Storm Damage RepairA Guide for UK Property Owners

After severe weather, it’s natural to want to get outside and see exactly what has happened.

Be careful.

Storm damaged buildings can present risks that aren’t immediately obvious. Roof tiles may still be loose, branches may be unstable, water can reach electrical systems and damaged ceilings can become unsafe.

Keep people away from hanging tiles, loose chimney masonry, unstable trees, broken glazing, damaged ceilings and water near electrics. Do not go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress. The Met Office also advises keeping away from fallen or hanging cables and buildings or trees that may have been weakened [1].

Make the area safe

Don’t climb onto a roof to inspect or fix it yourself. Even when the wind has dropped, the covering or structure may be slippery, fragile or unstable. HSE explains why roof repairs require safe access and protection against falls [2].

If there is an immediate threat to life or serious collapse, contact the emergency services. Stay away from damaged electrical equipment. Only isolate electricity if the switch and access route are dry and safe; otherwise arrange professional help. Affected installations may need checking before reuse [3].

Arrange temporary protection when it is safe

If the roof or windows have been opened to the weather, temporary protection can prevent further rain getting in. A competent contractor might install a temporary roof covering or board a broken window once conditions allow. They may need scaffolding or another safe access method even for a small repair.

Contact the insurer where practical, explain the urgency and keep photographs and itemised invoices. Necessary emergency work may need to happen before an inspection or written approval, but explain why it could not wait. Replacing the entire roof is a different commitment from making it temporarily weather tight.

If access remains unsafe, keep the insurer informed and ask what safer measures are possible. Nobody should risk a fall to protect an insurance claim.

Record what happened and contact your insurer

Take ground level and internal photographs where safe, showing both the wider scene and the damage. Missing tiles, fallen branches, impact marks and the route of water entry can all help. Ask any emergency contractor to photograph what they find before covering it up or removing materials.

Report the incident promptly. Give the date or best estimate, affected areas, whether water is still entering, any emergency work and whether the property remains habitable. If you don’t yet know what failed, say so. You don’t need to diagnose the whole roof before making the call.

Do not delay urgent safety work or keep dangerous debris, simply as evidence. Document disposal where practical. Other damaged items should be retained for assessment unless they pose a health or safety risk.

Storm damage is damage caused by severe weather. Wind is often involved, but exceptionally heavy rain, hail or snow may also qualify. Insurance decisions depend on the policy wording, the weather at the property and what caused the particular damage [4].

A named storm does not automatically establish cover, and an unnamed event does not automatically rule it out. The actual conditions and their effect on your property matter.

How strong does the wind need to be

There isn’t one universal threshold for every policy. Some definitions specify wind gusts, while others use broader wording. A figure such as 55mph is not a rule applying to every claim. Check the definition your insurer is using.

Weather station readings are useful evidence, but they are not measurements from every roof. Ask how the station, distance, timing and local conditions relate to your property. Neighbouring damage and well-supported contractor findings can add context; they do not automatically override the policy.

How a disputed storm claim is assessed

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) considers three questions when reviewing a disputed storm claim [4]:

• Were there storm conditions on or around the date of the damage?
• Is the damage consistent with what a storm can cause?
• Were the storm conditions the main cause, rather than the weather revealing an existing problem?

Let’s imagine strong winds dislodge ridge tiles. The assessment should consider how they were fixed, the surrounding condition and the evidence of displacement. The fact that a roof is old or imperfect does not, on its own, show what caused those tiles to fail.

Equally, a roof never having leaked before does not prove that every defect was created by the storm. Hidden deterioration may only become apparent during bad weather. A useful report explains the actual failure rather than assuming either “old roof, so no cover” or “windy day, so storm damage”.

If an insurer relies on an exclusion, ask it to identify the relevant wording and evidence. You still need to establish that the loss falls within the cover; an allegation of wear and tear should also be supported rather than simply asserted [5].

Can internal damage be covered if the roof repair is not

Sometimes, depending on the policy and circumstances. A roof defect may be uninsured maintenance while another section responds to resulting internal damage. Ask whether any relevant accidental damage, impact or other cover has been considered. Additional cover may itself have exclusions, so this is not a guarantee that the internal repairs will be paid for [6].

Roofs take the brunt of a lot of severe weather, so it’s no surprise they’re at the centre of many storm claims.

