What counts as a roofing emergency
- Water coming through a ceiling or light fitting
- Tiles, slates, ridge tiles or chimney pots blown off or hanging loose
- A tree or branch fallen on the roof
- Flat roof covering torn or lifted by the wind
- Lead flashing peeled back after a storm
What to do right now
1. Stay safe. Don't go on the roof or up a ladder in wind or rain. If something is loose and could fall onto a path or road, keep people away. 2. Electrics: if water is coming through near lights or sockets, switch off the circuit at the consumer unit if you can do so safely, and call an electrician if in doubt. 3. Catch the water: buckets, towels and moving furniture help. If a ceiling is bulging with water, keep away from underneath it. 4. Photograph the damage inside and out (from the ground) for your insurer. 5. Call your home insurer. Many policies have an emergency helpline and may have their own contractors or rules on what they'll pay for. 6. Call us or send the form, mentioning that it's an emergency, so a roofer can arrange a temporary repair.
Temporary versus permanent repairs
In bad weather the first job is to make the roof watertight, often by refixing or replacing missing tiles, fitting a temporary cover or sealing a damaged area. Permanent repairs such as lead work, mortar and flat roof replacement need drier conditions. Ask the roofer to explain what they've done as a temporary measure and what's needed to finish the job, and keep the invoice for your insurer.
Avoiding storm-chasers
After big storms some people go door to door offering roof repairs. Don't agree to work on the doorstep, and be wary of large cash deposits. Check a roofer's details and insurance before letting them on your roof.
Once things are dry, see roof repairs for the permanent fix, or roof replacement if the roof was already in poor shape.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an emergency roofer at night?
Availability out of hours varies. Call and explain the situation; if nobody can attend immediately, focus on keeping safe and containing water until a roofer can get there.
Will insurance pay for emergency roof repairs?
Sudden storm damage is often covered; wear and tear usually isn't. Check your policy and speak to your insurer before major work.
What do I do if a neighbour's tiles have landed in my garden?
Keep clear of the area, photograph it and let your neighbour know. Loose roof material can be dangerous in further winds.
Roofing services in Swindon
- Roof repairs in Swindon
Slipped tiles, leaks, ridge and valley repairs. - Roof replacement in Swindon
Full re-roofs in tile and slate. - Flat roofing in Swindon
EPDM rubber, GRP fibreglass and felt. - Chimney repairs in Swindon
Repointing, flashing, caps and removal. - Guttering, fascias and soffits in Swindon
Gutter repairs, uPVC fascias and soffits.
Areas we cover
- Roofers in Stratton St Margaret
- Roofers in Highworth
- Roofers in Wroughton
- Roofers in Royal Wootton Bassett
Back to the main page: Roofers in Swindon.