On the Kent coast, the roofing year really turns in September and October. That's when the first proper autumn gales come in off the Channel, and it's when we get the most emergency calls - usually for problems that were quietly waiting all summer. A little attention before the storms arrive saves a lot of stress (and money) later.
A simple pre-autumn checklist
- Look up after a dry spell. From the ground or a window, scan for slipped, cracked or missing tiles - especially along ridges and edges where the wind gets under them.
- Clear the gutters. Blocked gutters overflow in heavy rain and send water down the walls. Clearing them now is the cheapest job on this list. See gutters & fascias.
- Check the flashing. The lead around chimneys and where the roof meets a wall is a classic weak point. If it looks lifted or split, get it sorted before the rain finds it.
- Look at the chimney. Crumbling mortar and loose pots become hazards in high winds. See chimney repairs.
- Check the loft. After rain, a torch in the loft will show you damp patches or daylight you'd never spot from outside.
Why timing matters here
Demand for roofers spikes once the storms hit, so booking a small repair in late summer is usually quicker and cheaper than joining the queue in October. It also means a minor fault gets fixed before a gale turns it into a ceiling full of water.
If a storm has already done damage
If you've got an active leak or tiles have come off, don't climb up to a wet, windy roof yourself. Make the inside safe (move valuables, catch the drip) and call a roofer to make it safe properly. That's exactly what our emergency call-out service is for.