Strong wind can lift or displace slates and tiles, damage ridge systems, move flashing or expose areas that were previously weather-tight.

Debris or trees can also impact the roof directly.

From ground level, you might notice missing tiles, displaced ridge units, damaged flashing, debris on the ground or new water stains inside. But the roof covering is only part of the assessment. Battens, underlay, fixings, junctions and the structure beneath may also be affected.

What a proper roof assessment should establish

A competent roofer or surveyor should record what failed, where it failed and what can reasonably be retained. Photographs should show the damaged area and relevant surrounding construction. If the inspection was limited to ground level, the report should say what remains unconfirmed.

Where there is impact damage, distortion or concern about rafters, trusses, supporting masonry or other load bearing elements, a structural engineer may need to assess and specify repairs. Do not rebuild around a damaged support without the necessary advice. Temporary support or controlled removal may be required first.

The repair scope should cover how the roof will be made weather tight and how affected junctions, insulation, ventilation and any fire separation will be reinstated. A patch should be technically suitable for the existing construction, not simply hide the opening.

Older roofs, moss and flat roofs

An older roof can still suffer genuine storm damage. Moss alone does not establish the cause of a particular failure. What matters is the condition and failure mechanism of the damaged components, supported by a proper inspection.

Flat roofs need the same evidence led assessment. Splitting, loose edges, ponding or failed junctions may have different causes. Ask what changed during the incident and what was already defective, rather than assuming every leak requires complete renewal or that every old covering is automatically excluded.

Keep any earlier inspection, maintenance or repair records. They may help establish condition, although they do not guarantee acceptance of a later claim.

Building control, asbestos and other approvals

A small local repair and substantial roof replacement can involve different requirements. Changes to structure, covering or a significant part of the roof may require building control involvement and insulation improvements. Establish what applies before finalising the specification and costs. Approved Document L provides guidance for England; other UK nations have their own requirements [7].

If the property is listed or in a sensitive location, ask whether planning or listed building consent is needed. Do not assume insurance approval replaces statutory permission.

Buildings constructed or refurbished before 2000 may contain asbestos in roofing products, boards, soffits or textured ceiling coatings. Before intrusive work, the contractor needs sufficient information about materials that will be disturbed; a suitably scoped refurbishment survey may be necessary [8]. Damaged suspect sheets should not be broken up or swept away by the homeowner.

Chimney damage after a storm

Chimneys are particularly exposed to high winds and severe weather.

Storm damage might affect chimney pots and cowls, flashing and leadwork, mortar joints, masonry or the flaunching around the pots.

Loose masonry can create an obvious safety risk because material may fall onto the roof, neighbouring property or areas below.

If a chimney appears unstable after a storm, keep people away from the area and arrange a professional assessment.

The repair may involve roofing and masonry work rather than just replacing one visibly missing component.

Again, the condition of the chimney before the event may be considered by the insurer when deciding whether the storm was the main cause.

If a chimney or flue has been damaged, do not use the connected appliance until the appropriate specialist confirms it is safe. Rebuilding may involve flue arrangements and structural stability as well as replacing visible masonry.

Can strong winds damage render and external walls?

Yes.

Wind itself, flying debris and falling building materials can all damage external finishes.

Render can crack or detach, while impact from branches, roof tiles or other objects can damage walls and external joinery.

Where an area of render has come away during a storm, the insurer may consider whether the adhesion or underlying material had already deteriorated.

This is another example where photographs and a clear professional report can help explain whether severe weather caused a sudden failure or simply revealed an existing defect.

Gutters, windows, rooflights and outbuildings

Wind, debris and falling branches can damage guttering, downpipes, glazing, frames and rooflights. The repair needs to consider fixings and surrounding construction as well as the visibly broken part. Glass replacement alone may be insufficient if the frame or support has moved.

Check whether sheds, garages and other outbuildings are included in the policy, and whether construction, use or contents restrictions apply. Their contents may fall under separate cover. A tree strike should be recorded before clearance where practical.

Fences, gates and garden damage

Do not assume everything damaged during an insured storm is covered. Storm damage to fences, gates and hedges is commonly excluded, and garden features or lightweight structures may have separate limits or exclusions. The ABI highlights the need to check these provisions [9].

When matching roof tiles are unavailable

A replacement tile needs to be compatible with the roof’s pitch, profile, fixing and weathering arrangements. A similar colour does not establish that it will fit or perform properly. The contractor should explain the available products and whether a local repair is practical.

