Storm Eowyn has caused significant damage across the UK, leaving many homeowners grappling with the aftermath. The arrival of Storm Herminia is also likely to cause damage and disruption.
If your property has been affected, it is essential to act swiftly to ensure safety, minimise further harm, and navigate the insurance claims process effectively.
As a structural engineer, I understand the challenges and stress this can bring, and this guide provides practical advice for homeowners, tenants, and property owners.
Safety first
If your property has been damaged, your priority is safety. Common risks include:
- Structural damage to roofs, walls, or chimneys.
- Fallen trees impacting buildings or blocking access.
- Flooding causing water ingress and electrical hazards.
If there is an immediate danger to yourself or others, call the emergency services. For structural risks such as partially collapsed walls or roofs, contact your local authority
’s Building Control team to report a dangerous structure. They can assess the risk and arrange safety measures if necessary.
What is a storm?
In the UK, the insurance industry defines a storm as a weather event with wind speeds exceeding 55 mph (equivalent to Force 10 on the Beaufort scale), often accompanied by heavy rain, hail, or snow. This definition is crucial, as insurers use it to assess whether damage qualifies as storm-related. Damage from lesser wind speeds or gradual wear and tear is unlikely to be covered.
In addition to storm damage the property may also be flooded due to surges in sea level or heavy rainfall associated with the storm. This would be a separate insurable risk from that of a storm.
Notifying your insurer
Once safety is addressed, notify your insurer as soon as possible. Most insurers have 24-hour helplines for emergencies. During the initial call, provide:
- Your policy number and personal details.
- A description of the damage.
- Any urgent repairs you have undertaken (e.g., temporary coverings to prevent water ingress).
Follow up with a detailed email containing:
- A summary of the damage.
- Photographs of the affected areas.
- Evidence of emergency repairs, such as receipts or invoices.
What makes a suitable photograph?
Photographs are vital for your insurance claim, as they provide visual evidence of the damage. Ensure you take:
- Detailed images: Close-up shots of specific damage, such as broken roof tiles or structural cracks.
- Contextual images: Wider shots showing the damage in relation to the building or surrounding area.
- Comprehensive views: Stand back and photograph the entire property externally and internally to capture the full extent of the damage.
- Make sure photos are clear, in focus, and taken in good lighting where possible.
Understanding your insurance policy
Home insurance policies are typically divided into:
- Buildings Insurance: Covers the structural elements of your property, including roofs, walls, and permanent fixtures such as kitchens and bathrooms. Damage caused by wind, fallen trees, or flooding will likely fall under this policy.
- Contents Insurance: Covers your personal belongings, such as furniture, clothing, and electronics. Claims for water damage to items inside the home would be made under this policy.
Carefully review your policy documents to understand what is covered and any exclusions, such as damage due to inadequate maintenance.
Leasehold vs. Freehold ownership
Your property ownership type can affect your claim process:
- Freehold Properties: As the homeowner, you are responsible for arranging buildings insurance and making claims for structural damage.
- Leasehold Properties: In most cases, the freeholder or management company arranges buildings insurance. If you are a leaseholder, notify the management company immediately, providing photos and details of the damage so they can handle the claim.
Advice for Tenants
If you are a tenant, you likely will not hold buildings insurance. Instead:
- Notify your landlord or letting agent promptly.
- Provide photos and a detailed description of the damage.
- Confirm that the landlord will contact their insurer or arrange repairs.
If your belongings have been damaged, you will need to claim through your own contents insurance.
Common Types of storm damage
Storm Eowyn has caused widespread damage. Some of the most common issues include:
- Wind Damage: Broken roof tiles, dislodged chimneys, or structural cracks. These should be assessed by a qualified surveyor or structural engineer. We have seen examples of this across Northern Ireland and Ireland with the loss of roof structures and the collapse of gable ways which have been subject to higher forces from wind than they can resist.
- Fallen Trees: If a tree has impacted your property, insurers may request evidence that the tree was properly maintained before the storm. A tree surgeon or arborist can provide this assessment. Sometimes local authorities and councils can assist with this but you have to remember that during a storm event many properties and people with be impacted.
- Flooding: Whilst we have not yet begun to see reports of flooding, some localised incidents may have occurred. Floodwaters can cause structural and cosmetic damage, if you are adjacent to a body of water or have had high flows of water come past the building there could be issues to do with erosion of land that might make the building unstable. These occurrences are obvious, and again get a qualified structural engineer to assess the damage. Where possible promptly remove standing water, but only when it is safe to do so.
Working with Professionals and Local Authorities
For significant repairs, consult a qualified structural engineer to assess the safety and stability of your property. Often you will be covered through a buildings insurance policy to appoint a qualified structural engineer. Additionally:
- Obtain quotes from reputable contractors for repairs, as your insurer may require these.
- Liaise with your local authority if repairs involve planning permission or compliance with building regulations.
Key points to remember
- Safety is paramount: Contact emergency services for immediate risks and Building Control for dangerous structures.
- Document everything: Notify your insurer promptly and provide detailed information and photos. This includes retaining receipts for any recovery of expenses that may be covered under the terms of your insurance policy.
- Understand your policy: Know what is covered under buildings and contents insurance, and clarify any exclusions.
- Ownership matters: Freeholders, leaseholders, and tenants have different responsibilities – act accordingly.
- Seek professional advice: For structural repairs or assessments, consult qualified engineers and contractors.
Dealing with storm damage can be overwhelming, but with the right steps and support, you can restore your home and manage your claim effectively. If you require professional advice or an assessment of your property, contact a qualified structural engineer via
https://www.findanengineer.com
Notes to Editors
About the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE): https://www.istructe.org/
The Institution of Structural Engineers dates to 1908 and is now the world’s largest membership organisation dedicated to the art and science of structural engineering.
It has over 29,000 members working in 138 countries around the world. Professional membership is one of the leading global benchmarks of competence and technical excellence. Members undergo rigorous technical assessment and commit to continual learning and development.
The Institution drives higher standards and shares knowledge because its members’ work is vital to public safety and meeting the challenges of the future. The Institution provides a voice for its members, promoting their contribution to society as innovative, creative problem solvers and the guardians of public safety.