UK Roofing Damage Caused by Storm Goretti

The start of 2026 has brought with it one of the most significant meteorological challenges for homeowners and businesses in recent memory. Storm Goretti, described by the Met Office as a "multi-hazard event," has swept across the United Kingdom, leaving a trail of structural damage in its wake. While the South West of England faced the most extreme wind speeds, the impact in Bromley, South East London, and Kent has been substantial.

At Julian Roofing Services Ltd, we have been operating at the heart of the Bromley community for many years. In the days following the storm, our team has been working tirelessly to support local residents and business owners in assessing and repairing the damage caused by Goretti’s high winds and heavy precipitation.

The Nature of the Damage in Bromley and Kent

Although Bromley did not experience the 123mph gusts recorded in Cornwall, the local area was subjected to sustained wind speeds of up to 60mph. For many properties—particularly those with older roofing systems or those already in need of minor maintenance—these conditions were enough to cause critical failures.

The damage encountered generally falls into three categories:

1. Wind Uplift and Dislodged Tiles

High winds create a pressure differential over the roof surface. On pitched roofs, this "uplift" can easily loosen tiles or slates that are not securely fastened. We have seen numerous instances where ridge tiles—the curved tiles at the very top of the roof—have been completely displaced. These are particularly vulnerable as they sit at the highest point of the structure and are exposed to the full force of the wind.

2. Debris and Impact Damage

Storm Goretti brought down trees and large branches across the London Borough of Bromley. For properties with overhanging foliage, the result has often been direct impact damage. Cracked tiles or punctured membranes may seem minor at first glance, but if left unaddressed, they allow water to bypass the primary defence of the building, leading to timber rot and internal damp.

3. Guttering and Drainage Failure

The "triple-threat" of wind, rain, and freezing temperatures caused significant stress to drainage systems. Many gutters in the area became overwhelmed by the volume of rain or were pulled away from their fixings by the weight of debris and ice. When gutters fail, water is no longer directed away from the property, which often results in fascia and soffit damage or water ingress at the wall-roof junction.

Why Immediate Action is Vital

One of the most dangerous aspects of storm damage is that it is not always immediately obvious from the ground. While a missing tile is easy to spot, a lifted flashing or a micro-crack in a flat roof membrane can remain hidden until the next period of heavy rain.

At Julian Roofing Services Ltd, we advise all property owners to be vigilant. Following a storm of Goretti’s magnitude, you should look for the following internal and external warning signs:

• Internal: Damp patches on ceilings, peeling wallpaper, or "bubbling" plaster in the upper rooms.

  
  

• External: Debris in the garden (such as fragments of mortar or tile), sagging gutters, or visible gaps in the roofline.

  
  

Ignoring these issues can lead to "progressive damage." A simple tile replacement today is a far more cost-effective solution than a full timber treatment or ceiling replacement six months down the line.

Our Commitment to the Bromley Community

As a local, family-run business, we understand the stress that sudden property damage can cause. Our approach at Julian Roofing Services Ltd is built on transparency, professional integrity, and high-quality workmanship.

We specialise in a wide range of remedial works, including:

• Emergency Roof Repairs: Securing properties to prevent further water ingress.

• Tiled and Slate Roofing: Re-seating slipped slates and replacing broken tiles with matching materials to maintain the aesthetic of your home.

• Flat Roof Repairs Bromley: Assessing and repairing EPDM, felt, and GRP systems that may have suffered during the storm.

• Chimney and Leadwork: Re-pointing chimney stacks and repairing lead flashings that have been lifted by high winds.

We pride ourselves on our 5-star reputation and our commitment to providing fair, competitive pricing. During our inspections, we use our decades of experience to provide an honest assessment—we only recommend work that is truly necessary to ensure the safety and longevity of your roof.

Moving Forward Safely

We strongly urge homeowners not to climb onto their own roofs to inspect for damage. Following Storm Goretti, many surfaces remain slippery, and structural integrity may have been compromised in ways that are not visible to the untrained eye. Roofing work should always be carried out by insured, professional contractors who have the correct safety equipment.

Storm Goretti has been a stark reminder of the importance of regular roof maintenance. While we cannot control the weather, we can ensure that our homes are best prepared to withstand it. Contact Our Team Here.