The storm has passed. You step outside and find a roof tile lying on your driveway. Not exactly where it's supposed to be. You look up and notice a gap in your roof. And, of course, more rain is forecast for this afternoon.
Storm damage to your roof is frustrating. Especially when roof tiles are broken, shifted out of place or completely blown off. But how serious is it? Can you fix anything yourself? And who pays for the damage?
Fortunately, a few damaged roof tiles don't necessarily mean a major disaster. But waiting until the next heavy downpour isn't a particularly good plan either. Here's what you should do next.
Roof tiles blown off after a storm? Here's what to do immediately
If roof tiles have blown off or been damaged during a storm, stay off the roof. Take photographs from a safe location, check inside your home for signs of water damage and arrange for a roofer to inspect and repair the affected area as soon as possible. Even if your roof isn't leaking yet, rainwater may enter through gaps in the roof covering during the next downpour.
Follow these six steps:
Stay away from loose or hanging roof tiles. Never climb onto the roof yourself.
Take clear photographs of the storm damage from a safe location.
Check your attic and ceilings for damp patches or leaks.
Catch any incoming water and move valuable belongings out of harm's way.
Report the damage to your buildings insurance provider.
Book a roofer to replace your damaged or missing roof tiles.
Important: Are roof tiles hanging dangerously above a pavement, or could parts of the roof fall onto people? Keep your distance. In the Netherlands, call 112 if there is immediate danger. For non-life-threatening situations requiring fire brigade assistance, call 0900-0904.
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How can you recognise storm damage to your roof?
After a heavy storm, you might expect a few branches in the garden or an overturned flowerpot. But sometimes the real damage is several metres above your head.
You don't necessarily need to find a roof tile on the pavement to know something is wrong.
Look out for these warning signs:
Missing roof tiles: You notice a dark or unusual patch where tiles should be.
Displaced roof tiles: Some tiles are crooked or no longer overlap properly.
Broken tiles on the ground: Fragments or entire tiles have fallen from the roof.
Rattling noises during strong winds: Roof tiles or other roofing components may be loose.
Damp patches in the attic: Rainwater may be entering through damaged roofing materials.
Displaced ridge tiles: The tiles along the highest point of the roof may have loosened or shifted.
Can't see anything unusual from the street? That doesn't automatically mean your roof is undamaged. Problems near the chimney, ridge or rear of the roof may be difficult to spot from below.
Why do roof tiles blow off during a storm?
Your roof is designed to withstand quite a bit of wind and rain. But strong gusts can expose weak spots, especially when parts of the roof were already loose or worn.
1. Roof tiles are no longer securely attached
Roof tiles overlap, and depending on the roofing system, certain tiles are additionally secured. Strong winds can lift or displace them. Sometimes one loose tile makes the surrounding tiles more vulnerable.
2. Old or damaged roof tiles
Roof tiles can last for decades, but not forever. Ageing, frost and previous damage can cause cracks. A strong gust of wind or flying debris may then break a tile.
3. Loose ridge tiles
Ridge tiles sit along the highest point of a pitched roof. On older roofs, mortar and fixings can deteriorate over time. During a storm, these tiles may loosen, shift or fall.
4. Damaged roof battens or fixings
Sometimes the problem isn't the roof tile itself. The battens or fixing materials underneath may be damaged or weakened. Simply putting a new tile in place won't solve the underlying issue.
5. Falling branches or flying objects
A broken tree branch, falling antenna or windblown object can strike the roof. This may damage several tiles at once and sometimes even affect the underlying structure.
Not sure what has been damaged? A professional roof inspection can help determine whether a few tiles need replacing or whether more extensive repairs are necessary.
What can you safely check yourself after a storm?
You don't need to grab a ladder immediately. In fact, it's better if you don't.
A few simple checks from a safe location can already tell you quite a lot.
