Scan the roofline from the ground
Use binoculars to check for slipped slates, loose flashings and sagging gutters on every elevation. Photograph anything doubtful and get it assessed before the first named storm.
Cornwall storm season resource
Storm Preparation Guide for Cornwall Properties
A practical before, during and after checklist for Cornwall homes, holiday lets and second homes facing Atlantic storm season.
Useful for
Coastal homeownersHoliday-let ownersSecond-home ownersKeyholders and cleaners
Checklist 1
Before storm season (September-October)
Most storm damage happens to things that were already loose. An early-autumn walk-round finds them while repairs are still easy to book.
Clear gutters, downpipes and gulleys
Blocked rainwater paths turn a routine storm into water ingress. Autumn clearing is the single highest-value preparation job in Cornwall.
Test fences, gates and posts
Rock every post and check latches. Wind finds the loose post first, and a failed boundary in November stays failed until spring unless it is made safe.
Check seals on the weather side
Inspect sealant and paintwork around doors and windows on the elevation that faces the prevailing south-westerlies. Wind-driven rain exploits every gap.
Photograph the property while it is sound
Dated exterior photos from consistent viewpoints make storm damage easy to evidence for insurance and easy to spot for repairers.
Checklist 2
When a named storm is forecast
The 48 hours before a storm are for securing, not repairing. Work down this list and stay off ladders.
Secure or store loose outdoor items
Garden furniture, planters, bins, trampolines and anything lighter than a bench can become a projectile. Store, strap or lay flat.
Close and fasten gates and shutters
A gate swinging free through a ten-hour gale usually destroys itself and often the post with it.
Park away from trees and loose structures
Move vehicles clear of anything that can shed branches, slates or panels.
Check guests or tenants have emergency contacts
Occupied holiday lets need a clear who-to-call note for storm issues, and owners need to know who is in the property.
Charge, locate, prepare
Phones charged, torch located, stopcock and consumer unit positions confirmed. Power cuts and water issues cluster during storms.
Checklist 3
After the storm passes
Assess from safe ground first. Most post-storm injuries happen during amateur inspections, not the storm itself.
Walk the exterior from ground level
Check the roofline, gutters, fences, decking and anything previously flagged. Compare against your pre-season photos.
Check inside for water
Inspect ceilings, window reveals and the loft with a torch. Wind-driven rain can enter through gaps that never leak in normal weather.
Photograph all damage before touching it
Insurance claims are built on dated photos of damage as found. Document first, then make safe.
Make safe, then repair properly
Temporary weatherproofing protects the building until a planned repair. Anything hanging, structural or at height belongs with professionals.
Check on empty properties promptly
Second homes and closed holiday lets need a post-storm visit within days. A small breach left open for weeks becomes a major internal repair.
Checklist 4
Building a storm-resilient property
Repeated storm damage is a specification problem. Each repair is a chance to upgrade the detail that failed.
Upgrade fixings when replacing them
Stainless and hot-dip galvanised hardware survives coastal winters; bright-zinc does not. Never refit the grade that just failed.
Choose wind-tolerant boundary designs
Slatted and hit-and-miss fencing sheds wind that destroys solid panels on exposed plots.
Keep trees and climbers managed
Reduce the wind load on structures by pruning what catches the gale, especially near fences, outbuildings and parking.
Fix small movement before it grows
A slightly loose post, rattling gate or lifting board is next storm's failure. Small autumn fixes prevent winter emergencies.
Keep a storm file for the property
Pre-season photos, insurance details, emergency contacts and the property's known weak points, shared with whoever holds the keys.
Useful next steps
Turn the checklist into a practical property plan.
Frequently asked questions
Storm Preparation Guide for Cornwall Properties FAQs
When is storm season in Cornwall?
Named Atlantic storms most commonly affect Cornwall between October and March, though damaging gales can arrive in September and persist into April.
What storm damage is most common?
Fence and gate failures, lifted or slipped slates, overflowing gutters, loose fittings torn free and water ingress through failed seals on weather-facing elevations.
Is storm damage covered by insurance?
Buildings policies usually cover storm damage to the structure, though fences and gates are commonly excluded. Dated before-and-after photos strengthen any claim.
Should I inspect the roof myself after a storm?
Only from the ground with binoculars. Ladders in post-storm conditions and walking on roofs cause more injuries than storms themselves — leave height work to equipped professionals.
Can Coast & Quay check a property after a storm?
Yes. Post-storm checks with photo reports are available for homes, holiday lets and second homes, with urgent make-safe work triaged first.