The first thing you must do after Storm Eunice to protect your home from further damage

A property and construction expert reveals the first thing you should check in the wake of a storm

Storm Eunice hit the UK on Friday, dubbed one of the most serious weather incidents to strike the UK in a decade. The storm saw record 122mph winds, causing destructions across the country, from power cuts and fallen trees to damaged buildings.

If you're still assessing the storm damage to your home after last nights extremely strong winds, a property and construction expert reveals the first thing you should do this morning to prevent any further damage to your home.

According to Thomas Goodman, property and construction expert at MyJobQuote.co.uk it is important to check your roof for debris. Even the smallest piece of debris could be a warning sign of more serious damage he warns.

roof with exterior and white front door with plants and shrubs

(Image credit: future PLC/Brent Darby)

'The first thing homeowners should do after a storm is to check for visible debris on the roof,' warns Thomas Goodman. 'No matter how small, this can indicate larger impacts have happened during the storm.'

'A dented roof can cause larger water damage problems if unattended,' he explains. 'Clear any debris you can and if you can access it, inspect the roof shingles for damage.'

If you have home insurance, check the wording for what storm damage is covered. Tiles or slates dislodged, ridge or hip tiles missing and water damage inside your home are all typically covered so it is worth taking videos and photographs as you investigate any damage.

bathroom with basin and bathtub

(Image credit: future PLC/Alexander James)

Hopefully, by taking these steps quickly you'll be able to identify any problems early on before the damage can get worse and cause real issues for your home. If your home has been damaged The Association of British insurers recommends contacting your insurer as soon as possible:

'Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Most will have 24-hour emergency helplines to ensure you get advice on what to do and arrange repairs as quickly as is possible.'

Even if you have been unable to identify any damage to your roof yourself after the storm it is a good idea to get a professional to carry out a roof inspection. This can cost on average £250, while this might be steep, don't be tempted to opt for companies that offer free roof inspections. Tradesman experts Check-a-trade warns that companies offering free roof inspections can plan to recoup payment on costly roof repairs not offering a balanced and unbiased appraisal.

So before you start sipping your coffee this morning, be sure to take a look at your roof.

Rebecca Knight
Deputy Editor, Digital

Rebecca Knight has been the Deputy Editor on the Ideal Home Website since 2022. She graduated with a Masters degree in magazine journalism from City, University of London in 2018, before starting her journalism career as a staff writer on women's weekly magazines. She fell into the world of homes and interiors after joining the Ideal Home website team in 2019 as a Digital Writer. In 2020 she moved into position of Homes News Editor working across Homes & Gardens, LivingEtc, Real Homes, Gardeningetc and Ideal Home covering everything from the latest viral cleaning hack to the next big interior trend.