The instinct after a storm is to get up and look. Resist it — storm-damaged roofs are unpredictable underfoot and often still wet.
In order
- Check for hazards at ground level first: loose debris, damaged cables, dislodged masonry
- Photograph everything before tidying, including debris where it landed
- Check inside for water entry, including the loft
- Contain water indoors and move belongings
- Look at the roof from ground level with binoculars, not from a ladder
- Call a roofer and describe what you can see
If cables are down, masonry is unstable or the roof structure looks deformed, keep well clear and contact the appropriate emergency service before anyone else.
For an insurance claim
Keep the photographs, keep any debris where it is safe to do so, and ask for a written schedule of damage rather than a single-line invoice.