PanicStation.org
UK USA
uk Home & property emergencies roof damage after storm • hail damaged windows • wind damaged roof tiles • broken window from hail • cracked window from wind • leaking roof after wind • missing roof tiles • loose roof tiles • roof felt exposed • water coming in roof • storm damage discovered later • temporary cover for roof • temporary cover for window • prevent damage next storm • safe checks after storm • what to do about roof leak • hail impact damage home • wind uplift roof damage • sudden property damage panic

What to do if…
you discover hail or wind damage to windows or roof that could worsen in the next storm

Short answer

Make the situation safe first, then stop water and wind getting in with a simple temporary cover (from inside if possible) and contact your insurer/landlord as soon as you can to log it and get urgent repairs arranged.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t climb onto the roof in wind, rain, darkness, or if you’re unsure of the structure — falls are a bigger risk than the damage.
  • Don’t touch or go near any sagging, sparking, or downed power lines or anything tangled with them.
  • Use a torch/flashlight rather than a candle when checking damage (damaged homes can have hidden fire/explosion risks).
  • Don’t “wait and see” if water can get in — small openings can become major damage in the next storm.
  • Don’t throw away damaged materials (tiles, glazing pieces, fittings) if you may need them for insurance evidence — unless they’re an immediate hazard.

What to do now

  1. Get to a safer pause and do a quick hazard check.
    Keep people/pets out of the affected room(s). Watch for: broken glass, ceiling bulges, dripping near lights, wet electrics, or any smell of gas.
  2. If there’s any immediate danger, escalate fast.
    • If you smell gas or suspect a leak: move to fresh air and call the Gas Emergency Service 0800 111 999.
    • If there are downed/unsafe power lines: stay well back. Call 105 (free) to reach the local network operator in England/Scotland/Wales (in Northern Ireland, call 03457 643643). If there’s a serious immediate risk to life or the public, call 999.
  3. Stop water getting in (lowest-risk “temporary” only).
    • Windows: close internal doors, wear shoes and gloves, clear only immediately dangerous loose glass, then cover the opening from the inside with thick plastic (bin bags/sheeting) and strong tape, or plywood fixed to the frame if you can do it safely.
    • Roof leaks: put buckets/towels down, and if safe from indoors (loft access), place a container under drips and move valuables away. Avoid stepping anywhere you can’t clearly see joists/solid footing.
    • If water is reaching light fittings/sockets or you’re unsure: keep the area unused. Only switch off power at the consumer unit if you can do so safely and you’re confident what you’re turning off; otherwise step back and wait for a qualified person.
  4. Document the damage before you change anything further.
    Take clear photos/video of: external damage you can see from ground level, internal water marks, broken glazing, and any temporary covering you add.
  5. Contact the right “responsible party” today.
    • If you rent: report it to your landlord/agent immediately as urgent property damage that may worsen; follow up in writing (email/text) with photos.
    • If you own: contact your buildings insurer to log a claim and ask what temporary repairs they want you to do (and whether they can send an emergency contractor).
  6. If you must pay for urgent temporary materials, keep it tight and keep proof.
    Buy only what’s needed to prevent further damage (sheeting/tarpaulin/boards/tape). Keep receipts and a brief note of what you did and when.
  7. Reduce “next storm” risk around the house.
    Bring in/secure anything that can become a projectile (bins, garden furniture). Keep windows and doors shut and latched during high winds.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today who will do the permanent repair or get multiple quotes before you’ve stopped water getting in.
  • You do not need to clean everything perfectly right now — focus on preventing further ingress and keeping people safe.
  • You do not need to argue about liability immediately (insurer vs landlord vs contractor). Log it, document it, and keep everything in writing.

Important reassurance

Finding this kind of damage can feel urgent and out of control — but the most protective first moves are simple: make it safe, block the opening, and get it formally reported. You’re not expected to do dangerous repairs yourself.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance to stabilise the situation and prevent rapid worsening. Permanent roof/window repairs, damp remediation, and insurance disputes may need qualified tradespeople and/or formal advice.

Important note

This is general information, not professional building, legal, or insurance advice. If you’re unsure about electrics, gas, working at height, or structural safety, treat it as unsafe and use emergency services/utility providers/qualified professionals.

Additional Resources
Support us