After a Storm: Roof and Gutter Check
After high winds or a heavy downpour, it is sensible to take a few minutes to check your roof and gutters. Storm damage is often minor at first, a single slipped tile or a gutter knocked out of line, but it can let water in if left. The key is to check safely from the ground and the loft, never from a ladder in bad weather.
Stay safe first
Wait until the wind has dropped before going outside. Watch for fallen branches, loose tiles on the ground and damaged overhead cables. Do not climb onto the roof or up a ladder to inspect damage, especially when surfaces are wet.
If something looks dangerous, such as a chimney leaning or tiles hanging loose over a path, keep people away and get professional help.
Walk around the outside
Look at each roof slope from the garden and the street. Look for slipped, cracked or missing tiles, gaps along the ridge or hips, and lifted flashing around chimneys. Pieces of tile or mortar on the ground are a clue that something above has moved.
Photograph anything you see, with the date.
Check the gutters
Strong wind can knock gutters out of line, snap brackets or separate joints. Heavy rain can expose blockages that were not obvious before. Look for sagging sections, gutters pulling away from the roof edge and water still dripping from joints after the rain has stopped.
Storms also blow leaves, twigs and moss into gutters, which may need clearing.
Look in the loft
If you can reach the loft safely, look for daylight showing through the roof, wet patches on timbers or insulation and drips. Check ceilings upstairs for new stains.
Place a container under any drip and move belongings away from wet areas.
Contact your insurer if needed
If you think the storm has caused damage, contact your insurer promptly and ask how they want you to proceed. They may want photographs and quotes. Our home insurance guide explains the general difference between storm damage and wear and tear.
We cannot advise on whether something is covered.
What we can help with
We carry out minor roof repairs such as replacing slipped or broken tiles and repointing, and gutter repairs such as replacing brackets, resealing joints and re-aligning runs. We also clear storm debris from gutters.
Major structural damage is a job for a roofing contractor, and we will say so if that is what we see.
Fallen branches on the roof
If a branch has landed on the roof, do not try to remove it yourself. It may have damaged tiles beneath it, and pulling it off can cause more. A large branch or a tree resting on the roof is a job for a tree surgeon and possibly a roofer.
Keep people away from the area until it is made safe.
Temporary measures
If water is coming in, place containers under drips, move belongings and, if safe, turn off electricity to affected areas. Do not climb onto the roof to cover holes yourself.
Your insurer may be able to advise on emergency measures under your policy.
Checking again after the next rain
Some storm damage only shows itself in the next heavy shower. A gutter that has been knocked slightly out of line, or a tile that has shifted a little, may start to leak later. Watch the gutters and check the loft again after the next rain.
Note anything new and add it to your photographs.
Checking neighbouring properties
Debris from a neighbour's roof or a fallen tree nearby can land in your gutters or on your roof. Equally, loose items from your roof could affect neighbours. If you see damage that may affect others, let them know.
On terraces, a shared gutter or ridge may need both households to act.
Getting help
Send your photographs through the form on this page, WhatsApp or call, and describe what you have noticed outside and inside. We will explain what we can do and give a free quote.
Our roof inspection includes a photo report if you want a full picture of the roof's condition.
Get a free quote
Send a few details and ground-level photos if you have them. We will reply with honest advice and a free, no-obligation quote.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check after a storm?
From the ground, look for slipped tiles, ridge gaps, damaged flashing and gutters out of line. Check the loft and ceilings for leaks.
Should I go on the roof after a storm?
No. Check from the ground and the loft only. Wet, damaged roofs are dangerous.
Can you fix storm-damaged gutters?
Minor repairs such as replacing brackets, resealing joints and re-aligning runs are part of our gutter repairs.
How soon after a storm should I get the roof checked?
As soon as it is safe and you notice any damage, particularly if water is getting in. Minor issues get worse in the next rain.
Pristine Roof Cleaning Solutions is based in Petersfield, covers Hampshire · Surrey · Sussex and is fully insured to £5,000,000 public liability.
Related guides
- Common Winter Roof Problems and How to Prevent Them
The roof problems British winters cause — freeze-thaw damage, ice in gutters, storm-lifted tiles, condensation — and how to prevent or respond to each.
- Roof Inspection Checklist: What a Proper Survey Should Cover
A complete roof inspection checklist covering tiles, ridges, valleys, flashings, gutters and loft interiors, plus what a written report should include.
- Roof Cleaning, Maintenance and Home Insurance
How roof and gutter maintenance relates to home insurance in general terms: wear and tear exclusions, keeping records and checking your own policy wording.
Last updated 2026-11-03.