What to do if your roof has been damaged in a storm
In recent months, the UK has been swept up by storms. The recent Storm Eunice even blew the roof off the O2 arena!
Storm damage, especially in storms like this, is not uncommon. Here at B&S Roofing, we know that even the strongest roofs can incur some damage when faced with extreme weather.
If the roof of your property has been weather damaged, it is vital that you get it fixed as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you run the risk of allowing the problem to develop, and spread to affect other areas of your property. The best way to minimise repair costs and protect the rest of your property is, without a doubt, tackling the problem immediately.
So, if you’re worried about any damage that storms have caused to your roof, then keep reading. This quick guide will help you to understand the most common weather-related roof damage, and our advice about the best way to get it fixed.
What are the main types of roof damage caused by extreme weather?
Mould, moss and algae
Prolonged exposure to water can cause mould, moss and algae to develop on a roof. This can not only threaten the structure of your roof, but it can also pose a big risk to your health, too.
Rotting
Similarly, prolonged water exposure can cause wooden structures within your roof to rot. If you don’t deal with this quickly, this can cause a serious safety risk.
Erosion
Another key example of rain damage is erosion wearing down your roof. One of the areas most affected by erosion is a roof’s outermost, protective layers.
Leaks
If heavy rain has caused mould, moss or algae growth, rotting or erosion, then you can start to see water leaking into your rooms.
Loose tiles or shingles
If your roof is exposed to a particularly windy storm, shingles and tiles can be dislodged from their place. Be very careful of any falling tiles, especially during a storm. Remember, you should only go out to assess any tile damage AFTER the storm has passed.
Fallen trees or debris
If heavy debris lands on your roof, this can cause major damage to the structure. It is highly likely that you will need to pay for the area to be repaired or replaced.
Tile dents or holes
This type of damage is commonly caused by hail stones. Depending on the intensity of the hail storm, the damage could range from visible scratches, to holes going straight through the tile.
What is the best way to repair roof damage after a storm?
If you spot the signs of roof damage during a storm, we recommend that you follow these 4 steps:
Wait until better weather
Most importantly, do not go outside until the storm has passed. If you try to assess the damage while the storm is still raging, then you could seriously risk your safety.
Assess the damage
Once the storm has blown over, go outside and assess the damage. Look out for key signs, which can tell you what type of damage has occurred. For example, you might be able to spot missing tiles, or leaks occurring within your property. Another top tip from us is to try and roughly gauge the size of the damaged area. Is it just a couple of tiles, or is it a few feet in area?
Knowing this will help you to determine the extent of the damage, and you can quote this information to the roofing repair specialist when you book your appointment.
Can you fix it yourself?
The damage might only be slight, or, you might feel confident tackling it yourself. If so, you might want to use your DIY knowledge to fix a tile or unblock the gutter yourself.
Contact a roofing specialist
If the damage is more extensive than this, or if you don’t feel comfortable fixing it yourself, then get in touch with a repair specialist. Inform them of the damage, and they will arrange a prompt repair service for you.
At B&S Roofing we offer a specialist roofing repair service, which can tackle a huge range of storm damage. This can be anything from repairing slate tiled roofs, re-roofing flat roofs that are letting water in, or performing general roofing repairs to reinstall any missing tiles or structural damage.
To arrange your roof repair service, firstly, give us a call. Tell us what the damage is, or the signs of damage that you’re seeing, and how extensive it is.
Then, we will work with you to arrange a call-out appointment, at a time to suit you. If you have home insurance, our specialist team will also help you to deal with your insurance provider, and advise you about the claiming process.
So, if you have any further questions about our roof repair services, or if you would like to arrange a repair appointment for your property, don’t hesitate to contact our team.