Stormschade aan uw dak: wat te doen?

A severe storm can damage a roof within minutes — lifting tiles, tearing flat roofs, breaking gutters, and dislodging ridge tiles that have been in place for decades. In the hours following a storm, making the right decisions can make the difference between a simple repair and thousands of euros in consequential damage to your home. This article tells you exactly what to do, step by step.

Step 1 — Stay safe. Do not go onto the roof.

This is the most important instruction in this article. After a storm, roof surfaces can be wet, loose material can be unstable, and fastenings that appear sturdy can be damaged. Falls from roofs cause serious injuries and fatal accidents every year.

Assess what you can see from the ground — preferably from a safe distance with binoculars. Note missing tiles, shifted ridge tiles, torn roofing, hanging gutters, or visible debris. Do not attempt to go onto the roof with a ladder without professional training and equipment.

Step 2 — Immediately protect the interior

If water enters the building, protecting the interior is your first priority while you arrange professional help:Place buckets or collection containers under leaks.

• Lay towels or a tarp on floors and furniture.

• Move electrical appliances and valuable objects away from the affected area.

• Switch off the power to the affected room at the fuse box if water gets near lighting or power outlets.

• If the ceiling is bulging heavily due to water, carefully pierce the lowest point of the well with a screwdriver to drain the water in a controlled manner — this prevents a more destructive collapse of the ceiling.

Step 3 — Document the damage before any work begins

Before you call a roofer — or immediately afterwards if the situation is urgent — thoroughly document the damage with photos and, if possible, short videos:

• Photograph all visible damage on the outside from the ground.

• Photograph the interior: damp spots, drips, stains, and damage to the ceiling.

• Note the date and time of the storm and when you first noticed the damage.

• Keep a copy of the weather forecast or news reports confirming the storm.

This documentation is essential for filing an insurance claim (most Dutch buildings insurance policies cover storm damage) and for the roofer’s damage report.

Step 4 — Call a roofer — don’t wait

Storm damage worsens over time. Even a single displaced roof tile exposes the underlayment to driving rain. Water entering after a storm soaks insulation within a few hours and can reach the plaster ceiling within a day of continuous rain.

Call our 24/7 emergency line for urgent situations — we will provide an estimated arrival time and advise you on any immediate steps while we are on our way. For situations where the roof is damaged but not actively leaking, book an inspection as soon as possible — within 24 to 48 hours after the storm.

What does the roofer do upon arrival?

Upon arrival, we conduct a quick but systematic assessment:

1. Identify all damaged parts — tiles, ridge, flat roof, flashing, gutters.

2. Make the roof structurally safe — remove or secure loose material that could fall down.

3. Apply an emergency seal or temporary cover to stop active leakage.

4. Document all damage for the insurance report.

5. Discuss permanent repair options and provide a written quotation.

In most cases, we can carry out an effective emergency repair during the same visit that protects the building until a full, permanent repair is scheduled.

Does the insurance cover storm damage?

In most cases, yes. A standard Dutch buildings insurance policy covers storm damage — usually defined as wind speeds above a certain threshold. Here is how to simplify the process:

• Contact your insurer as soon as possible after the storm.

• Provide them with your damage photos and documentation.

• Request a damage report from the roofer — we provide this as standard with every storm damage visit.

• Keep receipts for all temporary protective measures you take (such as material for temporary covering).

Do not arrange for a permanent repair before the insurer has given permission, unless temporary emergency work is necessary to prevent further damage — which is always covered.

Common storm damage that we repair

• Missing or broken tiles (from a few tiles to large sections)

• Shifted or fallen ridge tiles

• Torn or blown-off roofing on flat roofs

• Broken or sagging gutters and downpipes

• Damaged or loose lead flashing and zinc edges

• Impact damage caused by fallen branches or antennas

• Damaged chimney caps and chimney pointing

How to reduce the risk of storm damage in the future

The best protection against storm damage is a well-maintained roof. Specific risk factors are:

• Ridge mortar that has dried out and cracked (loose ridge tiles are extremely vulnerable in strong winds).

• Roof tiles that are not secured or rest on rotten battens.

• Flat roofs with wind-blown edges or defective edge seals.

• Gutters that are clogged and heavy with dirt and moss.

• Chimneys with poor pointing that allow movement of the chimney pot.

A regular inspection — every one to two years — identifies these vulnerabilities before a storm exploits them.