Storm damage doesn't wait for a convenient time. One minute you're watching the weather forecast, the next you're staring at water dripping through your ceiling wondering what to do next.
If you're a homeowner in Belfast or anywhere across Northern Ireland dealing with storm damage right now, take a breath. You're not alone, and you're in the right place.
At Advanced Construction & Roofing, we've been helping families just like yours recover from storm damage for over 25 years. We know how stressful this situation is. That's why we've put together this guide, so you know exactly what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to avoid the cowboys who prey on desperate homeowners.
Here are 10 things you absolutely need to know before hiring a roofer after storm damage.
1. Document Everything Before You Touch Anything
This is the most important step, and it's the one most people skip.
Before you move debris, before you start cleaning up, before you do anything, grab your phone and start recording. Take photos and videos of every single area of damage you can safely access. Get wide shots and close-ups. Capture the mess.
Why? Because your insurance company will want proof. And the more evidence you have, the smoother your claim will go.
Save receipts for everything, even if you've had to pay someone to remove a fallen tree or cover a hole temporarily. These costs are often recoverable through your insurance.
2. Safety Comes First, Always
We understand the urge to climb up and assess the damage yourself. Please don't.
After a storm, your roof structure may be compromised in ways you can't see from the ground. Wet surfaces are slippery. Damaged areas can collapse without warning. And if power lines are down or there's any chance of a gas leak, you're putting yourself in serious danger.
Call a professional. That's what we're here for. We offer emergency call-outs across Belfast and Northern Ireland, and we can be on-site quickly to secure your property and prevent further damage.
3. Know What Visible Damage Looks Like
You don't need to be a roofing expert to spot the obvious signs of storm damage. Here's what to look for from ground level:
- Missing, curled, or cracked slates/tiles
- Dents or holes from hail or flying debris
- Damaged or missing flashing around chimneys and vents
- Gutters hanging off or completely torn away
- Ridge tiles displaced or missing
If you can see any of these from the ground, there's likely more damage you can't see. Request a professional inspection immediately.
4. Hidden Damage Is More Common Than You Think
Here's the thing about storm damage: the worst of it is often invisible.
Wind and hail can compromise your roof's integrity without leaving obvious external signs. Water can seep through tiny gaps and cause damage to your insulation, timber, and ceilings over weeks or months.
Check your attic. Look for water spots on the underside of the roof, damp insulation, or any signs of moisture. Check your ceilings for stains or bubbling paint. These are warning signs that water is getting in somewhere.
If you're unsure, book a professional roof survey with us. We'll give you a comprehensive report with photos and recommendations: no guesswork involved.
5. Check Your Insurance Coverage Before You Commit
Before you agree to any repairs, contact your insurance company.
Many homeowners don't realise that storm damage is often covered under their home insurance policy. But here's the catch: you need to follow their process. That usually means:
- Reporting the damage promptly
- Getting authorisation before major repairs
- Using approved contractors (or getting quotes approved)
- Providing documentation (those photos you took in step 1)
Ask your insurer these questions:
- Is storm damage covered under my policy?
- Do I need to get multiple quotes?
- Is there a preferred contractor list?
- What's my excess?
A reputable roofer will understand this process and work with you and your insurer to make the claim as smooth as possible.
6. Look for Local Reputation and Real Reviews
After a big storm, you'll suddenly see "roofers" appearing out of nowhere. Vans with no signage. Door knockers with too-good-to-be-true quotes. Lads who "just happened to be in the area."
Be very, very careful.
These storm chasers take your money, do a bodge job (or no job at all), and disappear. You're left with a worse problem than you started with and no way to contact them.
Here's what to look for instead:
- A local company with a physical presence in Belfast or Northern Ireland
- Verified reviews on Google, Facebook, or Checkatrade
- Years of experience: not months
- Clear contact details and a proper website
- Membership of trade bodies or manufacturer certifications
At Advanced Construction & Roofing, we've been serving Northern Ireland for over 25 years. Our reputation is built on honest work and happy customers. Check our reviews: we're proud of every single one.
7. Demand a Fast Response: 48 Hours Maximum
When your roof is damaged, every hour counts. Water ingress can turn a minor repair into a major rebuild if left unchecked.
You need a roofer who can respond fast.
At Advanced Construction & Roofing, we offer 48-hour emergency response times across Belfast and the surrounding areas. When you call us, we answer. When you need us, we're there.
Don't settle for a roofer who can't see you for two weeks. By then, the damage could be ten times worse.
8. Expect a Comprehensive Inspection: Not a Quick Glance
A proper post-storm inspection isn't a five-minute job. Any roofer worth their salt will check:
- Roof tiles/slates and their fixings
- Roof felt and underlay
- Decking and timber structure
- Insulation condition
- Ventilation systems
- Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
- Gutters, downpipes, and drainage
- Fascias and soffits
If a roofer gives you a quote after spending two minutes on your roof, walk away. They haven't done their job properly, and their quote is probably missing something important.
Learn more about what a professional roof survey involves.
9. Insist on Transparency: No Hidden Costs
Before any work begins, you should have a clear, written quote that includes:
- Itemised breakdown of all work
- Material specifications
- Labour costs
- Timeline for completion
- Payment terms
- Warranty information
If a roofer won't give you this in writing, find someone who will.
We believe in complete transparency. You'll know exactly what you're paying for, when the work will be done, and what guarantees you're getting. No surprises, no hidden charges, no nonsense.
10. Emergency Call-Outs Can Save You Thousands
Here's the reality: fast action after storm damage can save you thousands of pounds.
A small leak left for a week can destroy ceilings, damage electrics, ruin insulation, and even compromise structural timber. What could have been a £500 repair becomes a £5,000 rebuild.
That's why we offer emergency call-outs across Belfast and Northern Ireland.
When you call Advanced Construction & Roofing, we'll get to you fast, secure your property, prevent further damage, and give you an honest assessment of what needs doing. We work with your insurance company. We provide full documentation. And we stand behind our work with proper warranties.
What Should You Do Right Now?
If you're dealing with storm damage in Belfast or anywhere in Northern Ireland, here's your action plan:
- Document everything with photos and videos
- Stay safe: don't climb on your roof
- Contact your insurance company to report the damage
- Call a reputable local roofer for an emergency inspection
Need help right now? Contact Advanced Construction & Roofing today. We offer emergency call-outs, 48-hour response times, and over 25 years of experience protecting Northern Ireland homes.
Call us or visit adv-group.co.uk to book your emergency inspection.
Don't let storm damage turn into a disaster. Get the right help, get it fast, and get your home protected.