5 Common Roof Problems Caused by High Winds
The UK is no stranger to sudden storms and high winds—especially during autumn and winter. While these conditions may seem like just another rough weather day, they can silently wreak havoc on your roof. Even moderate gusts can cause lasting damage, putting your home at risk of water ingress, structural issues, and costly repairs.
In this article, we cover five of the most common roof problems caused by high winds, what signs to look out for, and what you should do if you notice any damage.
Slipped or Missing Roof Tiles
One of the most frequent issues following high winds is slipped or missing tiles. Whether your roof is covered in concrete, clay, or slate tiles, strong gusts can lift and dislodge them especially if they were already loose or cracked, most of these can be done with a simple roof repair service and will take a matter of hours.
Signs to Watch:
- Visible gaps or patches on your roof from ground level
- Debris or tiles found in your garden or driveway
- Water stains or leaks in your loft or ceiling
Why It’s a Problem:
Even a single missing tile can allow rainwater to penetrate the underlayment, leading to rot, mould, and insulation damage. The longer it’s left untreated, the more expensive it becomes to fix.
Loose or Uplifted Flashing
Flashing is the thin metal material (often lead or aluminium) used to seal roof edges, valleys, and areas around chimneys or roof windows. High winds can catch flashing that’s not properly secured, peeling it back or bending it out of place.
Signs to Watch:
- Flapping or visibly lifted metal near roof joints
- Leaks around chimney breasts or skylights
- Rattling or metallic noise during strong winds
Why It’s a Problem:
Once flashing is lifted or cracked, water can seep into vulnerable joints and hidden areas of the roof structure. Over time, this leads to decay in timbers, plaster damage inside the home, and even internal damp or mould issues.
Dislodged Ridge Tiles
Ridge tiles are the tiles that run along the top of a pitched roof. They’re essential for sealing the two slopes of the roof together and are often secured with mortar. During a windstorm, ridge tiles can crack, come loose, or even fly off completely if they were weakly fixed.
Signs to Watch:
- Crooked or missing tiles along the roof ridge
- Cracks in the mortar or debris found on the ground
- Water leaking into the roof space or loft after storms
Why It’s a Problem:
Ridge tiles are critical to the integrity of your roof. If they become loose or fall off, your roof becomes highly exposed to wind-driven rain and pests. It also affects the structure’s stability, making further tiles more vulnerable.
Damaged or Detached Guttering
Your guttering system is more vulnerable than you might think. During high winds, gutters can become dislodged, especially if blocked with debris, poorly fixed, or made from lightweight plastic. Downpipes and joints can also separate under strain.
Signs to Watch:
- Gutters hanging down, missing brackets, or visibly misaligned sections
- Overflowing water or drips during or after rainfall
- Pools of water near the base of your property
Why It’s a Problem:
If gutters fail, water isn’t channelled away from your roof and foundations correctly. This can lead to damp walls, foundation damage, and erosion of the ground surrounding your home. In colder weather, standing water can also freeze, further cracking pipes and joints.
Lifting or Torn Flat Roof Membranes
If your home or extension has a flat roof (commonly felt, EPDM, GRP or rubber), high winds can lift the edges of the membrane, especially if they weren’t securely bonded or were already deteriorating. This is more common on older flat roofs or those installed without perimeter edge trims.
Signs to Watch:
- Bubbles or blisters on the roof surface
- Flapping or visibly loose sections at the corners or sides
- Damp patches forming on the ceiling below
Why It’s a Problem:
Once the membrane is lifted, water can easily enter the decking beneath, soaking insulation and damaging the ceiling below. If left unaddressed, it can require a full flat roof replacement—especially if rot sets in.
What Should You Do After Wind Damage?
If you suspect any of these issues after a storm or windy day, it’s important to act quickly:
- Check from the ground – Never climb onto your roof. Use binoculars or a drone if available.
- Call a professional roofer – A qualified roofer can carry out a safe inspection and identify both obvious and hidden damage.
- Book repairs promptly – Small issues can turn into major problems if water gets into the structure.
Prevent Future Damage
The best way to protect your home from wind damage is through regular roof maintenance. We recommend:
- Annual roof inspections (especially before and after winter)
- Clearing gutters and checking brackets
- Securing loose tiles and ridge tiles
- Checking chimney flashing and leadwork
If you live in a high-wind area or have an older roof, preventative repairs can save you money and stress long-term.
Need Help? Contact Us for a Free Roof Inspection
At Superdry Roofing Solutions, we offer fast, reliable roof inspections and repairs across Mansfield. Whether you’ve lost a few tiles or suspect flashing damage, our experienced team is ready to help. We offer free quotes, emergency call-outs, and expert advice to keep your roof in top shape.
Call us today or book your inspection online—we’re here when the wind leaves its mark.
