Storm Austen, the first named storm of the 2026–27 season, swept in on 22–23 October with severe gales, heavy rain and gusts of 70mph or more in exposed areas. Even if your home looks fine from the front, high winds and driving rain can cause damage that only shows up weeks later as a leak, a damp patch or a fence that finally gives way.
The good news? Most storm damage is far cheaper to fix when it's caught early. Here's a simple, safe checklist to work through once the weather has settled.
Safety First
Before you start, a few golden rules:
- Don't go up on the roof. Check everything from the ground, from a window, or with binoculars. Wet, wind-damaged roofs are dangerous.
- Stay well clear of fallen power lines. Assume they are live. Report them to the national power cut line on 105.
- Don't touch leaning trees or large hanging branches. They can shift without warning.
- If you smell gas, leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
1. Roof Tiles and Slates
Roofs take the brunt of any storm. From the ground, look for:
- Missing, cracked or slipped tiles or slates
- Broken pieces of tile in the garden, on the drive or in the gutters
- Ridge tiles (along the top of the roof) that look loose or have lost mortar
- Lifted or torn felt on flat roofs, or pooling water
Then check inside: go into the loft on a dry day with a torch and look for daylight showing through, damp timbers, wet insulation or drips. A single missing tile can let in a surprising amount of water and quickly lead to rot, damp and ceiling damage.
2. Chimneys and Flashing
Chimney stacks are exposed and often overlooked. Look for leaning stacks, cracked or missing pots, crumbling mortar and lifted lead flashing where the chimney meets the roof. Damaged flashing is one of the most common causes of leaks after a storm. If a stack looks unstable, keep people away from that side of the house and get it checked urgently.
3. Gutters and Downpipes
Storms fill gutters with leaves, moss and debris, and strong winds can loosen brackets. Check for:
- Gutters that are sagging, pulled away from the wall or overflowing
- Downpipes that are blocked, cracked or disconnected
- Water staining on external walls below the gutters
Blocked guttering sends rainwater down your walls instead of into the drains, which can lead to damp patches inside, damaged brickwork and even foundation problems over time.
4. Fences, Gates and Garden Walls
Fences are often the first casualty of high winds. Look for leaning or snapped posts, blown-out or split panels, and gates that no longer close properly. Check garden walls for cracks or loose bricks and copings, and don't lean on anything that looks unstable.
A damaged fence isn't just untidy. It can affect your home's security, let pets escape and become a hazard in the next gust of wind.
5. Trees and Branches
Clear small twigs and debris yourself, but leave anything big to the professionals. Look out for:
- Trees leaning more than before, or with soil lifted around the roots
- Cracked, split or hanging branches ("hangers")
- Branches touching your roof, gutters, phone lines or power lines
A qualified tree surgeon can make the tree safe and advise whether it needs pruning or removing. Check first if the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or if you live in a conservation area.
6. Windows, Doors and Outbuildings
Check for cracked glass, damaged seals and frames, and doors that now stick or let in draughts. Don't forget sheds, garages, greenhouses, carports and conservatory roofs: felt, roof panels and polycarbonate sheets are easily lifted by strong winds.
7. Inside the House
Over the next few weeks, keep an eye out for new signs of water getting in:
- Damp patches or brown staining on ceilings and upper walls
- Peeling paint or bubbling wallpaper
- A musty smell in upstairs rooms or the loft
- Mould appearing in corners
These are often the first clue to roof or gutter damage you can't see from outside.
Document Everything for Your Insurer
If you find damage, record it before you clean up or carry out repairs:
- Take photos and videos of all damage, with date stamps if possible.
- Keep any debris such as broken tiles or fence panels until your insurer has seen the photos.
- Make temporary repairs only to stop further damage (for example, a tarpaulin over a broken window), and keep receipts.
- Contact your insurer early. Most home insurance covers storm damage, but you'll need to show the property was reasonably maintained.
- Get written quotes for the repair work, as many insurers ask for them.
When to Call a Professional
Call in a qualified tradesperson if you spot any of the following:
- Missing or slipped roof tiles, damaged flashing or a leaking roof → Roofer
- Leaning chimney stack or damaged pots → Roofer or chimney specialist
- Sagging or blocked gutters and downpipes → Guttering specialist
- Broken fence panels, posts or gates → Fencing contractor
- Leaning trees or hanging branches → Tree surgeon
- Cracked brickwork or garden walls → Bricklayer or builder
- Damp patches inside after the storm → Roofer first, then a damp specialist if needed
After a big storm, good trades get booked up fast. Getting your job posted early puts you near the front of the queue.
Get Storm Damage Sorted Quickly
On Compare My Builder you can post your job for free in a few minutes, including photos of the damage, and hear back from verified local tradespeople. Their licences and insurance are checked, so you can compare profiles and reviews and choose the right person for the job with confidence.
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Storm details sourced from the Met Office forecast as reported by the University of Reading and UK news outlets, October 2026. Always follow official Met Office warnings for your area.