Immediate Steps: The First 30 Minutes
- Move everything out of the affected area. Furniture, rugs, electronics, and valuables. Water damage to contents can exceed roof repair costs.
- Contain the water. Place buckets, pots, or large containers to catch dripping water. Use plastic sheeting or tarps to protect floors and furniture you cannot move.
- Check the ceiling for bulging. If you see a ceiling bulging or discolored, there is water pooling above the drywall. Create a small relief hole with a nail or screwdriver — this lets water drain in a controlled drip rather than causing a sudden ceiling collapse.
- Shut off electricity in the affected area if water is dripping near or through light fixtures, outlets, or ceiling fans. Water and electricity are a serious safety hazard.
- Photograph everything before you clean up. Ceiling stains, wet insulation in the attic if accessible, damaged belongings, and the exterior if visible. This documentation is essential for insurance.
During an Active Storm: What Not to Do
- Do not go on the roof during rain. Wet surfaces are extremely slippery and the risk of fall is high.
- Do not try to repair the roof from the outside during a storm — any material you apply will not seal properly on a wet surface.
- Do not apply roofing cement from inside the attic — this does not stop the leak from the source and makes professional diagnosis harder later.
After the Rain Stops: Temporary Protection
Once weather clears enough to safely work:
- Install a heavy-duty polyethylene tarp over the damaged area. Extend it over the ridge and secure with wood battens — not just sandbags, which blow away.
- Keep all receipts for emergency materials. Most homeowner insurance policies reimburse emergency protective measures when a claim is filed.
- If you cannot safely access the roof, call a roofing contractor or emergency response company for tarp installation.
Calling Your Insurance Company
Report the claim to your insurer promptly. Most policies have a "prompt notice" requirement:
- Call to report the event even before you have full documentation — you can add documentation as you gather it
- Get a claim number and write down every name and date of your communications
- Ask about emergency protection reimbursement and what documentation they need
- Do not permit permanent repairs until after the adjuster inspects — temporary protection is different from permanent repair
Related: Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Roof Insurance Claim
Drying Out to Prevent Mold
Once active water intrusion is stopped, drying out begins immediately:
- Run fans and a dehumidifier continuously in the affected area
- Remove wet insulation from the attic if accessible and safe to do so
- If ceilings or walls are saturated, professional water mitigation services can prevent mold that otherwise develops within 24-48 hours
- Document moisture levels if possible — moisture meters are inexpensive and provide evidence for insurance adjusters
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first when my roof starts leaking?
Move belongings out. Place containers to catch water. Make a small relief hole in a bulging ceiling. Shut off electricity near water. Photograph everything before cleanup.
Is a small roof leak an emergency?
Yes. Even a minor active leak can saturate insulation, damage drywall, and create mold within 24-48 hours. All active leaks should be addressed promptly by a licensed contractor.
Can I use roofing cement to stop a leak temporarily?
Roofing cement can slow water entry as a temporary measure in dry conditions. It is not a permanent fix. Do not apply from inside the attic as it masks the source and complicates professional repair.
Get Emergency Roof Help
This page is for general informational purposes only. Do not access a wet or storm-damaged roof without proper safety equipment. If water is near electrical systems, contact an electrician before accessing affected areas. Consult a licensed roofing contractor for professional repair.