1) Safety First: What to Do Immediately

If a roof tile has blown off during strong winds, your priorities are safety, limiting water ingress, and arranging a professional make-safe. Please do not climb onto your roof – wind uplift, wet surfaces, and damaged fixings create serious fall risks.

• Keep people and pets away from areas where debris may fall. Secure pathways and driveways if tiles or ridge pieces might come loose.
• If water is near electrics, switch off the relevant circuit at the consumer unit and avoid the area.
• Protect interiors with towels, buckets, and plastic sheeting beneath drips. Move valuables out of harm’s way.
• Take clear photos and short videos from safe positions at ground level and indoors. These help with quotes, scheduling, and insurance.
• Arrange a make-safe visit to secure loose materials and temporarily waterproof exposed areas, followed by a compliant repair.

For urgent help, call 07311091804 – same or next-day call-outs across Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Stony Stratford, Great Linford, Bradwell, Bedford, Luton, Northampton and nearby villages when possible.

2) Quick Visual Checks From the Ground and Indoors

These simple checks can help you understand urgency without using ladders.

From the ground

• Scan the roof slopes and edges – eaves, verges, hips, valleys, and ridge – for missing, slipped, cracked, or raised tiles.
• Check the garden and drive for fallen tiles, ridge caps, or verge pieces. Keep them for identification and matching.
• Look for bent, flapping, or missing lead flashing around chimneys, dormers, and abutments.
• On flat roofs, look for loose trims, lifted laps, or obvious punctures. Standing water after rain can highlight low spots.

Inside the loft

• Only if safe, inspect in daylight. Look for daylight through the covering, damp underlay, wet rafters, drip marks, or water trails.
• Place a container under active drips. Do not try to push tiles from inside – this can worsen damage.

Temporary polythene taped beneath a leaking area can reduce drips until a roofer makes the exterior watertight. Avoid exterior DIY sheeting during storms – wait for a professional.

Need advice right now? Call 07311091804.

3) Why Tiles Blow Off in High Winds

Wind creates suction forces across roof zones that can prise tiles over their fixings. Edge zones – eaves, verges, and ridges – are most exposed. Common contributing factors include:

• Aging or inadequate fixings – corroded nails, missing clips, or insufficient mechanical fixings for local wind exposure.
• Mortar-only details – old mortar verges or ridges can crack. Modern dry-verge and dry-ridge systems, correctly fixed, perform better in storms.
• Underlay issues – torn or perished underlay allows wind-driven rain beneath the covering and reduces resistance to uplift.
• Timber deterioration – rotten or undersized battens reduce nail holding strength and tile stability.
• Historic non-compliance – older roofs may not meet current fixing requirements in BS 5534 for slating and tiling.
• Workmanship defects – incorrect batten gauges, short headlaps, or misaligned tiles create weaknesses that storms exploit.

We repair damage and, where sensible, upgrade fixings and details to current standards – improving resilience for the next storm season.

4) How Maxwells Roofing Repairs Storm-Damaged Roofs

We are a family-owned, owner-led team based in Milton Keynes. Expect clear communication, fast response, and long-lasting repairs performed by trained roofers using premium materials.

1. Phone triage – share symptoms and photos. We prioritise leaks and safety risks and can often provide an initial plan before attending.
2. Same or next-day attendance where possible – make-safe to stop ingress and secure loose items. Temporary coverings and immediate fixes are used as needed.
3. Safe inspection – roof survey using ladders, scaffold, or drone where appropriate to avoid further damage and ensure accuracy.
4. Clear quotation – fixed, transparent pricing with no hidden extras. We will explain options for repair versus wider refurbishment where relevant.
5. Compliant repair – correct fixings to BS 5534, appropriate headlaps, correct batten size and grade, and manufacturer-approved methods for dry ridge, dry verge, tiles, slates, and flashings.
6. Aftercare – photo updates on completion, maintenance guidance, and a friendly team on hand if questions arise later.

Typical storm repair tasks we handle:

• Replacing missing, slipped, or broken concrete or clay tiles and natural slates
• Dry ridge and dry verge upgrades to replace failing mortar systems
• Lead flashing repair or replacement at chimneys and abutments
• Underlay and batten repair where storms expose underlying weaknesses
• Flat roof make-safe and lasting fixes for EPDM, felt, and GRP systems
• Chimney repointing and minor masonry work associated with roof weathering

Call 07311091804 to arrange a fast assessment and free quote.

5) UK Building Regulations and Standards – What to Know

Small like-for-like tile replacements rarely need formal approval. Larger works and refurbishments can trigger Building Regulations and must follow industry standards. We ensure your repair or renewal aligns with the relevant parts and best practice.

• Part A – Structure: Correct batten sizing, fixing, and nail lengths. Fixing patterns appropriate to exposure and roof zone. We ensure the roof structure supports the covering and any upgrades.
• Part B – Fire safety: Materials and details with appropriate fire performance. Flat roofs often require BROOF(t4) classifications when re-covered.
• Part C – Moisture: Weather-tight details and continuous underlay to resist wind-driven rain. Proper laps, flashings, and junctions prevent ingress.
• Part F – Ventilation: Maintain or improve roof ventilation to reduce condensation and mould risk – especially important when underlay is replaced.
• Part L – Energy: If replacing more than 25% of a roof covering, insulation upgrades to current standards are usually required. We can advise on practical, cost-effective solutions.

