Could this be our worst winter yet? What to do if your structure suffers storm damage

With warnings of El Niño causing more storms this winter, it raises concerns whether our properties will be able to withstand the harsh winter we could face. 

El Niño refers to a natural climate pattern pertaining to the warming of sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. This disruptive global atmospheric circulation can alter the probability of certain weather patterns.

The UK is preparing for a historically strong and unprecedented ‘Super El Niño’ with the government’s new ‘Be Ready’ campaign urging households to prepare for storm damage and disruptions. Some insurers are also advising residents, particularly in the southern and western regions, to check property drainage, gutters and to equip their homes for potential storms.

But what happens if your property suffers from storm damage? 

The priority is safety

Check for dangers such as downed power lines, unstable masonry or flooded zones and call emergency services if there is an immediate threat to life. 

Shut down utilities

Turn off main gas, water and electrical supplies if it’s safe to do so.  

Document the damage

Many insurance companies require proof such as photos and videos of the damage. This includes materials, so if a piece of lead flashing or structural component has blown off, don’t throw it away in case the insurer’s claims handler needs to inspect it. Also keep a log of when the damage occurred, so your claim can be compared to Met Office weather station data.

Hire specialised or local contractors

Arrange for a professional to put temporary solutions in place, such as a roof tarpaulin application or structural stabilisation, to secure the building. This will prevent any further damage; many insurance companies require you to take these ‘reasonable steps’. Temporary measures also allow you to gather the evidence required to make your claim and permit professionals to safely access the damage and plan permanent repairs.

A key thing to note is if an insurer finds damage that occurred because of pre-existing building damage, such as mortar rot or neglected roofing, then they may decline the claim. Prevention is always better than cure – effective property maintenance means you’ll be best prepared for any severe weather conditions we could experience this winter.

Parker & Son is an insurance-approved, trusted, family-run company with a history spanning back to the 1930s as a specialist building contractor. We employ a team of experienced and qualified tradespeople who can build, decorate and landscape to create your dream home. We work with structural engineers, surveyors, architects and planning consultants to either build from scratch or renovate your property. We are also experts when it comes to heritage buildings such as churches and those belonging to the National Trust.