Roof Leak? What to Do Right Now

If water is actively dripping or flowing, your first priority is to contain it:

• Place buckets or trash cans under the drip. Use multiple containers if the water is spreading. Put a towel in the bottom of each container to reduce splashing noise and catch small drips.
• Protect floors and furniture. Move furniture away from the leak area. If you can't move something, cover it with plastic sheeting or tarps. Place towels or a tarp on the floor to catch overflow.
• If water is spreading across the ceiling: A growing bulge in the ceiling drywall means water is pooling above. Carefully poke a small hole in the center of the bulge with a screwdriver to release the water into a bucket. This prevents the ceiling from collapsing and causing a larger mess. Don't worry about the small hole — it's far easier to patch than a collapsed ceiling.

Quickly remove or protect anything that water could damage:

• Electronics, computers, and chargers
• Important documents, photos, and artwork
• Furniture, rugs, and curtains
• Clothing and bedding

If the leak is in a room with expensive or irreplaceable items, prioritize moving those first. Don't risk injury by trying to move heavy furniture alone — cover it with plastic instead.

If water is near any electrical fixtures — light fixtures, ceiling fans, outlets, or switches — turn off the circuit at the breaker box. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.

Don't touch electrical fixtures or switches with wet hands. If the leak is near your electrical panel, don't enter the area — call an electrician or your utility company.

If water has reached any electrical outlets or appliances, don't use them until they've been inspected by an electrician. Electrical components that have been wet may need replacement even if they appear to work.

Before you do any cleanup, document the damage for insurance:

• Take photos and videos of the water intrusion, the source if visible, and all damaged areas
• Note the date and time you discovered the leak
• Describe what you did to mitigate damage
• Keep any damaged items until your insurance claim is settled
• Save receipts for any emergency repairs or supplies

Call your homeowner's insurance company to report the claim as soon as possible. Most policies cover sudden roof leaks (from storms or other covered events) but may not cover damage from gradual deterioration or lack of maintenance. Your insurance adjuster will need to see the damage before repairs begin, so document thoroughly.

Call a professional roofing contractor as soon as you've contained the water. When you call, describe:

• What you're seeing (active drip, water stain, bulging ceiling)
• When you first noticed it
• Whether it's raining or has recently rained
• Whether you've had roof work or inspections recently
• Any visible exterior damage you noticed

Ask about emergency tarping services. Many roofing companies offer emergency tarping to temporarily cover the damaged area and prevent further water entry. This typically costs $200–$800 depending on the size and accessibility of the area.

Don't climb on the roof yourself, especially in wet or windy conditions. Roof falls are one of the most common serious home maintenance injuries. Let a professional handle it.

Once the water is contained and a roofer is on the way, start the drying process to prevent mold:

• Remove standing water: Use towels, a wet/dry vacuum, or a mop. Don't use a regular household vacuum — it's not designed for water and can electrocute you.
• Move air: Set up fans to circulate air in the affected area. Open windows if weather permits.
• Use dehumidifiers: If you have one, run a dehumidifier to pull moisture from the air and materials.
• Remove wet materials: Wet carpet padding, insulation, and ceiling tiles should be removed and dried or replaced. These materials harbor mold if left wet.
• Check for hidden moisture: Water can travel along rafters and show up far from the actual entry point. Check nearby ceilings, walls, and the attic for dampness.

Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours on wet materials. Thorough drying is essential to prevent a mold problem that would require professional remediation.

Avoid these mistakes that can make the situation worse:

• Don't climb on the roof: Wet roofs are extremely slippery. Leave roof work to professionals with proper safety equipment.
• Don't ignore a small leak: Even a slow drip can cause significant damage over time. A leak that appears small from inside may be much larger on the roof.
• Don't use chemical sealants as a permanent fix: Emergency sealants can help temporarily but should never replace proper repair. They can also make the eventual professional repair more difficult.
• Don't wait to call insurance: Delayed reporting can give the insurer grounds to deny your claim.
• Don't assume the leak is directly above the water stain: Water travels along roof surfaces and rafters. The actual entry point may be several feet away from where the water appears inside.