After a storm, staying calm and staying off the roof are the two best moves. The rest is a short list of safe checks and a call to a roofer.
Many roofs in Westbury-on-Trym are exposed, standing on slopes with nothing to break the wind, and mature trees add falling branches to the risk. After a storm, a quick, careful sequence helps: look from the ground, protect the house inside, and have the roof examined by someone with proper access.
Safety before anything else
Check first for anything dangerous: a hanging branch, a loose chimney pot, slates or tiles ready to drop. Keep people and pets clear of the area beneath. Do not climb up or lean a ladder on the roof to inspect it. Gusty, wet conditions and loosened coverings make roofs hazardous, even for experienced people.
If the damage looks serious, such as a collapsed section or a chimney that has moved, keep people out of the rooms below and call us straight away. Those are not situations for waiting to see how the next night goes.
What to look for from the ground
Walk round the house and look up. Large gaps in the tile lines, a ridge that has shifted, bent gutters and debris on paths all matter. Villas and larger houses often have taller roofs where binoculars help. Take photographs of everything, including fallen branches, because they are useful for your own records and for any insurance discussion you may have.
- Missing or displaced tiles and slates
- Ridge or hip sections that look moved
- Gutters bent, sagging or pulled from the fascia
- Tree limbs resting against or across the roof
Protect the rooms inside
Check the loft and upstairs ceilings for damp. Place buckets under drips, move furniture and electrics out of the way and open windows slightly if the room is humid. If a ceiling is bowing with trapped water, release it carefully through a small hole into a bucket while standing clear.
What we do on a storm call-out
We assess the whole roof, not only the obvious gap. Storms loosen ridge bedding, lead flashings and verge edges that have not yet failed, and on exposed slopes these are the next problems. We make safe what needs it, cover openings where required and give you a plain account of lasting repairs.
After the immediate work, we go through what else the storm may have stressed. Exposed slopes often show a second round of problems in the following weeks, so we point out ridge, verge and flashing areas to keep an eye on from the ground.
Fallen trees and shared damage
If a tree or branch has hit the roof, leave it where it is until it is assessed, as it may be holding up or pressing on damaged timbers. Neighbouring properties on the slopes may also be affected, so mention anything you can see. We explain what is urgent and what can wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if water is pouring in right now?
Protect the room and your belongings first, then call us. A temporary cover or quick tile replacement can limit the water until a lasting repair can be done. Do not go on the roof yourself.
Should I clear fallen tiles from the garden?
Take care. Pick up pieces from paths so nobody is hurt, but keep a few for us to see, as they help identify the covering. Broken slates and tiles have sharp edges, so wear gloves and sensible shoes.
Can I wait for the next dry spell?
If nothing is leaking and the damage is minor, a short wait is usually fine. But on an exposed roof the next gust can work loose what the last one started, so do not leave visible damage for long.
Talk to our team about roof repairs in Westbury-on-Trym
Every roof is different — the fastest way to get an accurate answer is a quick chat with our team.