No Comments Written by Sam on October 29, 2026. Posted in Roof Repairs, Seasonal Roof Advice

Storm Damage to Your Roof: What Home Insurance Covers and What to Do Next

Storm season is here. Between October and March, the UK gets most of its named storms, and every year we get the same calls from homeowners around Stoke-on-Trent: a few tiles in the garden, a damp patch on the bedroom ceiling, or a chimney pot that is suddenly leaning. The first question is nearly always the same: will my home insurance pay for this?

Here is a plain-English guide to what insurers usually cover, what they don’t, and what to do in the first 48 hours after your roof is damaged in a storm.

Does home insurance cover storm damage to a roof?

In most cases, yes. Storm damage is a standard part of most UK buildings insurance policies, and the roof is part of the building. But there are two conditions insurers look at closely.

1. Was it actually a “storm”?

Insurers have their own definition of a storm, and it is stricter than “it was really windy last night”. Many use wind speeds of 55mph or more as the benchmark, the figure the Association of British Insurers (ABI) uses. Some policies also count very heavy rain (around 25mm in an hour), heavy snowfall or large hail. Insurers will usually check weather records for your postcode on the date of the damage.

2. Did the storm cause the damage, or just reveal it?

This is where most roof claims are won or lost. Insurance is designed to cover sudden and unforeseen damage, not general upkeep. If a storm lifts tiles that were already held on by rusted nails, or rain gets through pointing that has been crumbling for years, the insurer may say the real cause was wear and tear and decline the claim.

That is why keeping your roof in good order matters. A roof with sound tiles, flashing and pointing is far easier to claim on, because the storm is clearly the cause. Our guide to spotting a roof leak early covers the warning signs worth checking.

What is usually covered, and what usually isn’t

Usually covered (subject to your policy):

• Tiles or slates blown off or broken by high winds
• Damage from falling trees or branches
• Chimney stacks or pots brought down in a storm
• Water damage inside the house caused by sudden storm damage to the roof
• Reasonable temporary repairs to stop further damage

Usually not covered:

• Damage caused by gradual wear and tear or poor maintenance
• Problems that existed before the storm (old leaks, sagging, failed felt)
• Fences and gates, which most standard buildings policies exclude from storm cover
• Damage from wind below the insurer’s storm threshold

Every policy is different, so always check your own wording or ask your insurer.

What to do straight after a storm damages your roof

1. Stay safe

Do not climb onto the roof or up a ladder in high winds or the wet. Keep people away from areas where tiles or masonry could fall, and if water is coming through near light fittings, switch off the electrics at the fuse box.

2. Take photos and video

From the ground and inside the house, photograph everything: missing tiles, debris in the garden, damp patches, damaged ceilings and anything that was soaked. Date-stamped photos taken before any repairs are the most useful evidence you can give an insurer.

3. Contact your insurer early

The ABI advises contacting your insurer as soon as reasonably possible. Most have a 24-hour claims line. Have your policy number ready and ask what they need from you, including whether they want you to get quotes from a local roofer.

4. Stop the damage getting worse

Your policy will normally expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. That might mean an emergency tarpaulin or temporary patch. Speak to your insurer first if you can, and keep every receipt and invoice. If water is already getting in, our emergency roof repair service in Stoke can make the roof watertight quickly.

5. Get a proper written quote

Insurers are much happier to settle a claim when they have a clear report from a qualified roofer, ideally one explaining that the damage is consistent with storm conditions. Ask for photos and a written breakdown of the work needed, which you can pass straight to your insurer.

Why your roof’s condition before the storm matters

The best time to protect a future claim is before the weather turns. A quick autumn check of your roof can save a lot of hassle later:

• Look for slipped, cracked or missing tiles from the ground (binoculars help)
• Clear gutters and downpipes so water can drain away in heavy rain
• Check the flashing around chimneys and where roofs meet walls
• Look at chimney pointing. If mortar is crumbling, it is worth reading our guide to signs your chimney needs repointing
• Check the loft for daylight, damp or water staining after heavy rain

If any of these show problems, getting them fixed now with a roof repair in Stoke-on-Trent is almost always cheaper than dealing with storm damage on top of an existing issue, and it gives you a much stronger position if you ever need to claim.

What if the insurer says no?

If your claim is declined for wear and tear, ask the insurer to explain exactly why in writing. If you disagree, you can complain to the insurer and then, if needed, take it to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which is free to use. A report from an independent roofer can help.

Even if the claim isn’t paid, the repair still needs doing before the next storm. Our Flexi Roof Plan lets you spread the cost of roof repairs or a new roof over 12 months, interest free.

Storm-damaged roof in Stoke-on-Trent?

Low Cost Roofing Stoke has been repairing roofs across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire and Cheshire for over 20 years. If your roof has been damaged in a storm, we can:

• Make the roof safe and watertight quickly
• Photograph and document the damage for your insurer
• Give you a clear, itemised quote for the permanent repair

Get in touch or request a free quote from your local roofer in Stoke.

This article is general guidance only. Cover varies between insurers and policies, so always check your own policy documents or speak to your insurer before making a claim.