Standards and good practice: BS 5534 for slating and tiling, BS 8000-6 for workmanship, manufacturer instructions for dry-fix systems, and appropriate detailing for leadwork. Our quotes specify the methods and materials we will use.

Notifying Building Control: If more than 25% of the covering is replaced, or if structure is altered, local authority Building Control should be notified. Where applicable, Competent Person Scheme contractors can self-certify certain works, simplifying sign-off. We will guide you through what applies in your situation.

6) Insurance Claims Support

Many household policies cover storm damage. We help make the process straightforward and well-documented.

• Evidence pack – date-stamped photos, short video, and a brief cause assessment together with a detailed quotation.
• Emergency make-safe – temporary waterproofing and securing of loose elements to limit further damage. Keep receipts for your insurer.
• Clear scope – storm-related works itemised separately from pre-existing maintenance for clarity with loss adjusters.
• Communication – we can liaise with your insurer or adjuster to explain the technical detail and confirm compliance where required.

Tip: report the incident promptly, record the weather event date and time, and keep notes of any steps you took to protect the property prior to our attendance.

7) Preventing Future Storm Damage

Our weather across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Northamptonshire can change quickly. Proactive care helps keep tiles secure and water out.

Simple preventative steps

• Schedule roof inspections annually or after significant storms to identify minor issues before they escalate.
• Upgrade old mortar verges and ridges to modern dry systems with mechanical fixings to BS 5534.
• Replace perished underlay and confirm correct batten size, grade, and spacing. Reinforce known high-wind zones.
• Check and secure flashings around chimneys, dormers, and abutments. Re-bed loose ridge tiles and check hip irons and hip trays.
• Keep gutters and downpipes clear to prevent overflow and back-up into eaves or fascias.
• Trim overhanging branches that can strike tiles or block gutters during storms.

Material choices that improve resilience

• Dry-fix systems – reliable ridge and verge performance with minimal maintenance compared to mortar-only details.
• Quality clips and nails – stainless or coated fixings appropriate for exposure and tile type, improving long-term hold.
• Breathable underlays with correct laps – reduces condensation risk and improves weather resistance under the covering.
• Leadwork to LSTA guidance – correct lengths, laps, and fixings prevent fatigue and failure in high winds.

Book a preventative check or post-storm inspection – call 07311091804.

8) Typical Timescales and What Affects Cost

Every roof is different, but this overview helps you plan. We always provide a free, fixed quote before work starts.

• Minor tile replacement – typically 1 to 3 hours on site once safe access is in place.
• Small edge detail repairs – dry verge or short ridge sections often completed within half a day to a day.
• Lead flashing repairs – 2 to 6 hours depending on the detail and any masonry or re-bedding required.
• Larger storm repairs – multiple slopes, underlay or batten work usually 1 to 3 days depending on access and weather windows.

What affects cost and time:

• Access requirements – ladders, towers, or scaffold for safe working at height
• Roof height and pitch – steeper, higher roofs are slower and require enhanced safety measures
• Tile or slate type – sourcing matches, specialist fixings, and availability
• Extent of underlying damage – underlay, battens, or timber needing replacement
• Weather – safe working and drying times can extend schedules during unsettled periods

We keep disruption to a minimum, protect your property while we work, and leave the site clean and tidy.

Get a quick, no-obligation quote by calling 07311091804.

9) FAQs: Missing Roof Tiles and Storms

Is one missing tile an emergency?

Often yes. Wind-driven rain can track under adjacent tiles and into the loft. It is best to arrange a make-safe and prompt repair.

Will one missing tile always cause a leak?

Not always, but the risk is high in strong wind and rain. Water can travel sideways and down laps. Early repair prevents bigger problems.

Can I replace a tile myself?

We do not recommend it. Working at height is hazardous and incorrect fixing can void insurance or create further damage. Use a qualified roofer.

Do I need Building Control for a few replacement tiles?

No for like-for-like minor repairs. If more than 25% of the roof covering is replaced, Building Control notification and insulation upgrades usually apply.

How fast can you attend?

We aim for same-day or next-day attendance for urgent leaks across Milton Keynes and surrounding areas whenever possible.

Do you handle insurance quotations?

Yes. We provide photos, written cause assessment, and a detailed quote. We can speak with your insurer or loss adjuster if needed.

Can you match my existing tiles?

In most cases we can source close or exact matches. If discontinued, we select the best visual match and discuss options before proceeding.

Do you offer a workmanship guarantee?

Yes. All repairs are carried out by trained roofers using quality materials, with workmanship backed by a guarantee. Details are included in your quote.

10) About Maxwells Roofing

Maxwells Roofing is a trusted, family-owned roofing company led by Luke Maxwell. We deliver repairs, replacements, inspections, guttering, skylights, chimneys, fascias and soffits across Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, Luton, Stony Stratford, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Great Linford, Bradwell and every nearby village or estate.

• Owner-led quality control on every job
• Fully insured, trained roofers working to UK regulations and industry standards
• Clear communication, transparent pricing, and fast response times
• Excellent local reputation – 80+ 5★ Checkatrade reviews and 5★ only on Google Business

Need help now? Call 07311091804 or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk for a free quote.