British weather can be strange. One minute it’s calm, the next minute your bin’s halfway down the street and roof tiles are rattling like something out of a horror film. Wind doesn’t always need to be strong to cause trouble, either—just persistent enough to find a weak point and pull at it.
That’s how roof damage often starts. Not all at once, but slowly. A lifted tile here, a cracked ridge there, and before you know it, water’s getting in or worse—the whole thing starts shifting.
So, what do you do if your roof’s taken a hit after a windy spell? Let’s walk through it.
First step: check safely
Before anything else, make sure it’s safe. If there are loose tiles, visible dips, or any chance of falling debris, don’t get up there yourself. A quick glance from ground level can usually tell you if something’s out of place.
Look for:
- Tiles that look like they’ve moved or gone missing
- Bits of debris on the ground (or in the gutters)
- Rooflines that no longer look straight
- Water stains or drips indoors—especially in the loft
If anything seems off, it’s worth taking it seriously. Wind damage might seem minor at first, but once the structure’s compromised, it can go downhill quickly.
Understand what “structural” really means
A few tiles out of place is annoying—but not always structural. Structural damage is deeper. It usually involves the parts that hold everything up: the rafters, trusses, beams, or the way the load is distributed across the roof.
Signs of that include:
- Sagging areas, especially around ridges or valleys
- Splitting timber in the loft
- Twisting or shifting rooflines
- Cracks forming in walls near the ceiling
- Doors suddenly sticking upstairs (yes, really—structural shifts can warp frames)
It’s the kind of damage that doesn’t just invite leaks—it can put stress on the whole house over time. And it’s not always obvious until it starts affecting other areas.
Temporary fixes vs. proper repairs
If wind damage has left part of your roof exposed, a temporary tarp or covering can help in the short term. But that’s just a stopgap. Structural damage won’t fix itself—and it tends to get worse the longer it’s left.
You need someone to look underneath the surface. A proper inspection isn’t just about swapping out tiles—it’s about checking the strength of the roof’s bones.
What a roofing company will actually do
This is where a roofing company with structural experience comes in. It’s not just a case of patching and hoping for the best. Here’s what a good team will likely start with:
- Assessment: They’ll get into the loft, up on the roof, and check both visible and hidden areas for movement or weakening.
- Photo documentation: Handy for insurance claims, and also helps you see exactly what’s going on.
- Timber inspection: They’ll check for split rafters, warped trusses, or signs of long-term strain from repeated wind exposure.
- Load distribution checks: Especially on older homes, they’ll want to make sure weight is still spread properly.
If there’s been structural movement, they might need to reinforce joists, install extra bracing, or rebuild parts of the support system.
It’s more involved than swapping a tile—but if done right, it restores the roof’s strength and stops the issue from spreading.
Roofing services that focus on long-term repair
Not all roofing services are built the same. Some focus on quick fixes, while others deal with deeper structural work. The second group is what you want when the frame of your roof has taken a hit.
You’re looking for:
- Experience with storm and wind damage
- Teams that work with structural engineers (if needed)
- Warranties on their repair work
- Clear breakdowns of what needs doing and why
A decent roofing company will talk you through the options and prioritise safety. That might mean doing some emergency stabilising work first, then coming back to do a full repair once the weather clears or materials arrive.
Prevention is cheaper than repair (always)
Once you’ve dealt with a big repair, you’ll never look at your roof the same way again. That’s not a bad thing.
Regular inspections—especially after storms—can stop small issues from turning structural. A loose tile might cost £40 to fix today. If ignored, it could lead to £4,000 in timber damage next year. It’s that kind of scale.
Good roofing services often offer maintenance plans too. It’s not exciting, but having someone check in once or twice a year can catch problems early—and it usually costs less than your car’s MOT.
Final note – don’t wait for the next storm
Wind doesn’t need an invite. If your roof’s already showing signs of stress, the next gust could be the one that tips it over.
If you’ve spotted sagging, cracked beams, or odd movement in your roofline, speak to a roofing company that knows how to handle structural issues—not just patch things up.
And if you’re based locally, finding a trusted roofer in North London means quicker service, better local knowledge, and someone who’s seen what British weather can do to British roofs. Companies like AM Roofing have seen it all.
No panic. Just action. Because waiting won’t fix it—but the right repair job will.