Inspect the roof from the ground
Walk around your property at a safe distance and examine the roof. Can you see missing tiles, displaced sections or damaged ridge tiles? Take photographs, using your phone's zoom function if necessary.
Stay away from areas where loose materials might fall.
Check your attic
Look for damp patches, dripping water or wet insulation. Pay particular attention to areas beneath the damaged section of the roof. Avoid standing beneath visibly damaged or sagging structural components.
Inspect the gutters
Broken roof tiles or fragments sometimes end up in the gutter, blocking the drainage system. Only check this from a safe position.
Watch for worsening damage
Do new damp patches appear after rainfall? Is an existing stain getting larger? This may indicate a roof leak.
Read also: Damp patch on the ceiling? What can you do yourself and when should you call a professional?
What should you do if your roof leaks after a storm?
A missing roof tile doesn't always mean water will immediately start pouring into your home. Some roofs have an additional water-resistant membrane beneath the tiles. However, this layer isn't intended to remain exposed indefinitely.
If water does start coming in, your priority is to limit further damage.
Catch the water: Place a bucket or container beneath the leak if you can reach it safely.
Move your belongings: Remove furniture, boxes and electrical appliances from the affected area whenever it is safe to do so.
Avoid wet electrical installations: Don't touch wet sockets, switches or appliances. Ask an electrician to assess the situation.
Take photographs: Document both the roof damage and any damage inside your home.
Arrange professional help: A roofer can investigate the cause and install a temporary protective covering if necessary.
Don't attempt to cover your roof with a tarpaulin yourself. Especially not while it's still windy or raining. What looks simple from the ground is considerably more dangerous on a wet, sloping roof.
Is water entering your home and you're unsure where it's coming from? Have a professional roofer locate and repair the leak through Zoofy.
Should you replace roof tiles yourself or hire a roofer?
Maybe the roof tile is still lying intact in your garden. In that case, the solution seems obvious: grab a ladder, put the tile back and you're done.
Except the difficult part usually isn't placing the tile.
It's getting onto the roof safely, figuring out why it came loose and making sure it stays in place during the next storm.
What can you do yourself?
Inspect and photograph the damage from ground level.
Check indoors for damp patches or leaks.
Safely collect fallen roof tiles if they are not in a dangerous location.
Report the damage to your insurance provider.
Provide the roofer with photographs and a clear description of the problem.
What should a professional roofer handle?
Replacing or repositioning roof tiles at height.
Securing loose tiles and ridge tiles.
Inspecting roof battens and fixings.
Repairing leaks and damaged roof connections.
Installing temporary weather protection when necessary.
Even if only one roof tile is damaged, hiring a roofer is usually the sensible option. Not because replacing one tile is particularly complicated, but because working at height involves serious risks.
Have your broken or missing roof tiles replaced through Zoofy.
When is storm damage to your roof an emergency?
Not every broken roof tile is an emergency. But after a storm, it's important to distinguish between damage that needs prompt repair and situations involving immediate danger.
Immediate danger: call 112
Call 112 if there is an immediate threat to people or animals, such as a risk of structural collapse or large roofing components about to fall onto someone.
If there is no immediate danger but fire brigade assistance is still required, call 0900-0904 in the Netherlands.
When should you arrange a roofer quickly?
Have your roof assessed as soon as possible when:
Several roof tiles are missing.
Rainwater is entering your home.
Tiles are visibly loose or displaced.
Ridge tiles are damaged.
The underlying roof structure may be affected.
More strong winds or heavy rain are expected.
Waiting in these situations can lead to additional damage. A roofer can determine whether immediate repair is possible or temporary protection is needed first.
Does insurance cover storm damage to roof tiles?
Fortunately, storm damage to your roof is often covered by buildings insurance. However, certain conditions apply.
And it's better to understand them before submitting a claim.
What wind speed qualifies as storm damage?
In the Netherlands, insurers commonly use wind force 7 as the threshold for storm damage. This corresponds to wind speeds of approximately 50 kilometres per hour.
