Storm damage to your roof is stressful. There's no way around it.
You're standing in your home in Belfast, watching water drip through the ceiling, wondering how bad the damage really is. Your mind races through questions: Will insurance cover this? How much is this going to cost? Who can I trust to fix it properly?
Here's the truth: the decisions you make in the hours and days after storm damage can cost you thousands of pounds or save you from a nightmare down the road.
At Advanced Construction & Roofing, we've spent over 25 years helping homeowners across Belfast and Northern Ireland recover from storm damage. We've seen every mistake in the book. And we've helped countless families avoid the pitfalls that turn a manageable repair into a financial disaster.
Let's walk through the seven most common mistakes homeowners make after roof storm damage: and exactly how to fix them.
Mistake #1: Failing to Document the Damage Properly
This is the mistake that comes back to bite you hardest.
After a storm rips through Belfast, your first instinct is to call someone: anyone: to get the problem sorted. But before you pick up the phone, grab your phone and start taking photos.
Why this matters: Insurance companies require evidence. Without clear, time-stamped photos of the damage, your claim can be disputed, delayed, or outright denied.
How to fix it:
- Take photos from multiple angles: inside and outside your property
- Capture close-ups of damaged tiles, flashing, and gutters
- Document any water damage to ceilings, walls, or belongings
- Note the date, time, and weather conditions
- Don't clean up or move anything until you've documented everything
This documentation is your lifeline when dealing with insurers. Take it seriously.
Mistake #2: Waiting Too Long to Report the Damage
We get it. You're overwhelmed. You think you'll "get around to it" once things calm down.
Don't wait.
Most insurance policies in Northern Ireland have strict time limits for reporting storm damage. Miss that window, and you could lose your right to claim entirely.
How to fix it:
- Contact your insurance company within 24-48 hours of the storm
- Provide all your documentation immediately
- Keep records of every conversation: names, dates, reference numbers
- Follow up in writing to create a paper trail
Pro tip: Many insurers will want their own assessor to visit. Don't let this delay you from getting a professional roofing contractor to assess the damage independently.
Mistake #3: Accepting the First Insurance Settlement Without Question
Here's something most homeowners don't realise: the first offer from your insurance company is often not the final offer.
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimise payouts. They're not trying to cheat you: but they're not working for you either.
How to fix it:
- Get an independent assessment from a qualified roofing contractor before accepting any settlement
- Compare the insurance estimate with professional repair quotes
- Challenge the settlement if it doesn't cover necessary repairs
- Consider hiring a loss assessor if the damage is extensive
At Advanced Construction & Roofing, we handle insurance work regularly. We know what repairs actually cost in Belfast, and we can provide detailed assessments that support your claim. Request a free quote and let us help you get the settlement you deserve.
Mistake #4: Hiring the Wrong Contractor
After a major storm, Belfast gets flooded with roofers. Some are legitimate. Many are not.
These "storm chasers" knock on doors, offer too-good-to-be-true prices, and disappear the moment something goes wrong. We've seen homeowners left with botched repairs, voided warranties, and no recourse.
How to fix it:
- Verify credentials. Are they licensed? Insured? Do they have a physical address in Northern Ireland?
- Check their track record. Look for reviews, ask for references, check how long they've been in business
- Get everything in writing. Detailed quotes, timelines, warranty information
- Avoid pressure tactics. Any contractor pushing you to sign immediately is a red flag
With over 25 years of experience serving homeowners across Belfast and NI, Advanced Construction & Roofing has built our reputation on honest work and transparent pricing. We're not going anywhere: and we stand behind every job we complete.
Mistake #5: Relying on Temporary Fixes
A tarp over the hole. Some sealant around the flashing. A bucket in the attic.
These temporary measures might stop the immediate leak, but they're not solutions. They're band-aids on a broken bone.
Why this is dangerous:
- Tarps fail in subsequent storms, often making damage worse
- Sealants mask underlying problems without fixing them
- Water continues to penetrate, causing hidden structural damage
- Mould and rot develop behind walls where you can't see them
How to fix it:
- Use temporary measures only as a short-term emergency response
- Schedule permanent repairs as quickly as possible
- Have a professional identify the root cause of leaks: not just the visible symptoms
- Address underlying issues like damaged felt, compromised timber, or failed flashing
Don't let a quick fix today become a major expense tomorrow.
Mistake #6: Skipping a Professional Roof Inspection
"It doesn't look that bad from the ground."
We hear this constantly. And it's almost always wrong.
Storm damage is often invisible from street level. Missing tiles, cracked flashing, lifted membranes, compromised pointing: these problems hide in plain sight until they cause serious water ingress.
How to fix it:
- Request a professional roof survey after any significant storm
- Check both exterior and interior spaces: attic, ceilings, walls
- Look for signs of water ingress, even if they seem unrelated to the storm
- Don't attempt to inspect the roof yourself: it's dangerous and you'll miss things
A proper roof survey identifies problems before they escalate. It gives you a clear picture of what needs repair, what can wait, and what your insurance should cover.
Call Advanced Construction & Roofing for a free roof assessment. We'll tell you exactly what you're dealing with: no surprises, no hidden costs.
Mistake #7: Demanding a Full Replacement When Repairs Will Do
This might seem counterintuitive, but hear us out.
Some homeowners assume storm damage means they need an entirely new roof. They push for a full replacement, expecting insurance to cover it.
The reality: Unless your roof has sustained catastrophic, widespread damage, insurance companies won't approve a full replacement claim. Pushing for one can actually delay your repairs and complicate your claim.
How to fix it:
- Get an honest professional assessment of the damage scope
- Trust your contractor's recommendation on repair vs. replacement
- Understand what your insurance policy actually covers
- Focus on restoring your roof to pre-storm condition, not upgrading it
At Advanced Construction & Roofing, we give you the honest answer: even if it means a smaller job for us. If repairs will solve the problem properly, that's what we'll recommend. Your trust matters more than a bigger invoice.
Don't Let Storm Damage Become a Disaster
Storm damage is stressful enough without making costly mistakes that compound the problem.
Here's what you should do right now:
- Document all visible damage thoroughly
- Report the damage to your insurance company immediately
- Contact a trusted, experienced roofing contractor for an independent assessment
At Advanced Construction & Roofing, we've helped homeowners across Belfast and Northern Ireland navigate storm damage for over 25 years. We handle insurance work, provide detailed documentation to support your claim, and deliver repairs that last.
Request your free quote today. Call us or visit adv-group.co.uk to schedule your assessment.
Don't wait for the next storm to find out what you missed.