A discontinued tile does not automatically entitle you to a whole new roof. Separate items needed for a sound repair from undamaged areas proposed for appearance alone, then check matching provisions. A reasonable equivalent or contribution may need discussion with the insurer. Photograph samples or proposed alternatives before committing [10].

What if a tree falls onto my house?

A falling tree can cause severe damage very quickly.

It may affect the roof, walls, windows, chimney, guttering and internal rooms beneath the impact.

The first priority is safety.

A partially fallen tree can remain unstable, particularly while high winds continue, so don’t attempt to cut or remove major branches yourself unless you are appropriately equipped and competent.

A professional tree surgeon may need to make the situation safe before builders can properly inspect the property.

Once access is possible, the repair team needs to assess both the point of impact and any less obvious structural damage around it.

Where a tree is touching or close to overhead cables, keep clear and alert the relevant network operator or emergency services. A tree surgeon and building professionals may need to coordinate removal so that unstable material is not released onto the building.

Who pays if my neighbour’s tree falls onto my property?

The practical starting point is normally your own insurer.

Liability between property owners can depend on the circumstances, including whether the tree owner knew or reasonably should have known that the tree was dangerous.

A healthy tree being blown down by exceptional weather is a different situation from somebody ignoring a clearly dangerous tree for a long period.

Don’t assume your neighbour automatically has to pay just because the tree originated on their land.

Report the damage to your insurer and preserve evidence of both the tree and the property damage.

If liability needs to be pursued, insurers can consider that separately.

What if my tree damages another property?

Notify your buildings or property insurer if someone holds you responsible. Cooperate with necessary safety arrangements, but do not assume that tree ownership alone establishes legal liability. The policy’s liability section and the evidence need separate consideration.

Does insurance cover fallen tree removal?

It depends on the circumstances and policy.

Where a tree has physically damaged an insured building, reasonable costs associated with making the area safe and accessing the damaged property may form part of the overall claim.

A tree that simply falls in the garden without damaging insured property can be a different matter.

Check your policy rather than assuming all storm-related tree clearance will be paid for.

Hail and snow

Severe hail can crack rooflights, glazing and roof coverings. Snow can damage roofs and canopies through accumulated weight. Record the affected components and conditions, and keep away from damaged structures. Do not climb onto the roof to clear it yourself.

Ask the insurer which definition or section applies. The assessment may need to distinguish the effect of the weather from an existing weakness or another source of water entry. A damaged or heavily loaded structure may need engineering advice before access or repair.

Lightning and electrical damage

Lightning can damage roofs, chimneys, wiring and equipment, and may start a fire. It is often addressed as a separately named insured event, so do not assume the claim depends on meeting a wind-speed definition. Describe the incident and ask the insurer to consider the applicable cover.

Storms can also affect electrical installations when water enters or building components fail. Do not switch exposed equipment back on simply because the weather has improved. An appropriately qualified electrician should assess the installation and advise on testing, retention or replacement [3]. Relevant appliances may need specialist checks too.

A missing roof tile may be the original damage, but rainwater can turn it into a much larger repair. Water may affect loft insulation, roof timbers, ceilings, electrical fittings, walls, floors and belongings below.

The first priority is preventing further entry when that can safely be done. After that, inspect where the water travelled. A ceiling stain can be some distance from the opening, and a dry-looking surface may conceal wet insulation or a damp void.

Bulging ceilings and hidden moisture

If a ceiling is sagging, bulging, cracking or dripping heavily, keep the area clear and arrange professional help. Do not stand beneath it or puncture it yourself. Once it is safe, the void and adjoining construction may need inspection before deciding the extent of removal and repair.

A moisture assessment should consider affected layers and adjoining spaces. Opening-up should have a defined purpose and take account of services, structure and possible asbestos. Thermal imaging may help identify areas for investigation, but does not directly measure water.

Drying and deciding what can remain

Some materials can be dried and retained. Others need removal because of distortion, contamination, loss of strength or because they prevent the construction beneath from drying. Insulation decisions depend on its type, condition and ability to dry; wetting does not mean every product permanently loses its performance.

For significant ingress, a trained restoration specialist should plan and monitor extraction, cleaning and drying. Equipment, temperature, airflow and humidity need to suit the construction. A set number of days or a dehumidifier collecting water is not proof that the hidden layers are ready.

