Wind, heavy rain, frost and heat can affect different parts of your roof. Bad weather may cause new damage or reveal a weakness that was already there. If you notice a leak after a storm, tell us what changed so we can assess the damage and roof condition together.
We explain what weather damage can look like and what information helps when you call us. Keep observations to safe positions, note what has changed and arrange professional help where needed.
What Different Weather Can Do to Your Roof
These examples can help you describe what's happened. An inspection is needed to establish whether the weather caused the problem and what work is required.
| Conditions | What may need checking | What you can tell us |
|---|---|---|
| Strong winds | Displaced coverings, weak edges or vulnerable junctions | What has changed, when you noticed it and which side of the roof is affected |
| Wind-driven rain | Water entering at a junction during rain from a particular direction | Which way the rain was blowing, how long it lasted and where water appeared |
| Prolonged rainfall | Persistent wetting, drainage restrictions or multiple entry routes | Whether the leak starts immediately or after several hours |
| Cold weather | Condensation or frost-related deterioration in susceptible materials | Whether damp appears without rain and how the space is used |
| Snow or ice | Drainage obstruction, loading or damage requiring assessment | What you can see safely from the ground |
| Hot weather | Movement in materials, hot rooms or limits on installation conditions | Which room or roof detail is affected and whether the problem recurs |
On small screens, scroll the table sideways to view every column.
The Met Office recommends preparing for severe weather and following its warnings. These help you plan precautions. We still need to assess conditions at your property before deciding whether roof access is safe. [1] [2]
What We Check After Strong Winds
Tiles, slates and other coverings need fixings suited to the roof and its exposure. We pay attention to edges, ridges, verges and junctions. Ground-level photographs are useful, but cannot show every fixing or support beneath the covering.
After wind, displaced material should be assessed even if there is no indoor leak yet. Keep people away from suspected falling tiles or masonry. Do not climb up to push a tile back or test whether a ridge is loose. HSE's roof-work guidance applies to short repairs as well as major projects. [3]
Ask us whether the damage is limited to one area or whether similar weaknesses appear elsewhere. If wider work is recommended, we will explain the findings behind it.
Heavy Rain Tests Drainage and Junctions
Leaves and debris can block gutters, but loose supports, downpipes and drains can cause problems too. Water may then overflow onto walls or roof junctions. Tell us where you see it escaping, even if you cannot see the cause.
We need to consider where the water goes through the whole drainage system. Historic England's guidance takes this approach too. If the layout or capacity is the problem, repeatedly clearing the gutter may not be enough. [4] [5]
On a flat roof, we check the covering and how water drains towards the outlets. The NFRC's summary of BS 6229:2025 highlights roof falls and level surveys. A new coating alone will not correct an unsuitable slope or outlet position. [6]
Tell Us When the Leak Happens
Some leaks only appear when rain blows from a particular direction. Tell us which room is affected, roughly when the water starts and whether it stops with the rain or continues afterwards. Those details help us decide where to investigate.
The stain may be some distance from where water entered, and more than one fault can be involved. Around a chimney, for example, we may need to check the flashing, brickwork and moisture associated with the flue.
The roof-leak detection guide explains which details are useful when you contact us. If the problem is near a chimney, our chimney leak guide covers the areas we may need to check.
Cold-Weather Damp Is Not Always Rain Entry
Damp in a loft or upstairs room can come from warm, moist air meeting cold surfaces. If you notice moisture in cold weather without rain, mention that when you contact us so condensation can be considered alongside possible leaks.
Insulation, ventilation and how you use the building all affect moisture. Avoid blocking vents or adding insulation before the cause has been checked. Energy Saving Trust explains why suitable insulation and ventilation need to work together. [7]
Older brickwork and masonry can make damp harder to assess. Historic England's 2026 guidance recommends looking at the wider evidence, rather than relying on one patch or meter reading. [8]
Snow and Ice Are Not a Reason to Climb onto the Roof
Snow or ice can make access more hazardous and obscure the roof surface. Do not walk across a garage roof, extension or rooflight to clear snow, break ice or inspect an outlet. A roof that looks solid from above may contain fragile areas. [9]
If you notice new distortion, falling material or other signs of immediate danger, keep clear and obtain appropriate urgent assistance. Report what is observable from a safe location rather than attempting to test the roof's strength.
If you are worried about snow or ice on your roof, arrange appropriate professional advice. The safe load and the right response depend on the building and conditions, so they cannot be judged from this guide.
Heat Affects Both Comfort and Roofing Work
A hot upstairs room does not necessarily mean the roof covering is defective. Sunlight through windows, shading, insulation and room ventilation can all contribute. Tell us whether the concern is heat, a leak or visible damage so we can discuss the right next step.
