Storm Austen brought a flood alert, a Met Office yellow wind warning and power cuts to Swindon. The Swindon Advertiser reported flooding on Gypsy Lane and winds forecast up to 50 to 60mph, and later that hundreds of properties were without power.

Now the wind has dropped, a lot of homes are left with the same short list: a fence panel on the lawn, a gate that won't shut and a gutter that's suddenly a waterfall. Here's how to sort out which jobs I can help with and which need a different trade.

Safety first

  • Power lines and electrics. If you see a fallen power line or damaged electrical equipment, keep well away and call 105, the free power cut number in Great Britain. Dial 999 if anyone is in danger. If anything electrical in your home got wet, call a registered electrician. Electrical Safety First has guidance.
  • Roofs. Look from the ground only. Slipped tiles, a damaged ridge or chimney need a roofer.
  • Ladders. If you're tempted to check the gutters yourself, read the HSE ladder guidance first.

Storm damage I can help with

I work alone, so every job has to be safe for one person to do. Within those limits, typical storm jobs include:

  1. Fence panels. Replacing a broken panel, re-fixing loose panels or rails, and small post repairs where possible. You supply the panels, posts and materials, and I can advise on what to buy.
  2. Gates. Gate repairs, hinge adjustments and latches that no longer line up after a night of slamming.
  3. Window sealant. Resealing around frames where wind-driven rain has found a gap, within reach of my ladder.
  4. Flat roofs. Leak checks, patch repairs and re-sealing joints and edges on flat roofs in rubber (EPDM) or fibreglass only, for example over a garage, porch or extension. No torch-on felt.
  5. uPVC windows. Mechanisms, handles and seals that have started to stick or let in draughts.

Jobs that go to someone else

These are my own working limits, and I'd rather be upfront about them:

  • no ladder work above 5 metres
  • no lifting over 15kg
  • no pitched or sloped roofs, and no torch-on felt (flat roofs in rubber or fibreglass only)
  • no electrical or gas work
  • no tip runs or rubbish removal, so broken panels and debris need to go via the council or a waste carrier
  • no gardening, including fallen trees and branches

If your storm damage is mostly up high or on a pitched roof, a roofer is the right call.

A word on cold callers

After a storm, it's common for people to knock on doors offering to fix roofs "while they're in the area". Take your time, get names and details, and don't agree to anything on the doorstep.

Before you book

To get the most out of a session, send me:

  • photos of the damage, taken before you tidy up
  • a rough idea of how many panels, posts or gates are involved
  • whether you already have the materials
  • any other jobs you'd like done in the same visit

Photos taken before tidying are also useful if you plan to claim on your home insurance. Check your policy and speak to your insurer before any work starts.

I'm booked in 3-hour or full-day sessions. One or two small repairs usually suit a 3-hour session, and a longer list suits a full day. I'll do my best to get the list done in the time booked. I'm insured, DBS checked and rated 4.9 on Google.

Ready to get the garden back in one piece? Make a booking or message me free on WhatsApp on 07729 689420. For a 10-minute storm damage check you can do yourself, see my blog post Storm Damage Check After Storm Austen.