Storm season hits Liverpool hard. High winds, heavy rainfall and sudden temperature drops create the perfect conditions for roof damage. Tiles lift, flashing weakens, gutters overflow and flat roofs pool water faster than most homeowners realise. Each year, Crown Roofing Solutions responds to dozens of emergency roofing call-outs across the city many of which could have been prevented with early preparation.
This guide is designed to help Liverpool homeowners get ready before the storms arrive. With the right steps, you can protect your property, avoid costly leaks and reduce the risk of sudden roofing emergencies.
Understanding why Liverpool roofs suffer during storm season
Liverpool’s location makes it highly vulnerable to intense weather patterns. Coastal winds from the Irish Sea, unpredictable rainfall and pressure shifts all put extra strain on roofs.
Storms most commonly cause:
• Slipped tiles
• Broken ridge sections
• Damaged flashing
• Overflowing gutters
• Flat roof pooling
• Debris impact
• Hidden leaks that appear days later
Homes in areas like Bootle, Crosby, Aigburth and Anfield often show the biggest impact due to wind exposure and older roof structures.
Preparing early helps prevent avoidable emergencies.
Step 1: Inspect your roof before the storms arrive
A pre-storm inspection is the strongest defence against emergency repairs. You don’t need to climb onto the roof; many signs are visible from the ground or from inside the loft.
Look for:
• Uneven or slipped tiles
• Cracked ridge cement
• Rusted or lifting flashing
• Sagging areas on flat roofs
• Moss build-up between tiles
• Overflowing or crooked gutters
• Dark patches or damp in the loft
These small issues become major problems as soon as high winds and heavy rain hit. Crown Roofing Solutions recommends a seasonal inspection every autumn.
Step 2: Clear gutters, valleys and drainage channels
Blocked gutters are one of the most common causes of storm-season roof leaks. When water cannot drain properly, it spills over the edges and runs down walls, behind fascias or directly onto vulnerable roof sections.
Clearing gutters removes:
• Leaves
• Moss
• Dirt
• Broken tile fragments
• Debris blown in by wind
Valleys collect even more debris because they channel large amounts of water. Keeping them clear prevents water backing up beneath tiles.
A clean drainage system reduces pressure on your roof during storms and helps prevent unexpected leaks.
Step 3: Secure loose tiles, flashing and ridge sections
High winds lift weak points first. A single loose tile can break free, expose the felt below and instantly create a leak inside your home.
Areas to check include:
• Ridge tiles at the top of the roof
• Flashing around chimneys, dormers and skylights
• Tiles that appear higher or lower than surrounding ones
Liverpool’s storms often cause ridge sections to crack or shift. Flashing becomes brittle over time and loses its seal, especially on older homes.
Strengthening these areas before the storm season prevents most emergency call-outs.
Step 4: Prepare flat roofs for heavy rainfall and strong winds
Flat roofs are more vulnerable than pitched roofs during storms, especially older felt systems. Pooling water, wind uplift and cracks around the edges can quickly cause leaks.
To prepare:
• Check for dips or soft spots
• Remove debris that blocks drainage
• Inspect edges for lifting or peeling
• Ensure gutters flow freely
• Look for cracks around vents or skylights
GRP and EPDM flat roofs withstand storms far better than older materials, but they still benefit from seasonal checks.
Step 5: Trim overhanging branches and remove potential debris
Storms turn loose branches into roof-damaging debris. Even small branches can puncture flat roofs or crack tiles. Homeowners often overlook this step until it’s too late.
Trim branches that hang:
• Over the roof
• Near chimneys
• Close to extensions or garages
Removing loose items from gardens—such as bins, planters or furniture—prevents them from hitting the roof during high winds.
Step 6: Strengthen your loft insulation and ventilation
Storm damage isn’t always caused by external force. Poor insulation and ventilation lead to condensation, dampness and structural weakening that storms only make worse.
Good insulation helps prevent:
• Cold air creating condensation
• Timber rot
• Damp patches that develop into leaks
Ventilation is just as important. If warm air cannot escape, moisture builds up. When storms hit, already weakened structures struggle to hold litres of water.
Crown Roofing Solutions often finds long-term damp issues hidden in lofts, waiting for a storm to expose them.
Step 7: Create an indoor emergency kit for sudden leaks
Even with preparation, extreme weather can still cause unexpected damage. Having a simple emergency kit ready helps protect your home until a roofer arrives.
Prepare:
• Buckets or containers for dripping water
• Plastic sheeting for temporary coverage
• Towels or absorbent cloths
• A torch for loft inspection
• A step ladder (do not use in unsafe conditions)
• Your roofer’s emergency number
Crown Roofing Solutions recommends keeping this kit in an easy-to-reach location, especially during winter.
Step 8: Know the signs of storm damage after the weather clears
Storm damage doesn’t always appear immediately. Many leaks begin slowly, showing signs hours or days later.
After a storm, check for:
• New damp patches on ceilings
• Dripping sounds during quiet hours
• Light entering through loft gaps
• Debris on the ground
• Moved or broken tiles
• Overflow from gutters
Spotting these early prevents the problem from spreading deeper into your home.
Step 9: Have a trusted Liverpool roofer ready before an emergency
During storms, roofing companies are flooded with calls. Homeowners who already have a trusted local roofer receive faster service and more reliable support.
Crown Roofing Solutions responds rapidly across Liverpool, especially during storm season, because local knowledge and proximity make emergency attendance faster.
Having a roofer’s number saved means you won’t waste critical time searching when your home is already at risk.
Step 10: Schedule a professional storm-season inspection
A professional inspection identifies problems homeowners rarely see. Crown Roofing Solutions uses experience, training and safe access to check areas that are inaccessible from the ground.
A storm-season inspection includes:
• Tile alignment checks
• Flashing examinations
• Ridge stability assessment
• Flat roof surface inspection
• Gutter and valley clearance
• Loft damp detection
This preventative approach is one of the most effective ways to avoid expensive repairs.
How preparation prevents costly emergency repairs
Storm damage is expensive not because of the storm itself, but because minor issues were left unresolved. Preparing your roof reduces emergency risks, protects your home and saves money long-term.
The benefits include:
• Fewer leaks
• Reduced interior damage
• Longer roof lifespan
• Lower repair bills
• Safer property condition
• Less stress during storms
A strong, well-maintained roof handles Liverpool’s storms far more effectively than one that has been neglected.
FAQs
When is Liverpool’s storm season?
Storms peak during autumn and winter, but heavy rainfall and strong winds can happen year-round.
How often should I prepare my roof for storms?
Once before winter and again after major weather events is recommended.
Should I inspect the roof myself?
You can check from the ground or loft safely, but climbing the roof is dangerous. Leave high or risky areas to a professional.
What is the most common storm-related roof problem?
Slipped tiles, broken ridge sections and damaged flashing are the most frequent issues.
Who should I call in a roofing emergency?
A trusted local roofer like Crown Roofing Solutions ensures a fast response and expert care.
How to prepare your roof for storm season?
Inspect your roof for loose tiles, damaged flashing, and blocked gutters. Clear debris, seal small cracks, and repair weak areas. A professional inspection before storm season helps prevent leaks and storm damage.