What Happens After You Call About a Storm-Damaged Roof

When a big front comes through and a sheet lifts or a tree branch comes down, it is stressful. Knowing the usual sequence helps you stay calm and make good decisions.

First, stay safe

Keep off the roof, especially in wind and rain. Move valuables and electronics away from any drips, put buckets down and, if water is near light fittings, turn the power off at the switchboard for that circuit. Take photos of the damage inside and out as soon as it is safe.

Making it safe

The first job for a roofer is usually to stop more water getting in. That might mean refixing a lifted sheet, fitting a temporary cover or clearing a blocked valley that is overflowing. Roof Repair Wellington describes a five-step response for urgent storm damage repairs: call, make safe, assess, repair and document.

Assessment

Once the roof is secure, the roofer looks at the cause and the extent. Wind damage often reveals older weaknesses, such as fixings that had already worked loose or rust that had thinned the steel. A good assessment separates fresh storm damage from long-term wear, which matters for insurance.

Repair

The permanent repair might be as simple as new fixings and a replaced flashing, or it could involve new sheets or tiles. On exposed sites the repair should suit the wind zone. If your roof is metal, our guide to long-run and corrugate roofing covers how fixings and coatings suit exposed sites.

Documentation and your insurer

Keep the photos, notes and invoices. Many insurers want evidence of the damage and what was done. Roof Repair Wellington says it can provide photos and notes after the job to support a claim. Talk to your insurer early so you know what they need.

Afterwards

A storm is a good prompt to check the rest of the roof. Flat sections and outlets are common trouble spots, so read our flat roof guide if you have one.