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.

Written by Sam on December 18, 2025. Posted in Roof Care & Maintenance, Seasonal Roof Advice

Common Roofing Issues During Winter & How to Prevent Them

Winter can be tough on roofs across the UK, especially here in Stoke-on-Trent where cold, wet and changeable weather is common. As temperatures drop and rainfall, frost and snow increase, your roof can face several issues that may lead to leaks, structural damage, or costly repairs if not addressed early.

1. Ice Dams and Frozen Gutters

Ice dams form when heat escapes through the roof, melting snow which then refreezes at the eaves and gutters. This prevents water from draining properly and can force moisture back under roof tiles, causing leaks and damp inside your property.

Prevention Tip: Ensure your loft insulation and ventilation are adequate, and keep gutters clear before winter arrives.

2. Blocked or Overflowing Gutters

Gutters often become blocked with leaves, moss and debris during autumn. When winter rain or snow arrives, water cannot drain correctly and may overflow onto walls, soffits and foundations, increasing the risk of damp and damage.

Prevention Tip: Regular gutter cleaning and inspections can prevent costly water damage during winter.

3. Condensation and Poor Ventilation

Warm air rising from inside your home can condense in cold loft spaces if ventilation is poor. Over time, this moisture can lead to mould growth, timber rot and reduced insulation performance.

Prevention Tip: Make sure roof vents are clear and airflow in the loft space is not restricted.

4. Damaged Roof Tiles and Flashing

High winds, frost and temperature changes can loosen or crack roof tiles and damage flashing around chimneys and vents. Even small gaps can allow water to penetrate your roof during heavy winter rainfall.

Prevention Tip: Arrange a professional roof inspection to identify and repair damage before it worsens.

5. Heavy Snow Build-Up

Although heavy snowfall is less common, when it does occur it can add extra weight to your roof. Flat and low-pitched roofs are especially vulnerable to strain caused by snow accumulation.

Prevention Tip: If snow builds up excessively, seek professional advice rather than attempting to remove it yourself.

6. Freeze and Thaw Damage

Repeated freezing and thawing can cause roofing materials to expand and contract, leading to cracks, weakened seals and general wear over time.

Prevention Tip: Quality materials and timely repairs help protect your roof from long-term winter damage.

Professional Winter Roofing Services in Stoke-on-Trent

If you notice leaks, damp patches, missing tiles or overflowing gutters this winter, it’s important to act quickly. Small problems can quickly become expensive if ignored during harsh weather.

Low Cost Roofing Stoke provides reliable roof repairs, inspections and maintenance to keep your home protected throughout the winter months. Contact our experienced team today for a free quote or expert advice.

No Comments Written by Sam on July 23, 2026. Posted in Roof Care & Maintenance, Seasonal Roof Advice

Preparing Your Roof For A Heatwave: A Homeowner’s Checklist

With the Met Office increasingly issuing heat-health warnings over the summer months, it’s worth spending a little time getting your roof ready before the next heatwave hits. A few simple checks now can help you avoid a much bigger, more expensive problem once the weather cools down and the rain starts again. Here’s our homeowner’s checklist for getting your roof through a Staffordshire or Cheshire summer.

1. Check Your Loft Ventilation

Before summer really sets in, take a look at your loft’s ventilation, including soffit vents, ridge vents and any tile vents. Make sure none of these have become blocked by insulation, bird nests, or debris. Good airflow through the loft space keeps temperatures down, protects timber battens and rafters from drying out and warping, and makes upstairs rooms more comfortable to live in during hot spells.

2. Look For Cracked Or Slipped Tiles

A quick visual check from ground level, or with binoculars, can reveal tiles that have already started to crack or slip out of place from previous temperature swings. Left alone through a heatwave, these small issues tend to get worse as the tiles continue expanding and contracting in the heat, so it’s worth having anything you spot looked at before it becomes a bigger repair.

3. Inspect Flat Roofs For Bubbling Or Blistering

If your property has a flat roof, particularly an older felt roof, check for any bubbling, blistering or cracking on the surface. These are classic signs that the material has been softening and hardening repeatedly in the heat, and if left unaddressed can eventually lead to water ingress once the weather changes. Modern EPDM rubber and GRP fibreglass flat roof systems cope far better with heat than traditional felt, so it may be worth discussing an upgrade if your flat roof is getting older.

