Atlantic storms bring the strongest winds the North West sees, most often from between the south-west and north-west. Wind rarely tears a whole roof off, but it works patiently at weak points — and the damage often shows only after the storm has passed.
How wind lifts a roof
As wind flows over a roof it creates suction — a lifting force — especially at edges, ridges and verges. That force tugs at every tile and slate. Sound, well-fixed coverings resist it; loose, aged or poorly nailed ones give way, and once one goes it exposes its neighbours to the next gust.
Common storm damage
- Tile uplift and slipped slates — the classic storm result; see missing & slipped tiles.
- Ridge damage — ridge tiles rely on mortar that cracks with age and freeze-thaw, then lifts in high wind.
- Verge damage — the gable edge is highly exposed and often the first to fail.
- Flashing lifted — wind peels tired lead away from chimneys and abutments; see damaged flashing.
- Flat-roof edges — wind gets under loose edge trims and membranes; see flat roof problems.
Never inspect a roof in or straight after high wind.
Loose tiles and ridge pieces can fall without warning. Check from the ground, and use an insured professional for anything higher.
What to check after a storm
- Look for tiles or slates on the ground
- Scan the ridge line and verges from the ground
- Check the loft for daylight or fresh damp
- Look for lifted or displaced flashing
- Arrange a professional check if anything looks moved
- Related reading: what is wind-driven rain? and dealing with a roof leak.
- Storm damage to sort out? Find a local NFRC member roofer or ask us for 3 quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single threshold — it depends on the condition of the roof. A sound, well-fixed roof shrugs off gales that will strip tiles from an aged or poorly maintained one. Weak ridges, verges and flashings fail first.