How to Spot Storm Damage on Your Roof — A Homeowner's Checklist

Storms are one of the biggest causes of emergency roofing callouts we attend across Berkshire, Greater London and the South East. Strong winds can lift tiles, heavy rain finds its way through the smallest gap, and falling branches can cause damage that isn't obvious until water starts appearing inside your home.

The good news is that many problems can be spotted from the ground — if you know what to look for. After any severe weather, it's worth doing a quick visual check before the next downpour turns a small issue into a costly leak.

Start with the tiles or slates. Look for any that are missing, cracked, slipped out of place, or sitting at an odd angle. Even a single displaced tile creates a direct path for water into the roof space. On pitched roofs, pay particular attention to the ridge line, verges and valleys, where wind uplift is strongest and damage often starts.

Check the gutters and downpipes. If you see granules, pieces of tile, or sections of mortar collected in the gutter, that's a strong sign something has come loose above. Blocked or sagging gutters can also overflow during heavy rain, causing damp problems on walls that look like roof leaks but are actually drainage-related.

Look at the flat roofs from an upstairs window if you can do so safely. Blisters, splits, ponding water or lifted edges on an EPDM or felt roof are warning signs that the membrane may have been stressed by wind or debris. Flat roofs often fail silently until water starts dripping through the ceiling below.

Inspect the loft or top-floor ceilings after heavy rain. Water stains, damp patches, peeling paint or a musty smell are all signs that water is getting in somewhere. Daylight visible through the roof lining from inside the loft is another clear indicator that tiles or underlay have been displaced.

Don't forget the chimney and flashings. High winds can loosen pots, cowls and chimney stacks, while driving rain tests the seals around lead flashings. If you can see loose pointing, lifted lead or a leaning chimney pot from outside, it needs professional attention before the next storm.

Safety comes first. Never climb onto a wet or windy roof, and avoid using ladders after dark or during poor weather. Most storm damage can be assessed from the ground, through binoculars, or from an upstairs window. If you're unsure, call a professional roofer who can carry out a safe inspection.

At Artisanic Roofing, we offer rapid storm damage assessments across Berkshire, London and surrounding areas. Our team can carry out emergency repairs, temporary weatherproofing and full replacements where needed — all backed by our workmanship guarantee and manufacturer warranties on materials.

If you've noticed any of the issues above after recent bad weather, don't wait for the next rainfall to confirm the problem. Contact Artisanic Roofing today for a free inspection and a clear, fixed-price quote to put your roof right.