What to Do Before We Arrive
- Move furniture and electronics away from the leak and put down buckets or towels.
- If a ceiling is bulging with water, poke a small hole at the low point to drain it into a bucket; this can prevent a larger collapse.
- Turn off power to any wet light fixtures.
- Take photos and video of the damage inside and, safely from the ground, outside.
- Do not climb onto a wet or storm-damaged roof.
Our roof leak emergency checklist goes into more detail.
Why Roofs Here Spring Leaks
Central Mississippi roofs go through heavy rain, high humidity, intense summer heat that expands and contracts shingles, and spring storms that bring wind and sometimes hail. Common leak sources include lifted or missing shingles, cracked pipe boots, worn flashing at chimneys and walls, clogged valleys and damage from fallen limbs. Many leaks show up far from where water actually enters.
Our Emergency Repair Process
- Temporary protection: when conditions are safe, we tarp or seal the affected area to stop more water from getting in.
- Leak tracing: we inspect the roof and attic to find the true entry point rather than patching where the stain appeared.
- Permanent repair: we replace damaged shingles, flashing, boots or decking with materials that match your roof.
- Cleanup and review: we clear debris and walk you through what we found, with photos.
Help With Insurance Documentation
If a storm caused the leak, your homeowner's policy may cover some or all of the repair. We document damage with photos and written findings that you can share with your adjuster, and we can be present for the adjuster's inspection. Our article on whether insurance covers roof leaks explains what is usually covered. Live in Gluckstadt? See our Gluckstadt emergency roof repair page as well.
Common Questions
How do I schedule an emergency roof inspection in Ridgeland or Gluckstadt?
Call our office and describe the leak. We will arrange the earliest visit we can and advise you on protecting the interior in the meantime.
Will a tarp really stop the leak?
A properly secured tarp is a temporary fix that stops most water until a permanent repair can be made. It is not meant to stay up for long periods.
Do you help with roof leak insurance claims?
Yes. We document damage, provide written findings and photos and can meet with your adjuster. Coverage decisions are made by your insurance company.
How can I prevent future roof leaks?
Keep gutters and valleys clear, trim overhanging limbs and have the roof inspected after major storms and every year or two. Small problems like cracked boots are cheap to fix early.