Storm season checks for your garden bar: before, during and after the wind

Checked 10 November 2026, with the Met Office weather warnings page as the starting point for every storm decision. A garden bar rarely blows away. What usually happens is smaller and more annoying: a lifted strip of felt, a festoon line that snaps a fixing, a gazebo that ends up in the next garden, or a fence panel that comes down onto the bar.

Watch the warnings, then act early

The Met Office issues yellow, amber and red weather warnings for wind, rain and other hazards, based on both the likely impact and how likely it is. A warning a day or two out is the cue to do the jobs below in daylight, not at 11pm with a head torch. Sign up for alerts or check the warnings page before a weekend away.

Roofs and felt

Wind gets under loose edges and peels from there. Before the worst of winter:

• Check the felt or shingles along the eaves and verges for lifting, tears and missing nails or clout fixings.
• Make sure fascia and barge boards are tight; they hold the roof edge down.
• Clear gutters and the valley between a roof and any overhang so rain can get away.
• Look inside after rain for drips or damp stains, especially around the door frame.

Small repairs now save a soaked floor later. Our roof coverings guide compares felt, shingles and other options, and damp and ventilation covers what to do if water is already getting in.

Festoon lines and outdoor electrics

A festoon run is a sail in a gale. Take temporary runs down if a strong wind warning is issued. For permanent runs, check that each end is fixed to something solid, that a support wire carries the weight rather than the cable, and that the lights and connectors are rated for outdoor use.

Electrical Safety First advises RCD protection for outdoor equipment and checking for damage before use. After a storm, look for pulled connectors, cracked fittings or water inside lamp holders, and leave anything damaged switched off until a competent person has checked it. See festoon lights and IP ratings and power to a garden bar.

Gazebos, umbrellas and loose furniture

Pop-up gazebos and parasols are summer kit. If one is still up in November, fold it away before a wind warning, or at least take the canopy off. Stack lightweight chairs inside the bar, tie down or store cushions, and put away anything that could become a missile: signs, planters on a ledge, the chalkboard.

Fences and boundaries

A fence panel lifting out of its posts can land on the bar or a neighbour's car. Check that posts are firm, that panels sit snugly and that climbing plants are not turning a fence into a sail. If a shared fence comes down, talk to the neighbour before anyone starts repairs; GOV.UK has advice on resolving neighbour disputes, and the Planning Portal explains the height limits that apply to fences and walls if you are replacing one. Our privacy screens guide covers boundary options.

The walk-round after a storm

Wait until the wind has properly dropped and it is light, then:

1. Look at the roof from the ground first. Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof.
2. Check the door and windows still close properly; a frame that has twisted may point to a base or fixing problem.
3. Look inside for water, especially under windows and along the floor edges.
4. Check every cable and outdoor fitting before switching on.
5. Photograph any damage before you tidy up, in case you need to make an insurance claim. See garden bar insurance.

Pick a dry day this week, walk round the bar with a notepad and fix the first loose fixing you find.