After a storm, a few quick decisions can save you thousands in damage. Here's what to do — and what not to do.
Don't go on the roof. Don't stand under loose tiles or hanging debris. Don't touch any cabling that may have come down. If anything looks structurally unstable, keep everyone away and call a professional.
Roof emergencies feel urgent — but a fall or a falling slate causes far more harm than a few extra hours of water ingress.
1. Check internally for leaks
Walk through every upstairs room and the loft. Look for active drips, fresh damp patches, sagging plaster or water pooling on light fittings. Catch active leaks in buckets and move belongings clear.
If a ceiling is bulging with water, carefully pierce it with a screwdriver to drain it into a bucket — controlled drainage is far better than a sudden ceiling collapse.
Take dated photos of all damage — internal and external — for your insurance claim. The more evidence, the easier the claim.
3. Assess from ground level
From a safe distance, look for: missing or slipped tiles, dislodged ridge tiles, damaged or missing flashings, debris on the roof, and damaged guttering or downpipes.
4. Call an emergency roofer
For active leaks or significant damage, call a local emergency roofer for a temporary make-safe — usually a tarp over the affected area to stop further water ingress until proper repairs can be made.
We provide same-day emergency call-outs across Witney, Oxford and surrounding areas. See our roof repairs and emergency service.
Most home insurance policies cover sudden storm damage. Notify your insurer as soon as possible, send your photographs and follow their process for getting quotes.
Be wary of door-knockers offering 'storm damage repairs' immediately after a major storm — always use a known local company with traceable details.
6. Don't accept the first quote in a panic
Once you're weatherproofed, you have time to get a proper quote for the permanent repair. Take it. Reputable roofers will give a free, written quote and explain exactly what's needed.
If you've got an active leak, missing tiles, a damaged chimney, lifted flashing or any storm-related roof concern, call us on 07960 482233 — we'll get to you as quickly as we can. See our roof repairs page or our emergency roofer pages for your local area.
Will my home insurance pay for storm damage?
Usually yes, if the damage is sudden and weather-related. Wear-and-tear or pre-existing issues are typically excluded. Check your policy and document everything.
How fast can you respond to an emergency?
Same day in most cases for the local Witney and Oxford area. Call as early as possible for the best chance of same-day attendance.
What does an emergency call-out cost?
Emergency make-safe visits are typically £150–£350 depending on access and time on site. Permanent repairs are quoted separately.
Evans Roofing & Maintenance Ltd, Witney, Oxfordshire. Call 07960 482233 for a free written quote.