What Should You Do When a Roof Leaks?
Put safety ahead of the roof
Keep people away from wet floors and any water near ceiling lights, fans or outlets. Do not touch light fixtures or the electrical panel if water is near them. Never climb onto the roof during rain, wind or lightning, and wait for the storm to pass.
Contain the water inside
Move furniture and electronics away from drips and set buckets or towels under them. If a ceiling bulges with water, keep people out of the room. Leave tarping to the roofing contractor.
Call a roofing contractor
Tell the contractor where water appears, when it started, whether it follows wind-driven rain or every shower, the roof's age and material, and any storm date. Take photos of stains and damage for your records and any insurance claim.
A slow roof leak can rot decking, soak insulation and stain ceilings over time. Read about storm-damaged roofs or call to reach a roofer.
Keep people away from wet floors and any water near ceiling lights, fans or outlets. Do not touch light fixtures or the electrical panel if water is near them. Never climb onto the roof during rain, wind or lightning, and wait for the storm to pass.
Contain the water inside
Move furniture and electronics away from drips and set buckets or towels under them. If a ceiling bulges with water, keep people out of the room. Leave tarping to the roofing contractor.
Call a roofing contractor
Tell the contractor where water appears, when it started, whether it follows wind-driven rain or every shower, the roof's age and material, and any storm date. Take photos of stains and damage for your records and any insurance claim.
A slow roof leak can rot decking, soak insulation and stain ceilings over time. Read about storm-damaged roofs or call to reach a roofer.