The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) defines a meteorological storm as wind force 9 or higher, but insurance policies may use a different definition.
Always check the exact conditions in your policy.
What damage is usually covered?
Depending on your insurance policy, coverage may include:
Replacing roof tiles damaged by a storm.
Repairing damaged roofing components.
Emergency measures to prevent further damage.
Water damage caused by rain entering through the storm-damaged roof.
Keep in mind that damage caused by poor maintenance or normal wear and tear may be excluded or only partially covered.
How much excess will you pay?
Many insurance policies apply a separate excess to storm damage claims. The amount varies depending on the insurer and policy.
Check your insurance conditions before assuming the full repair cost will be reimbursed.
How to report storm damage to your insurer
Take photographs of the damaged roof tiles and any resulting water damage.
Record when the storm and damage occurred.
Contact your insurer and ask which repairs you can arrange immediately.
Don't unnecessarily delay essential measures to prevent further damage.
Keep photographs, invoices and any reports provided by the roofer.
You don't have to leave a leaking roof exposed while waiting for an insurance assessor. However, discuss major permanent repairs with your insurer as soon as possible.
More information is available from the Dutch Association of Insurers.
How does a roofer repair broken or missing roof tiles?
Fortunately, a few damaged roof tiles usually don't mean your entire roof needs replacing.
A professional roofer will first assess what happened and determine whether there is additional damage beyond what you can see.
Inspect the damage: The roofer checks how many tiles are broken, loose or missing.
Identify the cause: They inspect fixings, battens, ridge tiles and other relevant components.
Discuss the repair: You receive an explanation of which parts need replacing and whether additional work is required.
Repair the roof: Damaged tiles are replaced, and loose tiles are correctly positioned or secured.
Check the result: The roofer inspects the repaired area for visible defects and potential leaks.
What do we see in real Zoofy jobs?
One customer in Zoeterwoude booked a roofer through Zoofy after several roof tiles had blown off. The work involved replacing the ridge tiles and the upper row of roof tiles. In the customer's review, clear communication and prompt service were particularly appreciated.
Sometimes a roofer discovers that more than a few broken tiles are causing the problem. During another Zoofy job, the roofer found three damaged roof tiles and a blocked drainage outlet near a dormer window. Both problems needed attention to address the possible causes of the leak.
Read the customer story: Three broken roof tiles. Luckily, the neighbour had a few spare ones.
How much does it cost to replace roof tiles after a storm?
That mainly depends on how many tiles are damaged and how easily the roofer can access them.
Replacing a few tiles on an accessible roof is obviously very different from repairing an extensively damaged roof ridge.
Through Zoofy, you can arrange roof tile replacement with transparent pricing. Check the current job page for the applicable hourly rate and service conditions. Zoofy does not charge call-out fees.
The final cost depends on factors such as:
The number of broken or missing roof tiles.
The type and availability of matching replacement tiles.
The height and accessibility of your roof.
Whether scaffolding or special safety equipment is required.
Any damage to battens, ridge tiles or other roofing components.
Whether urgent repairs are necessary.
Always ask about additional costs before approving extra work. The roof repair itself shouldn't come with another unpleasant surprise.
Read also: How much does it cost to install or replace roof tiles?
What happens if you don't replace damaged roof tiles?
Maybe everything inside your home is still perfectly dry. In that case, putting off the repair can feel tempting.
The roof tile is outside. You're inside. Problem solved, right?
Not quite.
A missing or displaced roof tile can allow rainwater beneath the roof covering. Depending on your roof's construction, this may lead to:
Wet insulation and reduced insulation performance.
Damp patches on attic walls or ceilings.
Mould growth if moisture problems continue.
Timber decay affecting battens or other wooden components.
Additional damage during the next storm.
A relatively small repair today may prevent a much larger bill later. Especially if you discover the problem before the next period of heavy rain.
How can you prevent roof tiles from blowing off during the next storm?