4. Clear Your Gutters

Summer showers and thunderstorms can be surprisingly heavy, and gutters that have been left to fill up with moss, leaves and debris over spring won’t cope well with a sudden downpour after weeks of dry weather. Clearing your gutters before the peak of summer helps prevent overflow, which can otherwise lead to damp patches on walls and even affect your roof’s fascias and soffits.

5. Check Flashing And Seals Around Chimneys And Skylights

Lead flashing and sealant around chimneys, valleys and Velux skylights can be affected by repeated heat expansion just as much as the surrounding tiles. Look for any gaps opening up, cracked sealant, or flashing that’s started to lift, since these are common entry points for water once summer storms or autumn rain arrive.

6. Book A Professional Inspection

If it’s been a while since your roof was last checked, or you’ve spotted any of the issues above, it’s worth arranging a professional inspection before the next heatwave. A proper survey can pick up on smaller issues that aren’t visible from the ground, giving you time to get any repairs sorted while the weather is dry and settled, rather than waiting until a problem shows up mid-downpour.

Low Cost Roofing offers free, no-obligation roof inspections across Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and Cheshire, and every full roof replacement comes with an insurance-backed guarantee of up to 25 years. To book your pre-summer roof check, call us on 01782 694710 or 07581 388 962, or email info@lowcostroofingstoke.co.uk.

Written by Sam on January 7, 2025. Posted in Roof Repairs, Seasonal Roof Advice

Winter Woes? Low Cost Roofing Stoke Has You Covered!

No Comments Written by Sam on June 21, 2026. Posted in Roof Inspections & Problems, Seasonal Roof Advice

How Heatwaves Can Damage Your Roof

When we think about roof damage, it’s usually storms, heavy rain, and winter frost that come to mind first. But here in Stoke-on-Trent and across Staffordshire and Cheshire, our summers have been getting hotter and more intense in recent years, and prolonged heatwaves can be just as tough on a roof as a bad winter. Here’s what actually happens to your roof in extreme heat, and what you can do to protect it.

Thermal Expansion And Contraction

Roofing materials expand as they heat up and contract again as they cool down overnight. During a heatwave, that daily swing in temperature is much bigger than usual, and the constant expansion and contraction puts real stress on tiles, slates, flashing and joints. Over time, this cycle can cause tiles to crack, slip out of position, or work loose at the nail fixings, especially on older roofs where the materials have already lost some flexibility.

Flat roofs are particularly exposed to this issue. Felt roofing can soften and become tacky in intense heat, then harden again as it cools, and repeated cycles like this can lead to cracking, bubbling, or the felt lifting away from the deck. Modern EPDM rubber and GRP fibreglass systems handle temperature swings far better than old-style felt, which is one of the main reasons we recommend upgrading older flat roofs when the time comes.

UV Damage To Roofing Materials

It isn’t just the heat itself causing problems — prolonged UV exposure during long, sunny summers gradually breaks down the protective coatings on roofing felt, rubber membranes and even some tile finishes. This can leave materials more brittle and more likely to crack or fail earlier than they should, particularly on south-facing roof slopes that get the most direct sun throughout the day.

Loft Ventilation And Overheating

A poorly ventilated loft space can trap heat, pushing the temperature inside the roof void far higher than the air temperature outside. Over time, this can dry out and warp timber battens and rafters, and it also makes upstairs rooms uncomfortably hot to live in. Good roof ventilation, whether that’s ridge vents, soffit vents, or additional tile vents, helps hot air escape and reduces the strain on the roof structure during a heatwave.

Signs Your Roof May Have Been Affected By Heat

After a spell of particularly hot weather, it’s worth keeping an eye out for a few tell-tale signs: cracked or slipped tiles, felt that looks bubbled or blistered on a flat roof, gaps appearing around flashing or ridge tiles, and any new staining or damp patches appearing on ceilings once the weather turns wet again. Small movement caused by heat often only becomes an obvious problem once autumn rain starts finding its way through.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, or simply haven’t had your roof checked in a while, it’s worth arranging an inspection before the weather changes again. Catching heat-related movement early is usually a quick, low-cost fix — left unchecked, it can turn into a much bigger repair once winter rain gets underneath.

Low Cost Roofing has over 20 years’ experience inspecting and repairing roofs across Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and Cheshire, and every full roof replacement comes with an insurance-backed guarantee of up to 25 years. Call us on 01782 694710 or 07581 388 962, or email info@lowcostroofingstoke.co.uk, for a free, no-obligation roof inspection.