Strong winds and heavy rain can expose weaknesses in a roof that were not obvious beforehand.
Devon is particularly familiar with weather arriving from the Atlantic and south-west, and exposed coastal, hilltop and rural properties can experience demanding conditions during autumn and winter.
After severe weather, a few simple checks from a safe position can help you identify potential damage before another period of rain makes the problem worse.
Safety Comes First
The most important rule after a storm is not to put yourself at risk.
Do not climb onto the roof to investigate damage yourself.
Roof surfaces can be wet and slippery, tiles or slates may have become unstable and strong winds can remain dangerous even after the worst of the weather has passed.
Many useful warning signs can be identified from ground level or from inside the property.
Where closer inspection is required, arrange a professional roofing assessment.
Look for Tiles or Slates on the Ground
Pieces of roofing material around the property are an obvious warning sign.
Check paths, patios, gardens and areas beneath the roof for:
- Broken roof tiles
- Pieces of slate
- Mortar
- Ridge tile fragments
- Sections of flashing
- Gutter components
Material on the ground does not always reveal exactly where the damage occurred, but it provides a clear reason to inspect the roof more carefully.
Look at the Roof from Ground Level
Stand well away from the building where you can see the roof safely.
Look for anything that appears different from before the storm:
- Gaps in the roof covering
- Missing tiles
- Uneven tiles or slates
- Slipped slates
- Loose ridge tiles
- Damaged chimney components
- Sections of guttering hanging loose
Binoculars can sometimes provide a clearer view without creating the risks associated with climbing onto the building.
Check the Loft
If your loft can be accessed safely, look for new signs of water.
These might include:
- Wet roof timbers
- Damp insulation
- Water droplets
- New staining
- Water running along structural components
- Daylight through unexpected gaps
Remember that the place where moisture appears may not be directly beneath the damaged section of roof.
Rainwater can travel considerable distances beneath the roof covering before becoming visible.
Examine Ceilings and Upper Walls
A new ceiling stain following heavy rain should be taken seriously.
Look particularly around:
- Chimney breasts
- External walls
- Rooflights
- Dormers
- Previous leak locations
- Upstairs ceilings
Small stains can grow rapidly if the damaged area is exposed to further rainfall.
Check Tiled Roofs
Strong winds can lift tiles or exploit sections that were already loose.
Older or brittle tiles may also crack during particularly severe weather.
Bramwell Roofing Devon provides tiled roof repairs for defects including missing, broken and slipped tiles, damaged ridge tiles, flashing issues and storm-related damage.
Where only a small section is affected, local repair may be possible.
Check Slate Roofs
Slate is durable, but individual slates can become displaced if their fixings have deteriorated.
Strong winds may reveal these weaknesses.
After a storm, look for:
- Slates sitting lower than neighbouring ones
- Visible gaps
- Pieces of slate on the ground
- New leaks
- Changes around roof edges and ridges
Professional slate roof repairs should take into account the type and condition of the existing roof.
Do Not Forget the Gutters
Storms can fill gutters rapidly with leaves, moss, twigs and other debris.
They can also loosen brackets or displace sections of guttering.
During the next period of rain, watch for:
- Overflow
- Water escaping from joints
- Sagging
- Sections pulling away from the building
- Blocked downpipes
Effective guttering is particularly important after a storm because the drainage system needs to deal with potentially large volumes of rainwater.
Check the Chimney
Chimneys sit high above the building and are directly exposed to strong winds.
From a safe position, look for obvious changes to the chimney pots, brickwork or general alignment.
Do not stand directly beneath any component that appears loose.
Problems around chimney flashing may also create leaks without there being obvious structural damage to the chimney itself.
What About Flat Roofs?
Wind-driven debris can damage flat roof surfaces, while leaves and branches can restrict outlets.
Heavy rainfall can expose existing problems with drainage and create noticeable ponding.
Look from a safe position for:
- Standing water
- Fallen branches
- Visible splits
- Lifted edges
- Debris around outlets
Leaks beneath flat roofs should be investigated promptly because trapped water may affect insulation, decking and interior finishes.
Storm Damage Is Not Always Immediate
Some problems do not produce a leak during the storm itself.
A tile may have shifted without falling, flashing may have loosened or guttering may have moved slightly out of alignment.
The next spell of heavy rain can then expose the defect.
For this reason, continue to watch for changes during the days after severe weather rather than assuming that no immediate leak means the roof is undamaged.
Should You Arrange a Roof Survey After a Storm?
Not every property requires an inspection after every period of bad weather.
However, a roof survey can be worthwhile if:
- You can see missing materials
- Debris has fallen from the roof
- A new leak has appeared
- The roof is older
- The property is particularly exposed
- There were known defects beforehand
- Gutters or chimneys appear damaged
Storm Exposure Across Devon
Weather conditions vary considerably across the county.
Properties around Plymouth, Torbay and Exmouth can experience direct coastal exposure. Rural and moorland properties may be affected by wind, falling branches and prolonged rainfall, while towns such as Exeter, Newton Abbot and Barnstaple include a wide range of roof types and property ages.
Whatever the location, the important principle is the same: visible changes following a storm should be investigated before water has the opportunity to cause further damage.
Arrange a Roofing Assessment
Bramwell Roofing Devon provides roofing services throughout Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay, Newton Abbot, Exmouth, Barnstaple and wider Devon.
If your roof has been affected by strong winds or heavy rain, call 07598 001 200 to discuss arranging an assessment.
If storm damage has left your roof open to the weather, we provide 24/7 emergency roof repairs across Devon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing I should do after noticing storm damage?
Keep away from potentially loose materials and arrange an inspection. If water is entering the property, protect belongings where it is safe to do so.
Can one missing tile cause a leak?
Yes. A missing tile can expose the underlay and surrounding materials to wind-driven rain.
Should I go onto my roof after a storm?
No. Wet surfaces and loose roofing materials can be extremely hazardous. Roof inspections should be carried out safely by suitably experienced professionals.
Why did my roof start leaking several days after the storm?
The storm may have loosened or displaced roofing materials without causing immediate water penetration. Later rainfall can then reveal the defect.
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