Stormy weather is typical in Manchester, especially in winter. The impact of high winds and heavy rain on roofs can be severe, particularly for slate-covered and flat roofs. To avoid potential leaks, damage needs to be checked promptly.
Safety comes first. If there are any signs of leaks inside, cracks in the ceilings or walls, or falling plaster, do not climb onto the roof. The roof should also be left alone if it is full of water, or has any clearly unstable areas or feels spongy to walk on. Could you check the roof visually from the ground instead? If any water is seeping inside, people and pets should be moved out of the affected area, and suitable precautions should be taken to avoid any other hazards, such as fallen power lines, damaged gutters, or burning smells. If a gas smell is detected, it is best to leave immediately and call the gas emergency service. If access to the roof is possible, it can be checked from above as long as it is done with care, wearing sturdy footwear, with someone else on the ground to help and keep a lookout.
Immediate safety steps
If you can visit the roof safely, check for leaks inside the house or dark stains on ceilings and walls. Look for cracks in walls or ceilings, especially over door frames, and for sagging or unstable sections of the roof. Plan to inspect the roof from a stepladder instead of climbing on it until you're sure it's safe. Stay off a wet roof—it's slippery, and rooster tails of running water can hide damage like deep cracks. If the roof is unsafe, don't climb on it.
Move people and pets away from areas under the roof where water is dripping in, and stay away from broken gutters or downpipes. If it's safe to do so, check whether water is flowing behind gutters. Avoid touching anywhere that's been in contact with power lines, and stay close to the ground. If you smell gas, see smoke, or see fire—leave the building immediately and call emergency services. If you can access the roof safely, wear sturdy footwear; make sure the ladder is secured on level, firm ground; and have someone else hold the ladder.
Common roof damage to look for
After a storm in Manchester, a careful visual inspection may reveal roof damage. During this assessment, look for the following issues:
- Missing or loose shingles or tiles
- Cracked flashing around chimneys, vents, and roof edges
- Sagging sections of the roof or roof felt showing
- Dented or deformed gutters, downpipes, and fascia boards
- Active leaks or water stains on ceilings or walls
- Moss or debris piled on the roof
These clues may indicate bigger problems that warrant a closer inspection.
If able to climb up for a closer view, it’s essential to use the right equipment, prioritise safety, and keep an eye out for further signs of damage. Use a sturdy ladder planted on level ground and, if possible, have someone hold it. Look for dark spots, bulges, or bowed sections on the roof. Check for loose nails or curled shingle edges. Inspect the attic for signs of trouble, such as daylight shining through gaps or damp sections on the underside of the roof surface. Take clear, well-composed photographs of any potential damage from ground level and from the roof surface, after using caution to get up there.
Tools and signs to use for inspection
Using the right tools and knowing what to look for can help you spot roof damage. When using a ladder:
- Place the ladder on stable, level ground, and have a partner hold it.
- Inspect the roof from the bottom to the top, looking for dark spots, loose nails, curled edges, or gaps around chimneys or vents.
- If you can safely access the attic, check for daylight shining through holes or gaps in the roof.
Consider taking explicit photos of any damage. Capture them from ground level, and from the roof if it’s safe, stable, and accessible.
When to call a professional
When facing potential roof damage from a storm, it's essential to assess whether professional assistance is needed. Roof inspections should always be conducted with caution. Call a licensed expert if:
- The roof is steep and rugged to access safely, unstable, or visibly sagging.
- There's an ongoing leak, water intrusion has affected the fabric of the building, or electrical components and appliances are exposed to moisture.
- Gutters or downpipes are severely damaged or blocked.
- Is there any uncertainty about how to proceed safely?
Safety comes first. Even after careful inspection of the roof, which shows no visible damage, contact a qualified professional if the gutters or downpipes appear badly dented or distorted; these components are essential and usually require attention before the roof itself.
What to do after finding damage
Could you document any damage with date-stamped photos? Small leaks can be covered with a waterproof tarp, but it is essential to avoid heavy climbing and only complete this task if it is safe. Notify your insurance company about the damage and keep accurate records of all conversations. Schedule an assessment with a licensed roofer to check and report on the damage.
Insurance coverage may be applicable for repair costs and temporary solutions if planned carefully. Often, insurers allow policyholders to arrange urgent repairs that prevent further damage or loss. Please keep notes and photographs to make sure that repairs were both necessary and executed appropriately.
Preventing future damage in Manchester
The roof should be checked after every major storm, especially hailstorms, and examined regularly for maintenance. All debris should be cleared from the roof after a storm, and branches overhanging the house or garage should be trimmed back. Gutters and downpipes must be kept clean and clear, and broken or missing parts promptly replaced. Flashing should be in good condition, whether made from metal, felt, or bitumen. After extremely heavy rainfall or hail, it is advisable to check for leaks and reseal if necessary to stop further infiltration.
Using weatherproof materials that can withstand the Manchester weather will also help. Could you ask the installer to recommend? For example, gutters and downpipes will become blocked without routine maintenance, and the resulting overflow can cause severe property damage. Make sure all gutters are directed to downpipes. During severe thunderstorms, the danger lies less in the rain than in the combination of heavy rain and high winds that rip through the region. Although all roofs may be designed to shed water quickly, heavy rain can overwhelm even the best-designed drainage systems. It is not uncommon for gutters and downpipes to become choked with leaves and sludge from trees, or with dirt from roofs, which rainwater washes down and needs to be cleared after every storm. Roofs that have been adequately maintained will, however, usually suffer little or no damage and so can be repaired quickly and easily afterwards.
Conclusion
To spot roof damage after a storm in Manchester, check for active leaks, cracks, or unstable areas without climbing onto wet roofs. Move people and pets to safety, avoid power lines and damaged gutters, and leave the building if you smell gas or see smoke. If the roof is accessible, wear sturdy footwear and have a partner on the ground.
Look for missing or loose shingles or tiles, cracked flashing around chimneys, vents, and edges, sagging sections, dented gutters, downpipes, and fascia boards, water stains inside ceilings or walls, and moss or debris piled on the roof. Use a ladder secured on level ground and checked by a helper; scan for dark spots, loose nails, and curled edges; examine the attic for daylight gaps and see if light shines through the roof. Take clear photos of any damage from ground level and, if safe, from the roof. Call a professional if the roof is steep, unstable, or visibly sagging; if there is active water intrusion or electrical risk; if gutters or downpipes are severely damaged or blocked; or if you are unsure how to proceed safely.
