair is close to your excess, paying directly is usually simpler and protects your no claims position. We will give you the figure so you can decide before anything is submitted.
For genuine emergencies with water coming in, yes. Non urgent storm damage is booked for the next working day.
Hampton, Hampton Hill, Twickenham, Teddington, Whitton, Richmond, Kingston, Surbiton, East Molesey, Walton on Thames, Sunbury and the wider TW, KT and SW postcodes.
Related reading
More on repairs & problems and the jobs that usually come with it.
- Clay tile roofs: plain tiles, pantiles and longevity
- Why is my roof leaking? The common causes, in orderRepairs & problems
- Storm damage: what insurance covers and what it does notRepairs & problems
- Access, neighbours and awkward propertiesProcess & paperwork
Looking for something specific? See our roofing services, cost guides, common roof problems or the areas we cover.
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Family-run and Hampton-based. Tell us what you're seeing on the roof and we'll come and look properly before quoting.