Insurance roof repairs
Insurance Roof Repairs Cork: Documentation That Insurers Accept
Storm damage in Cork? We do the photo report, the Met Éireann wind-speed pull, and the scope of works that gets your insurance claim approved first time. Aviva, Allianz, AXA, AIB, FBD, Zurich, RSA and Liberty Insurance.
How it works
From the storm-damage callout to the cheque clearing
Most Cork insurance roof claims get held up by missing documentation, not by the damage itself. We've run hundreds of these jobs and the loss adjusters in Cork know our paperwork — that's half the speed advantage.
1. Same-day make-safe
If your roof is actively leaking, the priority is to stop further damage to the ceiling, floor and contents below. We tarp the roof, replace any missing slates with temporary cover, and get the interior dry within hours. This work is itemised separately on the invoice so the insurer can settle it under the emergency clause (most Irish policies cover this without an excess if you can demonstrate "reasonable steps").
2. Drone-led documentation
Michael is a Licensed Aerial Drone Operator with the Irish Aviation Authority. The standard photo report is 30–60 stills + a flight video at 1080p, covering every elevation, every valley, every chimney stack and every flashing run. We mark the damage on the imagery so a loss adjuster can match it to the policy schedule without a second site visit.
3. Met Éireann wind-speed pull
Most Irish policies require gusts above a defined threshold (usually 55–60mph) to trigger storm cover. We pull the verified gust speeds from the closest Met Éireann station for the date of the incident and include the data in the report. Cork Airport, Roches Point and Sherkin Island are the usual references depending on where you are in the county.
4. Itemised scope of works
The quote splits into labour, materials, scaffold/access, waste removal and VAT. Each item is referenced to manufacturer datasheets where relevant (lead flashing weights, slate dimensions, underlay specs). The loss adjusters we work with regularly comment that our quotes are already in the format they're going to recommend.
5. Repair + permanent restoration
Once the insurer authorises, the permanent repair starts. We don't begin until authorisation is in writing — otherwise the homeowner gets stuck between us and the insurer if anything changes scope. Every job ends with the 20-year written workmanship guarantee transferring to the homeowner.
6. Insurer-direct billing (optional)
We can bill the insurer directly with the homeowner's authorisation, or invoice the homeowner and supply the insurer-format documentation separately. Whichever route makes the cash flow easier for the homeowner.
Common Cork claims
The damage types we file most often
Slipped or missing slate
The most common Cork claim. Storm Babet (October 2023), Storm Isha (January 2024) and a steady cycle of named storms across 2024–2026 have left a backlog of slipped natural slates on terraces from Blackpool through to Douglas. Insurer settlements here usually run €450–€1,800 depending on quantity and access.
Lead flashing failure
Around the chimney stack and the abutment between roof and dormer. Often missed by the homeowner until water marks appear in the bedroom ceiling weeks later. Drone imagery is decisive for these because the failure is at flashing-lap height — invisible from the ground.
Lead valley splits
Cork's older terraces (1900–1940) have lead valleys that are reaching end-of-life. Storm damage often exposes a split that was about to fail anyway. We can usually argue the storm-triggered portion successfully — see our lead valley repair page for the technical detail.
Storm-uplifted flat roof
EPDM and felt flat roofs on extensions and bungalows take the brunt of Cork south-westerly gales. Where the bond has failed at the edge trim, we document and replace; full membrane replacements run €60–€110/m² in Cork in 2026.
Chimney pot dislodged or collapsed
Often comes with a knock-on of broken slates as the pot tumbles. Photo evidence has to show both — a partial claim that ignores the secondary slate damage gets the homeowner left short.
Tree-impact damage
Most Irish policies cover this under a separate clause. We document the tree, the point-of-impact, and any cascading damage to gutter, fascia, or attic structure.
If your claim is rejected
Second-opinion inspections and the appeal route
Common rejection reasons: pre-existing damage, wear and tear, wind speeds below threshold, insufficient documentation. We do paid second-opinion reports (€250 + VAT, refunded against the repair if the appeal succeeds and we do the work) with drone imagery and Met Éireann data. If the appeal still fails, every Irish policy holder has the right to escalate to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.
Storm damage in Cork?
Photo report and insurer-ready quote in 24h
Active leak? Ring now. Otherwise send a photo and we'll be on the roof tomorrow with the drone.