Emergencies
What to Do When Your Roof Leaks
Updated · Sabine Crest editorial
1. Contain the water
Buckets, towels and plastic sheeting over furniture. If the ceiling is bulging, a small screwdriver hole in the center lets water drain into a bucket instead of bringing the drywall down.
2. Check the attic
If you can safely reach the attic, look for wet insulation and a water trail along the decking or rafters. Put a bucket or tray under active drips.
3. Document it
Photograph the ceiling, the attic, and any shingles or debris in the yard. Note the date and weather. This helps with any insurance claim.
4. Get the source found
The stain is rarely under the hole. Roof leak repair starts by tracing water back to flashing, a pipe boot, a valley or lifted shingles.
What a roofer checks first
Most leaks start at a penetration or joint, not in the middle of the shingles: pipe boots, flashing at walls and chimneys, valleys, and skylights. A roofer traces the stain back uphill from where it shows inside, because water often runs along decking or rafters before it drips. Expect photos of the source and a written repair scope before work starts.
What to Do When Your Roof Leaks: follow-up questions
Should I get on the roof to find the leak?
No. Wet shingles are slippery and storm-damaged decking can give way. Contain the water inside and let a roofer inspect it.
Can a leak be fixed in the rain?
Usually only a temporary fix, such as a tarp. Permanent repairs need a dry roof so sealants and shingles bond properly.
Every home differs; editorial standards.