What to Do When Your Roof Starts Leaking Right Now

You’re sitting in your living room when you hear it—that dreaded drip, drip, drip. Or worse, you see water streaming down your wall. Your heart races because you know this isn’t just an inconvenience. A roof leak is happening, and every second counts.

I’ve talked to dozens of homeowners who froze in panic during their first roof leak. Don’t be one of them. Here’s exactly what you need to do, step by step, to minimize damage and protect your home.

Stop the Water From Destroying Your Belongings

First things first: grab every bucket, pot, and container you can find. Place them directly under the leak to catch the water. If water is pooling on your ceiling and creating a bulge, you actually need to puncture it. Yes, I’m serious.

Use a screwdriver to poke a small hole at the lowest point of the bulge. This releases the water in a controlled way instead of letting your entire ceiling collapse. It sounds counterintuitive, but it works.

Move furniture, electronics, and anything valuable away from the leak zone. Water spreads faster than you think, and your hardwood floors or expensive rug won’t thank you for hesitating.

Find Where the Water Is Actually Coming In

Here’s something most people don’t realize: the spot where you see water inside isn’t usually where it’s entering. Water travels along rafters and beams before dripping down. You might see a stain in your bedroom, but the actual leak could be ten feet away.

If it’s safe and you can access your attic, go up there with a flashlight. Look for:

• Wet insulation or wood
• Daylight coming through holes
• Dark streaks or water stains on rafters
• Moisture around chimneys or vents

Take photos of everything you find. You’ll need these for insurance claims later.

Contain the Damage While You Can

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If the leak is near light fixtures, outlets, or your electrical panel, shut off power to that area at your breaker box. Don’t take chances with this one.

Use towels to soak up standing water on floors. Wring them out and repeat. The faster you remove water, the less chance you have of mold growing in your walls. Mold can start developing within 24-48 hours in the right conditions.

Open windows if weather permits to increase air circulation. Set up fans to help dry out wet areas. If you have a dehumidifier, now’s the time to use it.

Make Temporary Repairs That Actually Help

Can you safely get on your roof? If it’s not raining, icy, or dangerous, you might be able to make a quick temporary fix. Look for obvious problems like:

• Missing or damaged shingles
• Holes or punctures in the roofing material
• Gaps around flashing near chimneys or vents

For small holes, roofing cement or tar can provide a temporary seal. Apply it generously and smooth it out. For larger areas or missing shingles, a tarp secured with boards and nails might be your best option until professionals arrive.

But here’s the reality: if you’re not comfortable on a roof, don’t go up there. A hospital bill costs way more than calling an emergency roofing service.

Call in the Professionals Before It Gets Worse

Once you’ve done what you can, contact a roofing contractor. Many offer 24/7 emergency services because they know leaks don’t wait for business hours. Get multiple quotes if possible, but in a true emergency, your first priority is stopping further damage.

While waiting for the roofer, document everything. Take photos and videos of the leak, the damage inside, and any repairs you made. Write down when you first noticed the leak and what the weather was like. Your insurance company will want all these details.

What Your Insurance Needs to Know

Call your homeowner’s insurance as soon as possible. Most policies cover sudden roof leaks from storms or unexpected damage, but they might not cover leaks from poor maintenance. Be honest about the situation.

Your insurer will probably send an adjuster to assess the damage. Don’t throw away any damaged materials until they’ve seen them. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs or supplies you bought.

According to insurance claim data on Reddit’s homeowners community, acting fast and documenting everything significantly improves claim approval rates.

Prevention Tips Nobody Tells You About

Once you’ve survived this leak, you don’t want another one. Schedule regular roof inspections—at least once a year, preferably twice. Spring and fall are ideal times.

Keep your gutters clean. Clogged gutters force water back up under your shingles, creating leaks where none existed before. Trim tree branches that hang over your roof. They drop debris and can puncture shingles during storms.

Check your attic periodically for signs of moisture. Catching a small leak early can save you thousands in repairs. Look for water stains, musty smells, or damp insulation.

The Bottom Line on Roof Emergencies

A roof leak feels overwhelming in the moment, but you can handle it. Move fast to contain the water, document the damage, and get professional help. The homeowners who panic and do nothing end up with the biggest repair bills.

Your roof protects everything else in your home. Treat a leak like the emergency it is, and you’ll minimize damage and costs. And once it’s fixed? Don’t skip those preventive maintenance checks. Future you will be grateful.