My roof is leaking — what should I do right now?
If your roof is leaking, work inside first: move furniture and valuables clear, put down a bucket and towels to catch the water, and if the ceiling is bulging with trapped water, poke a small hole at the low point to drain it into a bucket before it collapses on its own. Don't climb onto a wet roof. Then photograph everything and call a roofer for a documented inspection — the sooner the source is found, the less it spreads.
Do this first — inside
- Move furniture, electronics, and valuables out from under the leak.
- Catch the water with a bucket, and lay towels to protect the floor.
- If the ceiling is sagging or bulging, drain it: poke a small hole at the lowest point so the trapped water empties into a bucket instead of collapsing the drywall.
- Cut power to any circuit near the leak if water is reaching light fixtures or outlets.
- Photograph the damage — ceiling, walls, and any belongings — before you clean up.
What not to do
- Don't climb onto a wet or storm-damaged roof — it's the most common way people get hurt after a leak.
- Don't ignore a small stain and hope it dries — water travels, and the damage keeps spreading in the deck and insulation.
- Don't assume the leak is right above the drip; water often runs along rafters and shows up feet away from its real entry point.
Then get it documented
Once the immediate mess is contained, the priority is finding where the water is actually getting in. We come out, photograph the roof slope by slope, and give you a written report of the source and the fix — and if you have an active leak or a claim deadline, tell us and we'll prioritize the visit.
Related questions
Should I go up on the roof to cover the leak myself?
No. A wet or damaged roof is dangerous, and a tarp placed wrong can channel water somewhere worse. Contain the water inside, stay off the roof, and let a pro tarp it safely if needed.
Will insurance cover a roof leak?
It depends on the cause. Sudden, storm-caused damage is often covered; leaks from age or deferred maintenance usually aren't. We document the damage to the standard adjusters expect so you can have an informed conversation with your insurer — we don't file the claim for you.
Why is the leak showing up far from where the roof is damaged?
Water follows the path of least resistance — it can run along a rafter or the top of the drywall and drip well away from where it entered. That's why finding the true source takes an up-close look, not a guess from the ceiling stain.
How fast can you come out for an active leak?
Tell us it's active and we'll prioritize it. Most inspections are booked within 48 hours, and active leaks and claim deadlines move to the front.