Should I inspect my roof after severe weather?
The short answer
Yes, but from the ground. Walk the perimeter for fallen material, look along each slope for anything out of line, check gutters for fresh debris and look in the loft after the next rain. If anything has changed, arrange a closer inspection. Never climb onto a roof yourself to check it.
What evidence should you look for?
Fresh debris, displaced coverings or disturbed ridge and verge material.
- What it can mean
- The storm has affected the roof.
- What else could explain it
- Debris may have travelled from elsewhere, and slight irregularity may be long-standing.
Investigate · Inspection needed to confirm
What this evidence cannot tell you
Ground-level checks cannot reveal loosened fixings or damage to ridges, hips and flashings that sit out of sight.
Related services
- Drone Roof InspectionsA drone roof inspection surveys a roof using a camera-equipped UAV, producing high-resolution photographs and video of every slope, chimney, valley and gutter without scaffolding, ladders or anyone setting foot on the roof. It is faster, safer and cheaper than traditional access, and produces evidence you can keep.
- Emergency Roof RepairsAn emergency roof repair makes a property safe and watertight quickly after storm damage, a sudden leak or falling slates. The first visit stops water entering and removes any danger to people below; the permanent repair follows once the roof is safe to work on.
What should you do next?
Compare your photographs against earlier ones. Genuine change, rather than general appearance, is what should trigger a closer look.
Reviewed by Aaron, Owner, Elite Roofing Services Cumbria Ltd — last reviewed .