Agree completion checks and obtain the drying findings before moisture sensitive finishes are installed. Flooring and adhesive manufacturers may require their own substrate tests, and new plaster or screed introduces further moisture. See AIR’s Water Damage Repair Guide for the fuller explanation of drying and material decisions. IICRC describes the professional restoration scope in S500 [11].

If water has entered at ground level

A storm can cause damage in several ways. Strong winds may damage the roof and let rain inside, while heavy rainfall can cause surface water to build up or rivers to overflow and flood the property. Both can happen during the same storm.

Although the storm caused the flooding, the insurer may consider that damage under the policy’s flood cover. Explain where the water came from and how it entered so the relevant cover can be assessed.

Floodwater can carry contaminants and spread beneath floors or into concealed spaces. The assessment should establish the extent of the damage and what needs cleaning, drying or replacing before repairs begin.

For a storm claim, good evidence connects the weather, the failed component and the proposed repair. You do not need to become a weather expert, but a few clear records can make a disagreement much easier to resolve.

What a contractor report should explain

Ask for a dated report with photographs identifying the inspected areas, the damage, relevant surrounding condition and any access limitations. It should explain the likely cause, necessary temporary measures, further investigations and proposed permanent repair.

“Storm damage” written on an invoice does not explain why the roof failed. If the insurer alleges corroded fixings or deteriorated mortar, a response should address those findings. A ground-level view should not be presented as certainty about concealed supports or an inaccessible flat-roof covering.

Weather information should relate to the relevant place and period. If you were away or discovered damage later, give an honest date range. Keep earlier condition photographs and maintenance records where available. Don’t invent an exact loss time to fit a weather report.

Who might be involved

The insurer may appoint a loss adjuster to assess the claim and costs, and restoration or building specialists to advise on the work. It may instead ask you to obtain a contractor quotation. Clarify who is arranging each service and how it will be funded.

A loss assessor represents the policyholder and may help with a substantial or disputed claim. Their claims role is separate from a roofer, drying specialist, surveyor or structural engineer. Before appointing one, check their fees, terms and relevant FCA status. Not every local repair needs independent claim management.

Acceptance of cover and approval of work

A claim reference, inspection or request for quotes does not itself confirm cover. Ask for written acceptance, including any conditions or outstanding investigations. Separately obtain agreement to the proposed scope and costs before committing to non-emergency work you expect the insurer to fund.

Temporary protection, investigations, strip-out, specialist cleaning and drying may need their own authorisation while the final reinstatement is developed. Necessary urgent work to protect people or prevent further loss may need to go ahead sooner; notify the insurer and retain evidence of the reason and cost.

What the reinstatement scope should include

A useful quotation identifies affected areas, materials, quantities and repair methods, with itemised costs and clear assumptions. For a roof and bedroom claim, it might cover:

• Safe access or scaffolding, temporary protection and waste removal.
• Roofing, underlay, battens, fixings and any structural work supported by the assessment.
• Insulation and affected ceilings, with necessary electrical checks, drying and internal reinstatement.
• Relevant professional input, approvals and completion documents.

The scope should reflect the original specification where covered. A headline total can be misleading if it omits access, hidden wet layers or internal finishes. Record exclusions and any uninsured maintenance separately.

When more damage is found

You can’t always establish the full loss from ground level. Opening a roof or ceiling may reveal damage to a rafter or wet insulation that could not previously be inspected. Photograph the findings and explain their connection to the incident.

Submit significant additional insured work and costs for written insurer approval before proceeding, except where urgent safety measures cannot wait. Follow any separate building-contract instruction process. A surveyor’s instruction and the insurer’s funding agreement are different approvals.

If the insurer rejects all or part of the claim

Start by asking exactly what is declined and why. Request the policy clause, relevant weather information and inspection report. A partial decision should distinguish uninsured maintenance from any accepted storm, impact or resulting internal damage.

Where you disagree, supply evidence that answers the actual reason given. Ask which findings remain disputed rather than simply resubmitting the same total. Consider whether another part of the policy has been assessed. An independent report can help, but agree its cost and purpose before commissioning it.

If concerns remain, use the insurer’s formal complaints procedure. An eligible complaint can usually be referred to FOS after a final response or after eight weeks without one. The referral deadline is normally six months from the final response, with other eligibility and time-limit rules applying. Commercial customers should check eligibility rather than assume every business qualifies [12].

