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Terraced house roof with missing slates and a fallen branch after a storm

Storm and wind damage in Sheffield

Storm damage roof repair in Sheffield

Gales, falling branches, heavy rain and snow can damage a roof quickly. Call us, tell us what has happened and we arrange a visit.

  • Blown slates, ridges and chimney damage
  • Temporary weatherproofing where it is safe to fit
  • Photos and notes that help with insurance

Step 1 of 3

What do you need?

What counts as storm damage to a roof?

In this part of England storm damage almost always means wind. Sheffield sits on hills at the edge of the Peak District, and winter gales can strip slates, lift ridge tiles and rip felt from the roof battens. Fallen branches and trees can also crack slates or take down a chimney pot. Heavy rain and snow load can force water past weak points and bring down guttering. True hailstone damage is much less common here than in some countries, though ice and hail can still crack older slates and rooflights.

The damage you can see from the ground is often only part of it. A displaced ridge, for example, can leave the lines of tiles below it loose, and a lifted flashing may not leak until the next shower. That is why a proper look from the roof, or a close view with a camera, matters.

What should I do straight after a storm?

Safety first. Roofs are not places for amateurs, and wet slate is slippery.

  1. Stay off the roof and do not climb a ladder in wind or wet weather.
  2. Check for hazards. Keep people and pets away from loose slates, leaning chimneys or fallen branches resting on the house.
  3. Take photos from the ground and from inside the loft. Note the date and time of the storm.
  4. Move belongings from under any wet ceilings and put a bucket under drips.
  5. Contact your buildings insurer if you plan to claim, and ask what they need before work begins.
  6. Call a roofer, describe what you can see and arrange an inspection.

If there is a danger to life, such as a collapsing chimney or a tree through the roof, contact the emergency services first.

Can the roof be made safe before the full repair?

Often, yes. A crew can fit temporary cover such as a tarpaulin fixed over the damaged area, or board an opening, so water stays out until a lasting repair can go ahead. Whether it can be done safely depends on wind, light and access. If conditions are not safe, a good roofer will say so rather than take risks.

Temporary cover is not a repair. The lasting work comes afterwards, once the weather settles and any insurer has seen the damage. That might mean replacing slates, relaying a ridge, renewing felt or battens, rebuilding a chimney stack or fixing gutters and fascias. If the damage is limited, our roof repair page explains how small repairs work. If it is widespread, a roof replacement may be the sounder option.

Many buildings insurance policies cover storm damage, but policies differ a great deal. They may exclude wear and tear, set an excess or require you to report within a certain time. The wording that matters is your own, so read it or ask your insurer. Photos from the day, a written description of the damage and receipts for any emergency work all help your claim.

A roofer can describe what they found and give a written quote for the repair. We do not decide whether a claim succeeds, and we cannot promise an outcome. If you are unsure whether the roof was already in poor condition, a roof inspection gives you an independent note of its state.

What affects the price of storm damage repair, and how long does it take?

The cost depends on how much of the roof is affected, the covering, access and whether scaffolding is needed. A few slates and a ridge tile are a small job. A section of lost roof, or a damaged chimney, is a much bigger one. Prices are not quoted over the phone, because damage often turns out to be wider than it looks from the ground.

Timing depends on the weather, the materials and any insurer sign-off. Emergency cover can sometimes be arranged quickly, but the full repair may follow days or weeks later. We give a written quote, set out what is temporary and what is permanent, and keep you updated as the job moves on.

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What do you need?

Questions about roofing in Sheffield

Is hail a real problem for Sheffield roofs?

Hail does fall in Sheffield, but serious hail damage is far less common than wind damage. Large hailstones can crack older slates, damage rooflights and dent flat roof coverings. If you think hail has caused damage, look for cracked slates in the garden and marks on soft metals such as lead. A roof inspection will show the full picture.

Can you put a tarpaulin on my roof?

Temporary cover can often be fitted to keep water out, provided the wind has dropped and access is safe. It is only a short-term measure. The tarpaulin should be properly battened, not just weighted down, otherwise the next gust will take it. A permanent repair follows once the weather and any insurer allow.

A tree has fallen on my house. What should I do?

Get everyone out of any affected room and keep clear of the damaged area. If the structure looks unstable, call the emergency services. Once it is safe, photograph everything, call your insurer, and have a roofer assess the roof. Tree removal usually needs a tree surgeon first, and the roof repair follows afterwards.

Should I wait for the insurer before I do anything?

Do not wait before protecting the property. Insurers generally expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, such as temporary cover. Keep the receipts and photos. For permanent repairs, check your policy and speak to the insurer first, as some require their approval or a particular process.

My neighbour's chimney or slates have come down. Whose problem is it?

It depends on who owns the part that failed, and on the deeds and insurance in each case. In a terrace, a roof line or chimney may be shared. If debris landed on your property, tell your own insurer and the neighbour, and take photographs. For legal questions about responsibility, a solicitor can advise you.

How it works

1

Call or request a quote

Tell us what is happening with the roof.

2

Free inspection

A roofer checks the roof and gives a written price.

3

Work done right

Clean crew, nail sweep, warranty in writing.

Ready when you are

Call now or request a quote online.

0114 496 0063

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