What to Check in Your Home After a Storm

After a heavy storm, most of us are just relieved the power's still on. But bad weather — especially high winds, heavy rain, or hail — can cause damage that isn't immediately obvious. Left unchecked, small issues can turn into expensive repairs.

Here's a straightforward guide to what you should check around your home once the weather calms down.

1. Your Roof

Your roof takes the brunt of any storm. You don't need to climb up — just take a look from the ground or from a window.

Look for:

• Missing, cracked or slipped tiles or slates
• Ridge tiles that look out of place
• Flashing (the metal strips around edges and chimneys) that's lifted or come away
• Any debris sitting on the roof

Even a single displaced tile can let water in, leading to damp, mould, or ceiling damage over time.

2. Gutters and Downpipes

Storms bring leaves, moss, and debris — all of which love to block your gutters.

Check for:

• Overflowing or sagging gutters
• Downpipes that have come loose from the wall
• Water pooling at the base of external walls (a sign of a blockage)

Blocked gutters can lead to water running down walls and seeping into the brickwork. It's one of the most common — and preventable — causes of damp.

3. Windows and Doors

High winds can affect seals, hinges, and frames — even if nothing looks broken.

Things to look out for:

• Draughts around window edges
• Doors that suddenly stick or won't close properly
• Cracked or misted double glazing
• Gaps in sealant or beading

If a seal has failed, it might not leak straight away — but it will over time.

4. Loft Space

If you've got access, pop your head into the loft with a torch.

You're looking for:

• Signs of daylight coming through the roof (obvious gaps)
• Damp patches on the timbers or insulation
• Water stains or drips

Catching a small roof leak in the loft is far easier and cheaper than dealing with a collapsed ceiling.

5. External Walls and Brickwork

Walk around the outside of your home and take a close look at the walls.

Look for:

• New cracks in render or mortar joints
• Loose or blown render
• Damp patches that weren't there before
• Damage to airbricks or vents

Small cracks can quickly become big problems if water gets in and freezes during cold weather.

The Bit Most People Skip

It's easy to assume everything's fine because nothing dramatic happened. But storm damage is often gradual — a small leak you don't spot now could mean a big repair bill in six months.

If you're not sure what you're looking at, or you spot something that doesn't look right, it's worth getting it checked by a professional sooner rather than later. A quick inspection now could save you hundreds (or thousands) down the line.