No Comments Written by Sam on February 19, 2026. Posted in Roof Repairs

How To Repair Roof Flashing?

Roof flashing is one of the most important — and most overlooked — components of any roofing system. These thin strips of metal or lead are installed around chimneys, skylights, vents, and roof joints to direct water away from vulnerable areas. When flashing fails, even a small gap can allow water to penetrate your roof, leading to damp walls, ceiling damage, and costly structural repairs. The good news? In many cases, you can repair roof flashing yourself with the right tools and a bit of know-how.

At Low Cost Roofing Stoke, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Stoke-on-Trent tackle flashing problems before they spiral into major leaks. Here’s our expert step-by-step guide.

What Causes Roof Flashing to Fail?

Flashing can deteriorate for several reasons. Age and weathering are the most common culprits — over time, sealant cracks, metal corrodes, and mortar joints crumble. Thermal expansion and contraction can also cause flashing to lift or pull away from the roof surface. Poor installation, storm damage, or years of heavy Staffordshire rainfall can all accelerate wear. Spotting the problem early is the key to a simple, affordable fix.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following: a wire brush, roofing sealant or flashing cement, a caulking gun, a trowel, replacement flashing (lead or aluminium), roofing nails, a hammer, and a stable ladder. Always work on a dry, calm day and follow proper ladder safety at all times.

Step 1: Inspect & Identify the Problem

Begin with a thorough visual inspection. Look for lifted, buckled, or missing sections of flashing. Check for cracked sealant, rust stains, and damp patches on your ceiling directly below the affected area. Identifying exactly where and how the flashing has failed will help you choose the right repair method.

Step 2: Clean the Area

Use a wire brush to remove rust, old sealant, dirt, and debris from the damaged flashing and surrounding surface. A clean, dry surface is essential for any new sealant or patching material to bond properly. Wipe everything down with a dry cloth before moving on.

Step 3: Re-seal Small Cracks & Gaps

For minor cracks or lifted edges, a quality roofing sealant or flashing cement is often all you need. Apply it generously along the joint, press the flashing back into position, and smooth it with a trowel. Make sure there are no gaps left uncovered. This approach works well for chimney and skylight flashing that has simply dried out over time.

Step 4: Patch Damaged Sections

If a section of flashing is corroded or torn, cut a patch from matching flashing material. Lead is the traditional choice and highly durable, while aluminium is lighter and easier to work with. Cut the patch so it overlaps the damaged area by at least 6cm on each side, apply flashing cement underneath, press it firmly into place, and seal all edges thoroughly to prevent any water ingress.

Step 5: Replace Flashing Completely (If Needed)

Sometimes the damage is too extensive to patch. In this case, carefully remove the old flashing with a pry bar or trowel, taking care not to disturb surrounding tiles. Fit new flashing to the original profile, secure it with roofing nails, and seal all joints and edges with flashing cement. Re-point any disturbed mortar around chimney stacks once the new flashing is in place.

When to Call a Professional Roofer

While minor repairs are well within a confident DIYer’s ability, significant flashing replacement — especially around chimneys or complex roof junctions — is best left to a qualified roofer. Working at height carries real risk, and a poorly fitted repair can make leaks worse in the long run. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, it’s always worth getting a professional opinion.

The team at Low Cost Roofing Stoke offers fast, affordable flashing repairs across Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote and let us take the worry out of your roof.

No Comments Written by Sam on September 11, 2026. Posted in Roof Inspections & Problems, Roof Repairs

How to Spot a Roof Leak Before It Becomes a Bigger Problem

A small roof leak rarely announces itself with a dramatic drip through the ceiling. More often it starts quietly — a faint stain, a slightly musty smell, a tile that looks just a little out of place — long before any water actually reaches a room you can see. Catching those early signs in your Stoke-on-Trent or Staffordshire home can be the difference between a straightforward repair and a much bigger, more expensive job once timbers, insulation, or plasterboard have been damaged by prolonged damp.

Ceiling and Wall Stains

The most familiar warning sign is a yellow-brown stain spreading across a ceiling or down an interior wall, often with a faint ring around the edge. These marks appear because water is tracking through insulation and plasterboard before it ever drips visibly, so by the time you notice a stain, the leak may have been active for some time. Even a small, faded patch is worth investigating rather than simply painting over, since the underlying cause won’t disappear on its own.

A Musty or Damp Smell

Trapped moisture in a loft space or wall cavity creates the perfect conditions for mould and mildew, which often produces a musty smell before any visible staining appears. If a bedroom or landing has started to smell slightly damp, particularly after rain, it’s worth having a look in the loft with a torch for damp timber, dark spotting, or sagging insulation.

Missing, Cracked or Slipped Tiles

From ground level it’s easy to miss a single displaced tile, but even one gap is enough to let water in during heavy or wind-driven rain, which is common across Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding Staffordshire moorlands. Look out for tiles that appear crooked, cracked, or missing altogether, and for small piles of tile fragments or granules in the guttering below, which often indicate wear that isn’t obvious from the ground.