Insurers must handle claims promptly and fairly and give appropriate progress information [13]. If the problem is a contractor you appointed, use the contractual complaints process as well. Where the insurer appointed or controlled the repairer, notify the insurer of workmanship concerns.

Can I use my own contractor?

You can ask to use your preferred contractor, but the policy and settlement route matter. Obtain written agreement from your insurer to the scope and costs, and confirm who appoints and pays the contractor, who is responsible for the work and whether choosing your own repairer affects the amount paid.

For a small external repair, a competent roofer may be sufficient. If the loss includes structural repairs, drying, ceilings, electrics and finishes, establish who coordinates those trades. Relevant insurance reinstatement experience can help with documentation and variations, but you also need to be comfortable with trade competence.

Ask for comparable work, references, appropriate insurance evidence and a written contract covering specification, price, programme, payments and changes. Insurer approval of a quote is separate from the contract you enter into. Delayed insurance funds may not alter your contractual payment obligations.

How much do storm repairs cost?

There is no useful single average.

A few storm damaged tiles can be a relatively modest repair and perhaps not worth pursuing through your insurance policy if the excess is high.

A fallen tree through a roof can turn into a major structural reinstatement.

The cost depends on the affected construction, original materials, safe access, temporary protection, structural work and resulting internal damage. Scaffolding can be a substantial part of even a small roof repair. A proper inspection and itemised scope are more useful than an estimate.

Considering a cash settlement

Compare the offer with a detailed quote for the same work. Check access, temporary protection, drying, structural advice and internal repairs, along with VAT, excess and any deductions. Clarify what happens to concealed damage, provisional allowances and accommodation, and whether the payment is interim or full and final.

FOS distinguishes an insurer choosing cash from a customer requesting it instead of a fair repair offer. Insurer chosen cash should consider the customer’s repair costs; customer requested cash may be limited to the insurer’s lower cost of the fair repair offered. Confirm any VAT reimbursement arrangements in writing [10].

Your role in making sure roof repairs are carried out safely

Even a small roof repair needs a safe way of reaching and carrying out the work. Whether you appoint a sole trader or a larger company, ask how they intend to work safely and allow for the necessary access equipment in the price and programme. Don’t pressure a roofer to “just do it off a ladder” to save money or get the repair finished sooner. Ladders can be suitable for some low-risk, short-duration tasks, but a quick job is not automatically a safe ladder job. Scaffolding, edge protection or another access method may be needed. HSE

For work on your own home, the contractor will normally take on the domestic client’s duties under construction health and safety rules. You are not expected to design their safety arrangements, but you should choose someone capable of managing the risks and give them the time, space and budget to do so. A willingness to take unsafe shortcuts is a reason to question a contractor’s suitability, rather than a saving to welcome. HSE

Timescales and further bad weather

How long repairs take depends on more than the building work itself. A small repair may be completed quickly once safe access and materials are available. More extensive damage may need structural investigations, drying, agreement with the insurer and several trades, so the overall process can take weeks or months.

External repairs also depend on suitable weather, particularly through winter. Strong winds, heavy rain, frost and icy surfaces can make roof work unsafe or prevent materials being applied and curing properly. Pointing and other mortar repairs, for example, need suitable conditions and protection from rain and frost. Waiting for an appropriate weather window can be necessary to achieve a safe, lasting repair.

Ask for an outline programme explaining what needs to happen, who is arranging it and what could affect the completion date. Some activities can overlap, but external work may need to be rescheduled as conditions change.

Temporary protection is intended to reduce further damage until permanent repairs can be completed. It does not provide the same protection as a finished roof and may be damaged or overwhelmed by further severe weather. It should not be treated as a long-term solution or left for months without review. Ask the contractor about its limitations, how long it is expected to remain suitable and who will check and maintain it if repairs are delayed.

If the covering becomes loose or more water enters, notify the contractor and insurer promptly and take photographs where safe. Keep clear of unsafe areas and leave adjustments or repairs to the contractor.

Can I make improvements at the same time?

Often, yes. While repairs are being carried out, you may want to choose a different finish or arrange additional maintenance while scaffolding is already in place. Discuss this with the contractor before work starts so they can explain what is practical and price any additional work separately.

