A branch coming down from a nearby tree, or debris carried across gardens by strong wind, is one of the more unpredictable causes of storm damage, since the impact can affect a roof in ways quite different from wind or rain acting on their own. For homes in Filton near mature trees or in more sheltered, leafy streets, this is a fairly common cause of emergency call-outs after severe weather, and the resulting damage can be more extensive than the size of the debris itself might suggest.
The first thing worth checking, from ground level and without approaching the roof directly, is the general area where debris has landed or is visible. A branch resting against a roof slope can look relatively minor from below while having already cracked or displaced tiles underneath it, and the debris itself should generally be left in place, rather than removed by anyone without the right equipment, until a proper inspection has been carried out. Attempting to move a heavy branch without the right equipment risks causing further damage or personal injury.
Beyond the immediate point of impact, it is worth having the surrounding area checked too, since debris striking a roof at speed can dislodge tiles some distance from where it actually landed, particularly if it bounced or slid before coming to rest. A single obviously damaged tile is sometimes just the most visible part of a wider area affected by the same impact, which is why a proper check tends to cover a reasonable margin around the point of impact rather than just that one spot.
Guttering and downpipes are also worth including in the check, since falling debris frequently damages or blocks these on its way down even when the main roof covering has escaped serious harm. A dented or disconnected gutter section might seem minor compared with roof damage, but left unaddressed it can cause water to overflow against the wall or roof edge during the next heavy rain.
Where debris has caused a genuine breach in the roof covering, temporary weatherproofing should be arranged promptly, since an exposed area of felt or membrane is not designed to cope with sustained weather on its own. This is particularly important if further rain is forecast before a permanent repair can be carried out, since an exposed breach left through even one more spell of bad weather can noticeably worsen the damage.
If a tree branch or other debris has struck your roof in Filton during recent bad weather, it is worth getting it properly assessed rather than judging the damage from the garden. Brunel Roofing Bristol offers free inspections and, where needed, emergency call-outs to make the roof safe quickly, so the affected area is not left exposed for longer than necessary.
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