Storm damage payouts to UK homeowners increased 32% to £244m in 2025 following severe weather events including Storm Éowyn and Storm Floris, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI).
Total weather-related claims for damage to homes and possessions reached £758m last year, a figure the ABI attributes to increasingly severe weather conditions affecting residential properties across the country.
The Met Office has warned that this year’s El Niño weather pattern could result in another wet and stormy winter, prompting property maintenance experts to recommend preventative measures for homeowners.
Roof and structural maintenance costs
Alex Peters, a cost guide expert at Checkatrade, identified roof-level structures as the primary vulnerability during high winds. Professional roof inspections average £250 per visit, with most repairs costing between £110 and £160 per square metre, depending on roof type and materials.
Roof components including chimneys, skylights and vents require metal flashing strips to prevent water ingress. Maintenance of these elements can be undertaken by homeowners with appropriate safety equipment or contracted to professionals.
Gutter and drainage systems
Blocked gutters can cause water to pool on rooflines, potentially leading to brickwork damage and foundation erosion over time. Professional gutter cleaning services cost approximately £20-£30 per hour, according to Checkatrade data.
Andy Simms of home service marketplace MyBuilder noted that tree maintenance near properties is also necessary, with pruning typically costing around £100 for standard work, while tree surgeons charge £240-£400 per day for larger projects.
Property exterior defects
Michael Davie from PureBuilt highlighted that minor external defects can escalate into substantial repair costs if left unaddressed. A repair initially costing £500 can increase to several thousand pounds once damp affects internal plaster and finishes.
Window and door sealing presents a lower-cost maintenance option, with window sealant priced at approximately £10 for a 300ml tube and draught-proofing tape costing £5-£15 per roll. Professional weatherstripping services cost around £50 per window or £100 per external door.
Insurance coverage limitations
Most standard buildings insurance policies exclude coverage for wind damage to garden structures including gates and fences. Property owners are advised to secure or store moveable items such as plant pots, garden furniture and trampolines before storms.
The insurance industry data suggests that proactive maintenance could reduce the financial impact of severe weather on residential properties. With mortgage lending patterns showing sensitivity to property maintenance costs, homeowners may need to factor weather-related expenses into their property budgets.
The rising cost of weather damage claims comes as the property sector faces broader financial pressures, with portfolio refinancing activity indicating that property investors are reassessing their holdings amid changing market conditions.