Ask the contractor to distinguish between changes needed to complete the repair properly and improvements you have chosen. For example, using a suitable alternative because the original roof tiles are no longer available is different from choosing a more expensive covering for its appearance. Agree with the insurer which costs are covered and confirm any extra amount you will pay, including VAT.

If you want to change the agreed repairs, discuss this with the contractor and insurer before committing. Confirm any additional costs, payment terms and changes to the timescale in writing. If your chosen improvements will extend the work, check whether this affects any alternative accommodation payments.

If the home is unsafe or uninhabitable

An open roof, unstable ceiling, unsafe electrics or saturated floors and walls may make it inappropriate to stay. Consider essential facilities, access and household needs, as well as the appearance of the rooms. Seek the relevant professional advice before returning to damaged areas.

Many home policies provide alternative accommodation for insured damage that makes the home uninhabitable, within terms and limits. Agree arrangements, costs and duration with the insurer before substantial commitments. Review funding as the repair programme changes; private improvements do not automatically justify extra insured accommodation.

Landlords and tenants

If storm damage makes a rented property unsafe to live in, the landlord or managing agent should coordinate immediate safety measures, contact the insurer and keep tenants informed about the repairs. However, nobody should assume that the buildings insurer will automatically arrange or pay for somewhere else for the tenants to stay.

The landlord’s policy may provide cover for lost rental income, alternative accommodation for tenants, or both, subject to its wording and limits. These covers serve different purposes: loss-of-rent cover protects the landlord’s rental income, while alternative-accommodation cover may meet the cost of temporarily housing tenants. A payment to the landlord for lost rent does not, by itself, provide the tenants with accommodation.

Ask the insurer or broker to confirm what cover applies, who must arrange any accommodation, whose costs can be reimbursed and what approval is needed before booking it. Check financial limits and how long payments can continue.

Insurance cover and responsibility towards tenants are separate questions. The tenancy agreement and applicable housing law need to be considered alongside the policy. A managing agent should also check what they are authorised and required to arrange under their agreement with the landlord. The absence of insurance cover does not, by itself, settle either party’s legal responsibilities.

Agree temporary arrangements in writing, including accommodation, rent payments, access for repairs and returning to the property. Moving out temporarily does not automatically end the tenancy or suspend rent. Responsibilities differ across the UK and between private and social housing, so obtain housing advice where arrangements are unclear or disputed. Tenants with nowhere safe to stay should contact their local council’s housing team promptly. Shelter England

Tenants should also contact their own contents insurer about damaged belongings and any accommodation cover their policy includes. The landlord’s buildings policy does not normally cover tenants’ possessions. Agree who will arrange clearance, storage and disposal before repairs begin, and do not enter unsafe areas to retrieve belongings.

Commercial properties

Storm damage to commercial premises can involve more than one insurance claim. The landlord may own and insure the building, while the tenant runs a business from it and separately insures their stock, equipment and trading losses.

For example, a storm-damaged roof may fall under the landlord’s buildings policy, while water damage to the tenant’s stock and machinery may fall under the tenant’s business policy. Responsibility for internal fittings, partitions and improvements can be less straightforward, so check both the lease and the insurance policies rather than assuming everything inside belongs to the tenant’s claim.

The repair costs may need to be separated between the claims. Ask contractors to identify which work relates to the building, the tenant’s fittings and other damaged items, with shared costs explained clearly. The landlord, tenant and their insurers will need to coordinate access, investigations and repairs so that neither claim unnecessarily holds up the other.

Business interruption and specialist claims support

The tenant would normally look to their own business-interruption cover for losses affecting their trading business. The landlord may have separate loss-of-rent cover. Acceptance of the landlord’s building claim does not automatically confirm cover for the tenant’s business losses.

Business-interruption claims involve more than adding up lost sales. The calculation must follow the policy’s definitions and may need to account for seasonal trading, business growth, expenses saved and additional costs incurred to keep operating. The policy’s definition of gross profit may also differ from the figure shown in the business accounts. FCA

This is where a loss assessor with specific experience of commercial property and business-interruption claims can be particularly valuable. Acting for the policyholder, they can help prepare and present the claim, examine the insurer’s calculations and negotiate disputed items. Your accountant supplies essential financial information, while the assessor applies specialist claims knowledge to that information and the policy wording. Ask about their experience of comparable businesses, the service offered and their fees before appointing them.

