The Wey Valley Storm Corridor — Why Godalming Gets Hit Harder
Godalming sits in a natural wind corridor formed by the Wey Valley cutting through the Surrey Hills. During Atlantic storms tracking from the south-west, the valley acts as a funnel — compressing and accelerating wind between the hills on either side. Wind speeds recorded in the valley during named storms have exceeded those measured on the exposed hilltops either side, contradicting the intuition that valleys are sheltered.
The heavy tree canopy across Busbridge, Frith Hill and Farncombe adds a hazard that open countryside does not face: falling branches and uprooted trees. Our storm damage data shows that 35% of all structural roof damage calls — as opposed to tile displacement — involve tree impact. Properties within 20 metres of mature oak, beech or ash trees face a materially higher risk during major storms.
The combination of valley wind acceleration and tree hazard means Godalming roofs need to be specified and maintained to a higher standard than equivalent properties in more sheltered locations. Mechanical ridge fixing (dry ridge), properly dressed lead flashings with adequate turn-ins, and annual tree proximity assessment are all part of responsible storm preparedness.
Insurance Claims — What You Need to Know
The Association of British Insurers defines storm damage as damage caused by wind speeds exceeding 55mph (Beaufort Force 10) or hail of unusual intensity. Damage from gradual deterioration, poor maintenance, or wear and tear is not covered under storm peril — even if a storm reveals it. This distinction matters because insurers will inspect the damage and assess whether the storm caused it or merely exposed a pre-existing condition.
This is why roof maintenance matters for insurance as well as for building protection. A well-maintained roof that fails during a genuine storm produces a clean, unambiguous claim. A neglected roof that fails during moderate weather gives the insurer grounds to decline or reduce the claim on the basis that the damage was caused by lack of maintenance rather than the weather event.
We provide detailed professional reports that clearly distinguish storm-caused damage from pre-existing conditions. This transparency actually helps your claim — insurers trust honest assessments and are more likely to settle quickly when the report is credible and evidence-based.
Temporary Make-Safe — What We Do and What It Costs
Emergency make-safe work is charged on a time-and-materials basis, typically £150–£500 depending on the scope. This covers tarpaulin, emergency boarding, tile replacement, and removal of dangerous debris. We do not charge a call-out fee — you only pay for the materials and labour used. All make-safe costs are documented separately and can be included in your insurance claim as mitigation expenses, which most policies cover.
Permanent repair is quoted separately once we can assess the full extent of damage — sometimes this is not possible until the temporary protection is in place and we can inspect safely. We schedule permanent repairs as priority work, typically within 3–5 working days of the emergency. Call 01483 346 855 any time — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.