Finding a roofer after bad weather

After a storm, roof damage can leave you anxious to fix problems quickly. High demand and limited availability make it harder to find a roofer you can trust. Knowing how to approach emergency repairs—while avoiding opportunists—makes it easier to get the help you need without making a rushed decision you might regret.

Why demand surges after storms and what it means for you

Storms damage roofs across entire neighbourhoods, so many people are looking for help at once. Local roofers can become fully booked in hours, and the wait for permanent repairs may stretch into weeks. This shortage tends to attract opportunists—traders with no established presence or experience—who may offer quick fixes at your door. High demand also means regular roofers may need to prioritise the most urgent jobs, and some may pause work altogether during high winds for safety reasons. Expect delays on non-urgent repairs and be prepared to wait for a proper assessment once the weather settles. Planning your approach now helps you avoid being pressured into quick decisions by those seeking to cash in.

Make-safe first, permanent repairs later—with your insurer involved

After a storm, focus first on stopping further damage. Most insurers accept that emergency 'make-safe' work—like tarping a roof or removing dangerous debris—may be needed before a full inspection. Insurers usually require photographs and a written report before authorising full repairs, so ask anyone doing emergency work to take clear photos of the damage and the temporary fix. Forward these to your insurer as soon as possible. Permanent repairs should wait for your insurer's go-ahead unless you have written agreement to proceed sooner. Be wary of anyone pushing for full payment or major repairs before your claim is accepted. Keeping the insurer informed at every step helps avoid disputes or denied claims later.

Finding a roofer when everyone else is looking

With so many traders offering help, focus on roofers who have a local address, clear contact details and a record of similar work. On directories like Annuvell Local, roofer listings show checked contact details, business address, and sometimes photos of previous jobs. You can use the compare tool to check which roofers list roof repairs or guttering as services, and whether their details have been verified. Request a quote using the same job description for two to four businesses, so you can compare not just prices but also how clearly they respond. When arranging emergency work, ask for photos of the make-safe job and a written summary for your insurer. Avoid offers to start immediately without any paperwork or proper inspection, as these may be signs of a trader with no real presence in your area.

Why you should say no to doorstep offers

Storm damage often brings out traders who go door-to-door offering instant help. While some may be genuine, many are opportunists with no established business or insurance. They may pressure you to agree on the spot, ask for cash up front, or refuse to provide a written report or photos. A genuine roofer will understand if you want to check their business details or compare quotes, and will not object to providing evidence of their work. Never feel rushed into accepting an offer just because someone is already outside your door. Take the time to check their business, look for a local address, and insist on paperwork before any money changes hands. If you feel uncomfortable, simply say you are waiting for your insurer or another roofer to assess the damage.

Booking a proper inspection once the weather settles

Permanent repairs should always be based on a clear assessment of the roof's condition, not just a glance from the kerb. Once it is safe, book a roofer to carry out a proper inspection and provide a written report. This should include details of all visible damage, recommended repairs, and photographs from the roof itself if possible. Insurers usually require this before approving major work. Ask the roofer to confirm whether the inspection is included in their quote, and whether they will liaise with your insurer if needed. Avoid agreeing to extensive repairs based only on a verbal description or without seeing a clear breakdown of the work. Taking a little extra time at this stage helps you compare proposals and avoid being charged for work that is not needed.

What to ask before agreeing to any work

Before you give the go-ahead, have a clear conversation with the roofer. Some points to cover:

• How soon can you attend for a make-safe job, and is it safe to inspect now? A reputable roofer will not climb onto a roof in high winds and will explain when it can be done safely.
• Can you provide photographs and a written report for my insurer? This is a routine request and a genuine roofer will be used to it.
• Is the quote for temporary or permanent repairs? Ask for each part to be itemised, so you know what you are paying for.
• What are your business details? Check their address, phone number and website, and look for evidence of other local work.
• Will you liaise with my insurer if required? Some roofers are happy to help with paperwork or clarify their findings.

Writing down the answers makes it easier to compare responses and avoid confusion later.

Next steps

Write down the details of your roof damage and contact your insurer to ask what evidence they need. Search for roofers near you on Annuvell Local—filter by distance and compare roofers who list roof repairs or guttering. Always ask for photographs of any make-safe work and a written report before approving repairs. For more on what to check, read Emergency roofing after storm damage: what to check and How to choose a roofer.