Keep records of damaged stock and equipment, cancelled orders, trading restrictions and additional expenses from the outset. Discuss significant costs, such as temporary premises or equipment hire, with the relevant insurer before committing, and obtain any required approval. Check the financial limits and maximum period of business-interruption cover: the business may take longer to recover than the building takes to repair. abi.org.uk

Checking the finished work

Once the repairs are finished, ask the contractor to talk you through what they’ve done. You won’t be able to see every part of a roof repair from the ground, so ask for photographs showing the completed work. There’s no need to climb up and check it yourself.

For larger repairs or alterations, such as changes to the roof structure or a new rooflight, ask for any relevant certificates, guarantees and product information. A small tile repair won’t need the same paperwork as a substantial roof replacement.

Inside, have a look around with the contractor and point out anything that seems unfinished or needs attention. Agree when any outstanding items will be dealt with, and make sure you know who to contact if you notice a leak, new staining or another problem afterwards.

Preparing for future bad weather

You can’t prevent every bit of storm damage, but keeping on top of maintenance can help. You don’t need to be a roofer to spot some of the warning signs—often, it’s a case of noticing something unusual and following the clues.

Grass or plants growing out of a gutter are a clear sign that debris has collected and it needs attention. Water spilling over the edge during rain can also suggest a blockage or a problem with the gutter’s fall. A persistent damp streak down the wall beneath a gutter joint or beside a downpipe, particularly with green growth or staining, may point to a leak or overflowing rainwater.

Inside, don’t ignore a new ceiling stain, peeling paint or a damp patch that gets worse after rain. Look at what is above or nearby and tell the contractor when it happens. Water can travel through the building before appearing, so the visible patch won’t always be directly beneath the fault. These clues help identify where to investigate; they don’t establish the cause on their own.

If you notice slipped tiles, loose flashing, crumbling pointing or a leak that keeps coming back, arrange for it to be checked before the next spell of bad weather. Look from the ground and leave roof access, gutter clearing at height and repairs to someone with suitable equipment and experience.

Secure garden furniture, bins and other loose items before strong winds arrive. If a tree looks damaged or unstable, ask a qualified tree surgeon for advice. Check whether it is protected or in a conservation area before arranging work, as permission or notice may be needed. The tree-protection guidance linked here covers England [14].

Keep your insurance details and useful emergency numbers somewhere easy to find, along with photographs and invoices for maintenance and repairs.

A practical storm recovery checklist

1. 01. Protect people and keep clear of damaged roofs, trees, cables and unstable ceilings.
2. 02. Notify the insurer, record the damage and arrange safe temporary protection where needed.
3. 03. Obtain appropriate roof, structural, electrical and moisture assessments.
4. 04. Confirm cover separately from agreement to preliminary work and reinstatement costs.
5. 05. Agree the repair scope, statutory requirements, contract, payments and programme.
6. 06. Record further findings and obtain the necessary funding approvals and contract instructions.
7. 07. Check completion, defects, safety and handover documents before closing out the work.

Emergency exception: Necessary urgent safety and mitigation work may need to happen before written approval; notify the insurer promptly and retain the evidence available.

Answers to common questions about storm damage and insurance repairs.

Storm recovery is easier to manage when the immediate risks, cause of damage and repair requirements are clear. Keep records, ask for written decisions and make sure the work deals with the affected construction as well as the damage you can see.

1. [1]Met Office — Staying safe before during and after a storm. Open source
2. [2]HSE — Roof work and fragile surfaces. Open source
3. [3]Electrical Safety First — Water damage and electrical safety. Open source
4. [4]Financial Ombudsman Service — Storm damage assessment and evidence. Open source
5. [5]Financial Ombudsman Service — Consumer storm complaints and exclusions. Open source
6. [6]Financial Ombudsman Service — Accidental damage and considering alternative cover. Open source
7. [7]GOV.UK — Approved Document L guidance for England. Open source
8. [8]HSE — Checking for asbestos before repair work. Open source
9. [9]Association of British Insurers — Storms including exclusions and claims advice. Open source
10. [10]Financial Ombudsman Service — Settling claims including matching and cash settlements. Open source
11. [11]IICRC — Official scope of S500 professional water damage restoration. Open source
12. [12]Financial Ombudsman Service — Complaint time limits. Open source
13. [13]FCA Handbook — ICOBS 8 claims handling. Open source
14. [14]GOV.UK — Tree preservation and conservation areas guidance for England. Open source