Firefighters were called to reports of a metal structure in a precarious position on the roof of a residential building on East India Dock Road in Poplar.
On arrival, firefighters found roof panels had fallen from the top of the building and remaining roof panels were unsecure. There were no reports of any injuries.
Station Commander Matt Leaver, who was at the scene said: "A metal panel, measuring approximately 1.8 metres in length, had fallen to the pavement before firefighters arrived.
"This was a challenging incident due to the windy conditions crews were working in.
"Firefighters implemented line operations and used ropes to safely work at height and make the scene safe. A 50-metre cordon was put in place as a precaution."
The Brigade was called at 1259 and the incident was over for firefighters by 1628. Two fire engines from Poplar and Greenwich fire stations and two fire rescue units from Paddington and Bexley fire stations attended the scene.