Energy Saving Trust recommends limiting heat from the sun and using cooler outside air when it is safe. Ventilating your room is different from ventilating the roof space; improving one does not automatically resolve a problem with the other. [10]
Very hot weather can also affect when we can fit roofing materials. Adhesives, resins and other products have their own application limits, so we follow the requirements for the chosen system. [11]
What to Do After Suspected Weather Damage
First assess whether people need to be kept away from the area. Do not stand beneath loose masonry or enter a space with a bulging ceiling or water near electrical equipment. Obtain appropriate urgent assistance where there is immediate danger.
Take photographs and note when the damage appeared, as long as you can do so safely. Older pictures and repair records are useful too. Contact us with your postcode and a description of what has happened. If you plan to claim on insurance, ask your insurer what records it needs; the policy determines the cover available.
We can discuss whether temporary protection is needed and what a lasting repair would involve. If a temporary measure is used, ask what it covers and when the remaining work should be reviewed.
Keep on Top of Known Problems
Repairing known defects, maintaining drainage and keeping records can help you spot changes earlier. No roof is completely storm-proof, so new damage still needs attention.
If a larger roofing job is already planned, ask whether it makes sense to include any necessary roofline work, leadwork or ridge repairs while access is in place. We can explain which additional work is needed and which can wait.
We offer storm-damage roof repairs in Newcastle, Whitley Bay, Blyth and the wider North East. Contact us to discuss what has happened and check availability. Roof access depends on safe conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does damage after a storm prove the storm caused it?
No. A storm may cause fresh damage or expose an existing weakness. We can discuss what an inspection finds, while your insurer decides whether the damage is covered by your policy.
Can I check the roof while the wind is still strong?
Please stay off the roof and keep clear of anything that could fall. Only observe from a safe place. We also need to assess weather and access conditions before working at height.
Why does my roof leak only in rain from one direction?
Rain may be reaching a vulnerable junction from that direction. Tell us about the weather and where the water appears, so we can investigate the relevant areas rather than assume the cause.
Is winter loft condensation a roofing leak?
It can be a separate issue, although both can occur together. The insulation, ventilation and moisture inside your home need considering alongside possible rainwater entry.
Should I remove snow from a flat roof myself?
No. Do not walk onto the roof or fragile rooflights to clear snow. If you are concerned about loading, distortion or falling material, keep clear and obtain appropriate professional assistance.
Will new gutters prevent all storm overflow?
No. The size and alignment of gutters, outlets, downpipes and drains all affect how water flows. If a blockage or restriction remains farther along the system, new gutters alone may not solve it.
Can you guarantee emergency attendance during bad weather?
Call us to check availability and explain what's happened. If there is immediate danger, seek urgent help. We can only access and work on the roof when conditions are safe.
References & Sources
We have linked to the sources used in this guide so you can read more. They were checked on 27 September 2026. Manufacturer guidance applies to its own products, and published prices are examples rather than our quotes. Check the requirements for your project before arranging work. Links open in a new tab.
- Met Office Top Tips to Be WeatherReady ↗ Advice on preparing for severe weather. We still need to assess conditions at your property before deciding whether roof access is safe.
- Met Office Understanding the WeatherReady Campaign ↗ Advice dated 15 January 2026 on weather warnings and preparing your home. If you notice roof damage after a storm, an inspection can help establish what has happened.
- Health and Safety Executive Construction: Roof Work ↗ HSE advice on safe access and protection during roof work. Keep your own observations to safe positions, such as from the ground, and leave roof access to professionals.
- Historic England Inspection, Maintenance and Repair of Rainwater Systems ↗ Advice on inspecting and maintaining gutters, downpipes and outlets, including considerations for historic buildings.
- Historic England Upgrades or Alterations to Rainwater Goods ↗ Guidance on rainwater capacity and alterations. A larger gutter may not solve overflow if the layout, outlets or connected drainage also need attention.
- NFRC BS 6229:2025 Update: Key Points ↗ Published on 18 December 2025, this summary covers changes to the flat-roof code, including drainage falls, surveys, design and handover records.
- Energy Saving Trust Roof and Loft Insulation Guide ↗ Advice on roof insulation, ventilation and heat loss. The potential improvement depends on your home and the work proposed.
- Historic England Assessing Damp in Historic Buildings ↗ Published on 13 July 2026, this guidance explains how damp is investigated and why some findings need further checks. It is particularly useful for older masonry and recurring chimney stains.
- Health and Safety Executive Fragile Surfaces ↗ HSE explains why roofs and rooflights may be fragile, and why precautions are needed even for a short maintenance job.
- Energy Saving Trust How to Keep Your Home Cool in Hot Weather ↗ Updated on 18 June 2026, this advice covers shading and using cooler outside air safely. Ventilating your roof space serves a different purpose from ventilating the room below.
- Cure It Cure It Installation Guides ↗ Information about the components of a GRP roof, helping you check what is included beyond the visible topcoat.