How to Approach a Storm Damage Roof Claim

What Counts as Storm Damage on a Roof?

Storm damage covers more than just slates blown off in a gale. Insurance policies typically accept claims for damage caused by wind, hail, falling branches, lightning, or the weight of snow — provided the roof was in reasonable condition beforehand. What they won't cover is pre-existing wear, age-related decay, or a roof that was already failing before the weather event hit.

Brandon and the surrounding Breckland area sits in one of the drier parts of East Anglia, but that doesn't mean roofs escape punishment. The flat, open terrain around Brandon means wind speeds are rarely broken by hills or dense woodland, and the town sees its share of sharp northerly and easterly gusts, particularly in autumn and winter. Semi-detached and terraced properties on the older housing estates are especially exposed, and chimney stacks on these homes are among the first things to shift or crack under repeated buffeting. If you've noticed displaced ridge tiles, lifted lead flashing, or mortar dropping from a chimney after a rough spell of weather, you may have a legitimate claim.

Document Everything Before Touching the Roof

The single most important step after storm damage is documentation — before any repair work starts. Photograph the damage from the ground using a smartphone or camera. Include wide shots showing the whole roof slope and close-ups of any visible missing tiles, lifted flashing, or sagging sections. Also photograph any internal signs: damp patches on ceilings, wet insulation in the loft, or water trails on walls.

Note the date and time, and cross-reference with local weather records if you can. The Met Office keeps historical weather data, and your insurer may ask for confirmation that a storm of sufficient severity actually occurred. Keep any debris — broken slates, snapped branches, dislodged ridge tiles — as physical evidence if it's safe to do so.

Do not attempt to access the roof yourself. Wet or damaged roofing materials are slippery and unstable, and any injury or additional damage caused during DIY inspection could complicate your claim. Call a qualified roofer for a professional inspection report instead.

Getting a Roofer's Report for Your Insurer

Most insurers require a written report from a roofing contractor before they'll process a storm damage claim. This report should describe the extent of the damage, identify the likely cause, and provide a breakdown of the repair costs. A reputable contractor will distinguish clearly between storm-caused damage and any pre-existing issues — insurers will check, and a vague or inflated report can lead to a rejected claim.

At Brandon Roofers, we carry out storm damage inspections across Brandon and the surrounding villages, including Methwold, Mundford, and Feltwell. We provide a clear written report suitable for insurance purposes, detailing exactly what has failed and why. We also give honest advice on whether a targeted roof repair is sufficient or whether more extensive work — such as a roof replacement — is needed.

Working With Your Insurer Without Getting Caught Out

Once you've submitted your documentation and contractor's report, your insurer will typically send a loss adjuster to inspect the property. This is normal — don't be alarmed. What matters is that your roofer's report is thorough and consistent with what the adjuster sees on the day.

A few things to watch for during the claims process:

• Betterment clauses: If your roof is old, some insurers will only pay a proportion of the repair cost, arguing that new materials improve the roof beyond its pre-storm state. This is legal and common — read your policy carefully.
• Excess amounts: Standard home insurance policies carry an excess, often between £100 and £500. Factor this in before deciding whether a minor repair is worth claiming for.
• Emergency temporary repairs: Most policies allow — and even require — you to carry out emergency work to prevent further damage. Keep all receipts. Insurers expect reasonable, not extravagant, emergency measures.
• Loss adjusters vs. your interests: The loss adjuster works for the insurer, not for you. If you feel the assessment undervalues your claim, you're entitled to challenge it or instruct an independent loss assessor.

For guidance on your rights during an insurance claim, the Financial Ombudsman Service handles disputes between policyholders and insurers. If you want to verify a roofer's credentials before appointing them, check the National Federation of Roofing Contractors register.

Temporary vs. Permanent Repairs — Know the Difference

A temporary repair stops the bleeding — it keeps water out while the claim is processed. This might mean securing a tarpaulin over a damaged section, replacing a handful of loose slates, or repointing cracked chimney mortar as an emergency measure. Permanent repairs should only begin once your insurer has agreed the scope of work and, ideally, confirmed in writing what they'll pay.

Rushing into a full chimney rebuild or stripping and re-roofing before the claim is settled can leave you out of pocket if the insurer disputes the scope. Get written agreement first, then instruct your contractor to carry out the full works.

If the storm has also damaged your guttering or fascias — which is common when heavy debris comes down — make sure these are included in your claim from the start rather than added as an afterthought.

Get a Free Storm Damage Survey in Brandon

If your roof has taken a hit, don't wait. Water finds its way in quickly, and what starts as a few missing tiles can become a saturated roof structure within weeks. Contact Brandon Roofers for a free local survey — we'll inspect the damage, provide a written report for your insurer, and give you a straight answer on what needs doing and what it will cost.

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