Storm damage on a thatched roof: what should you do in the first 24 hours?

What should you inspect right away?

Look for opened or shifted areas, damage at the ridge and edges, fallen branches, fresh reed movement and any sign of water entering the building. If the roof is high or slippery, do not climb onto it; inspect from a safe position.

What should you photograph?

• the whole roof from several sides
• close views of visibly damaged areas
• the ridge, edges and any fallen branch or impact point
• interior damp patches or water marks
• anything that has changed since before the storm

Good photos help a specialist understand urgency before arriving on site.

What should you not postpone?

Do not wait if water is already entering, if the ridge is damaged, if a larger surface has opened or if a branch has struck the roof. Temporary protection may help, but it should not replace professional assessment.

When should you call a specialist immediately?

Call quickly when leaks are active, the structure looks disturbed, the same area keeps getting wetter, or you cannot tell whether the damage is local or wider. In storm situations, early inspection often determines whether a small repair remains small.

Summary

The first 24 hours after storm damage are not about panic, but about clarity. Safe inspection, good documentation and timely professional judgement reduce the chance that a manageable defect grows into a much larger repair.