Storm-damaged Slates
Storm-damaged Slates | Roof Repair | Roofing | Lancing
Salt-laden winds and sudden squalls can lift, crack or scatter slate tiles in seconds, leaving Lancing homes exposed to leaks and costly interior damage. When the weather turns, HEP is on call with a rapid-response team that makes safe, surveys and restores, all in one seamless visit. Our craftsmen reuse sound slates wherever possible, source like-for-like replacements when they can’t, and secure every tile with corrosion-resistant copper nails so your roof looks original yet performs better than ever.
From character cottages near North Road to sea-facing terraces on Brighton Road, we combine traditional slate know-how with modern moisture barriers and photo-documented progress reports. Clear pricing, tidy work sites and warranties that outlast the next storm come as standard—because nothing should stand between you and a watertight home. When you need roof repair in Lancing, call the neighbour who treats every ridge and valley as if it were their own.
FAQs
How do I know if my slate roof has sustained storm damage?
Common signs include slipped, cracked or missing slates; dark or shiny patches where the underfelt is exposed; debris such as slate fragments in the gutters; and damp patches appearing on ceilings or loft timbers. Because slate tiles are heavy and sit on pegs or nails, wind lift can loosen them without obvious breakage. If you suspect damage, arrange a professional roof inspection—walking on a slate roof can cause further breakage, so it is best left to trained roofers with the correct access equipment.
Can individual cracked or missing slates be replaced, or will I need a full re-roof?
In most cases, isolated storm damage can be resolved by replacing only the affected slates and checking adjacent tiles for hidden cracks or loosened fixings. We carry reclaimed and new Welsh, Spanish and fibre-cement slates to match colour and size. A full re-roof is only advised when 20–25 % of the slates or the underlying battens and felt are past their service life. During our inspection we photograph the roof and explain whether localised repairs or a more comprehensive solution is the most cost-effective choice.
How quickly should storm damage be repaired, and what can happen if I delay?
Ideally repairs should be carried out within a few days of the storm. Even a single missing slate can let wind-driven rain reach the sarking felt and roof timbers, causing rot, mould growth and ceiling staining. Water penetrating through gaps can also saturate insulation, reducing its performance and leading to higher energy bills. Prompt repair prevents minor damage from turning into expensive structural problems and keeps your home watertight for the next spell of bad weather.
What is the typical process and timeline for storm-damaged slate roof repairs in Lancing?
1) Free same-day visual inspection and photographic report. 2) Written quotation sent within 24 hours, detailing slate replacement, flashing checks and any guttering work. 3) On acceptance, we schedule scaffolding or a mobile access tower—usually within 48–72 hours. 4) Repairs are completed in one day for up to 50 slate replacements; larger jobs may take 2–3 days. 5) A final walkthrough with photos is provided, followed by a 5-year workmanship guarantee. We maintain close contact with Lancing’s building control where permits are required for extensive work.
Will my home insurance cover the cost of repairing storm-damaged slates?
Most UK home insurance policies include storm damage as an insured peril. We can help by supplying a detailed damage report, photographs and a fixed-price quotation formatted to meet insurer requirements. You usually pay only the excess once the claim is approved. Note that insurers expect you to arrange temporary protection (such as tarpaulins) to mitigate further water ingress; we can install these the same day as the inspection if needed, and the cost is often reimbursed.
Why choose your company for slate roof repairs in Lancing after a storm?
We are a family-run roofing firm based just outside Worthing with over 25 years’ experience in slate roof restoration along the West Sussex coast. Our roofers are CITB-trained, fully insured to £10 million and equipped with the latest rope-access and drone inspection technology, reducing the need for costly scaffolding. We stock a wide range of reclaimed slates to achieve an invisible repair, provide written guarantees, and are available 24/7 for emergency call-outs in Lancing and surrounding BN15 postcodes.