Not all storm damage can be prevented. Sometimes wind gusts are exceptionally powerful. But a well-maintained roof is generally less vulnerable than one with loose or deteriorating components.
1. Have your roof inspected
Consider arranging a roof inspection before the storm season. A roofer can check for loose tiles, cracks and weakened fixings, particularly if your roof is older or has previously suffered storm damage.
2. Check the ridge tiles
Loose ridge tiles can be vulnerable to strong winds. Have damaged fixings or deteriorating mortar repaired in time.
3. Keep your gutters clean
Leaves and branches can block drainage during heavy rainfall. Water may then overflow or enter vulnerable parts of the roofing system.
Read: How often should you clean your gutters to prevent leaks?
4. Watch out for overhanging branches
Large or dead branches above your roof can break off during a storm. Have potentially dangerous branches assessed and removed by a suitable professional.
5. Inspect your roof after strong winds
Even if no tiles have fallen, it's sensible to check your roof visually from the ground. This can help you spot displaced tiles before the next heavy rainfall causes problems.
For more advice, read Storm damage? Six tips to help prevent it.
Frequently asked questions about roof tiles and storm damage
Is one missing roof tile a serious problem?
It can be. Even a single missing tile may allow rainwater to enter beneath the roof covering. Arrange for it to be replaced or repositioned as soon as possible.
Can one missing roof tile cause a leak?
Yes. It depends on the tile's location and the construction of your roof. Some roofs have an underlying water-resistant membrane that temporarily prevents water from entering, but it shouldn't be relied upon indefinitely.
Should I call a roofer immediately after storm damage?
If roof tiles are missing, water is leaking or roofing components are loose, arrange a roofer promptly. If there is immediate danger to people, call 112 first.
Can I put a blown-off roof tile back myself?
Although replacing a tile may look straightforward, working on a sloping roof is dangerous. It's also important to establish why the tile came loose. Hiring a professional roofer is generally the safer option.
Does buildings insurance cover missing roof tiles?
Often, yes, provided the damage meets the policy's definition of storm damage. Insurers commonly apply a minimum wind speed and a separate excess. Damage caused by poor maintenance may be treated differently.
What if matching replacement roof tiles are no longer available?
Older roofs sometimes use tiles that are no longer manufactured. A roofer can look for a compatible alternative or assess whether a larger section of the roof needs adapting.
How quickly can a roofer replace roof tiles after a storm?
That depends on weather conditions, roofer availability and the materials required. Continued strong winds may make working on the roof unsafe. A professional can assess what is possible at that moment.
Broken or missing roof tiles? Have them replaced through Zoofy
You can't stop the next storm. But you can make sure your roof is ready for it.
Through Zoofy, you can book a screened roofer to replace broken or missing roof tiles. Simply choose the job and a suitable time. We'll look for a local professional who can take on the work.
No calling five different roofing companies. No call-out fees. And you pay securely afterwards through Zoofy.
When booking, explain how many roof tiles are damaged, whether there is a leak and how high the roof is. Photographs can help the roofer assess the situation in advance.
The roof tiles are back where they belong. And you no longer need to keep checking the ceiling every time it rains.
Book a roofer to replace your roof tiles through Zoofy.
Zo. Gefikst.
My name is Wilm, a construction and home improvement expert at Zoofy, with many years of experience in the construction and renovation sector. Over the years, I have supervised countless projects, ranging from small maintenance jobs to full-scale renovations. This hands-on experience has taught me how essential transparency in pricing and quality is for every project.
At Zoofy, I share my knowledge about construction costs, pricing, and smartly comparing jobs. Whether it’s the cost of a painter, a plumber’s hourly rate, or the price of a complete bathroom renovation, I help you understand what a fair price is and what to look out for.
My goal is to make home improvement projects more transparent, so everyone knows where their money goes. By combining up-to-date pricing information with real-world experience, I make it easier to find the right professional—without any surprises afterward.