Lagos storms can arrive fast, with strong wind and very heavy rain. Afterwards, many owners find lifted or missing roofing sheets, bent flashing, blocked or broken gutters, or water coming through the ceiling. Acting quickly limits the damage. Here is what to do, step by step.
1. Stay safe first
- Do not climb onto the roof, especially while it is wet or windy. Wet roofing sheets are slippery, and damaged timber may not hold your weight.
- If water is near light fittings, sockets or the ceiling fan, switch off power to that area.
- Keep people away from any sagging ceiling. A ceiling holding water can collapse.
2. Limit the water damage inside
- Place buckets or basins under drips and move furniture, electronics and documents away from wet areas.
- If a ceiling is bulging with water, a small controlled hole at the lowest point (with a bucket underneath) can prevent a larger collapse. Only do this if it is safe to reach.
- Open windows when the rain stops to help rooms dry out.
3. Record the damage
Take clear photos and short videos of the roof from the ground, the ceiling, walls and any damaged items, with the date. This helps with insurance claims, with your landlord or estate management, and helps your roofer understand the problem before they arrive.
4. Get a temporary cover in place
If sheets have lifted or gone missing, the roof needs to be covered before the next rainfall. A roofer can secure loose sheets or fit a temporary cover the same day, then plan the permanent repair for the next dry day.
5. Book a proper inspection
Storm damage is not always visible from the ground. Wind can loosen fixings and flashing across the whole roof, and water can soak timber and ceilings long before you see a stain. A full inspection should check:
- Sheets, fixings and ridge caps
- Flashing around walls, valleys and chimneys
- Gutters and downpipes
- Timber and trusses for water damage
6. Repair properly, not just quickly
Re-nailing a lifted sheet may stop the leak for now, but if the fixings or timber are weak, the same sheets will lift in the next storm. A good repair uses the right fixings, replaces damaged timber and restores the flashing, so the roof is ready for the rest of the rainy season.
Need help after a storm?
Great Prince Aluminium Roofing carries out storm damage repairs across Lagos, from emergency cover to full restoration. Call us on 0916 779 5649, message us on WhatsApp, or request a free estimate. See the areas we serve.