In this guide
Separate immediate protection, the permanent storm repair and any pre-existing deterioration. A clear quotation should let you understand each part of the proposed work.
Make the area safe before weighing up the options
Keep people away from displaced ridge tiles, hanging gutters and loose material. Stay inside during dangerous weather. If water is entering, protect belongings only where it is safe to do so and keep away from affected electrics or a sagging ceiling.
Tell the roofer whether the concern is falling material, an active leak, an open section of roof or visible damage without internal water. Those are different priorities. For the immediate checks, use our existing after-storm roof checklist. Roof access and any temporary protection depend on safe conditions.
When a local repair can be the right answer
A sound roof with a small number of damaged coverings may be suitable for a targeted repair. That might mean replacing affected tiles or slates, restoring a flashing or rebuilding a limited ridge or verge detail. The replacement must suit the roof and connect properly to the retained materials.
The roofer should also check the surrounding area. A tile may have lifted and settled back, or adjacent fixings may have been disturbed. Simply filling the visible gap is not the same as confirming that the nearby roof is secure.
When the damaged area needs opening up
Visible damage can expose a question about the layers below. Torn underlay, weakened battens or wet supporting materials may need attention before the covering is reinstated. The extent is not always clear from a photograph or the first look from a ladder.
Ask whether the quotation includes a defined area of investigation and how unexpected damage will be agreed. A sensible allowance or staged inspection is more useful than a promise that no concealed problem can exist. Photographs should help explain what is found and why additional work is needed.
What would justify a larger replacement?
A larger section or full reroof becomes a different proposition when deterioration is widespread. Repeated failures across the slope, extensive support problems or a covering that cannot be repaired reliably may change the balance. A storm can reveal that condition, but the storm itself is not proof of it.
- Is the damage confined to one part, or spread across several areas?
- Are retained tiles and fixings serviceable?
- Can the repair be tied into sound underlay and support?
- Are similar defects likely to keep needing the same costly access?
- What is gained by a larger scheme, and what evidence supports it?
Age is relevant context, not a diagnosis. A recommendation should explain the actual condition and compare realistic options.
Keep temporary work separate from the final repair
During unsettled weather, a temporary measure may be all that can safely be achieved. Its purpose is to reduce exposure while access, materials and the permanent work are arranged. Ask what it protects, what remains vulnerable and when the follow-up will be discussed.
A temporary covering is not a permanent repair merely because the room stays dry for a few days. Keep the job reference and photographs, and contact the roofer if it moves, the leak changes or more damage appears. Do not go up to adjust it yourself.
Compare the scope, rather than the headline price
Two quotations can sound similar while covering very different work. Check the number or area of tiles, ridge or flashing details, access equipment, waste removal, investigation of underlying damage and reinstatement of connected roof parts. Ask what is excluded and how a change to the scope would be authorised.
If you intend to contact your insurer, keep safe photographs, dates, quotations and receipts. Ask the insurer about its process before authorising non-urgent work. The contractor can explain the roof condition; the insurer decides whether the policy covers the claim. Do not rely on a promise that every storm repair will be paid for.
AP Roofing Sussex provides storm damage roof repairs in Crawley. Describe what changed after the weather and we will discuss inspection, any suitable temporary protection and a proportionate permanent repair.
Questions worth asking
Does storm damage mean I need a new roof?
No. An isolated defect in an otherwise serviceable roof may be repairable. Wider replacement needs evidence of broader deterioration or an unreliable repair outcome.
Can a few replacement tiles look different?
A replacement can weather differently from existing tiles. Matching the correct profile and suitability comes first; the roofer should discuss visible colour differences before the work.
Can the permanent repair happen while it is windy?
Only when conditions and access are safe and the repair materials can be used correctly. An initial conversation should establish what is practical, without promising unsafe roof work.
Discuss storm damage repairs
Tell us what you have noticed and where the property is. We will discuss the next step and a free estimate for the roofing work.
Explore the repair service ↗General guidance for homeowners. The right repair depends on inspecting the individual roof. Keep checks at ground level unless there is safe, suitable access.