Damp or Discoloured Loft Timbers

Your loft is usually the best place to catch a leak early, since water often shows up on the rafters and felt long before it reaches a ceiling below. Dark staining, soft or spongy timber, and any daylight visible through the roof deck are all signs that water is getting in somewhere above. A quick loft check after a period of heavy rain is one of the simplest ways to catch a developing problem.

Sagging or Bulging Ceilings

If plasterboard has absorbed enough water, it can start to sag, bulge, or feel soft to the touch. This is a more advanced sign of a leak and usually means water has been getting in for a while, so it should be treated as urgent — a saturated ceiling can eventually collapse under its own weight.

Damaged or Blocked Guttering and Flashing

Roof leaks don’t always start with the tiles themselves. Blocked, cracked, or poorly fitted guttering can cause water to back up under the roofline, while failing flashing around chimneys, skylights, and roof joints is one of the most common leak points on older properties. Both are easy to overlook but well worth checking as part of a routine inspection, especially before winter sets in.

What to Do If You Spot Any of These Signs

If you notice any of the warning signs above, the safest approach is to get a professional inspection rather than waiting to see if it gets worse. A small repair caught early, such as resealing flashing or replacing a handful of tiles, is far cheaper than repairing water-damaged timbers, insulation, or ceilings further down the line.

Get a Free Roof Inspection in Stoke-on-Trent

Low Cost Roofing Stoke offers free, no-obligation inspections for homeowners across Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and Cheshire who are concerned about a possible leak. Our experienced team can quickly identify the source of the problem and give you an honest, transparent quote for any repairs needed. Contact us today to book your free inspection.

Written by Sam on November 26, 2025. Posted in Roof Inspections & Problems, Roof Repairs

How to Spot the Early Signs Your Garage Roof Needs Repair?

Your garage roof plays a crucial role in protecting your vehicle, tools and stored belongings from the elements. Over time, exposure to rain, frost, wind and UV rays can wear it down — often long before you notice obvious damage. By spotting early signs, you can avoid expensive repairs and prevent the problem from spreading.

No Comments Written by Sam on August 9, 2026. Posted in Roof Repairs

What to Expect From a Roof Repair (and When to Call a Roofer)

Most roofing problems in Stoke-on-Trent don’t announce themselves dramatically — they start small. A missing tile after a storm, a slow leak that only shows up when it rains heavily, mortar on the chimney that’s been crumbling for a couple of years. The question most homeowners face is: when does this actually need sorting, and what’s involved when I call a roofer?

The Most Common Roof Repairs in Stoke-on-Trent

Missing or slipped tiles — North Staffordshire weather is hard on roofs. Wind-driven rain, frost and the age of much of the housing stock in Stoke-on-Trent means missing, cracked or slipped tiles are the most common repair call we receive. A single missing tile isn’t necessarily urgent in dry weather, but left through autumn and winter it will lead to felt damage and eventually water ingress into the roof structure.

Flashing failures — Lead or mortar flashing around chimneys, dormers and roof abutments is where a large proportion of roof leaks actually originate. Flashing fails through age, thermal movement and poor original installation, and because it’s not easily visible from the ground, it’s often only discovered when a leak appears inside. Re-flashing is usually a straightforward repair but needs to be done properly — temporary sealant fixes rarely last more than one or two winters.

Flat roof repairs — Many properties in Stoke-on-Trent have flat roof sections, whether on extensions, garages or bay windows. Felt flat roofs have a finite lifespan and typically need either repair or full replacement once they reach 15-20 years. Common signs of flat roof failure include ponding water, visible cracks in the felt surface, and water staining on the ceiling below.

Chimney repairs — Chimney pointing, capping and rendering deteriorates over time, particularly on older Stoke-on-Trent properties. Loose or missing mortar between bricks allows water into the chimney stack and from there into the house. Chimney repairs usually involve repointing the mortar joints, re-bedding or replacing chimney pots, and checking the flashing at the base of the stack.

Gutter and fascia issues — Blocked or broken gutters cause water to overflow and run down the face of the building, which over time saturates the fascia boards and soffit, and can track back into the roof void. Keeping gutters clear is the simplest and cheapest form of roof maintenance.

When to Call a Roofer vs When to Wait

Call us promptly if: you have an active leak inside the house, a large section of tiles has been displaced in a storm, you can see daylight from inside the loft, or you’ve had previous repairs to the same area that haven’t held.

Monitor and plan if: you’ve noticed a couple of slipped tiles but there’s no sign of water inside, your flat roof is ageing but not yet leaking, or your gutters are blocked but the fascia appears intact. These need addressing, but not necessarily as an emergency.

What Happens When You Call Low Cost Roofing Stoke

We cover Stoke-on-Trent and all surrounding areas of Staffordshire. When you call us, we’ll arrange to visit the property, carry out a proper inspection (including getting up to roof level where safe and necessary), and give you an honest assessment of what needs doing and what it will cost — with no pressure to proceed.

We’ve been carrying out roof repairs across Stoke-on-Trent for over 20 years, which means we’ve worked on every type of roof in the area and most of the problems that come with them. Call us on 01782 929153 or 07581 388962 for a free inspection and quote.