Roof Leak Emergency Guide: What to Do in the First 60 Minutes

Step 1: Contain the Water Damage

• Place a bucket directly under the drip
• Poke a small hole in a bulging ceiling to release trapped water safely
• Move furniture, electronics, and rugs away from the affected area
• Photograph everything for insurance documentation

Step 2: Find the Source (If Safe)

Water travels along rafters before dripping down — the visible drip is rarely directly under the actual roof puncture. In the attic, trace the wet trail upward with a flashlight. Common leak sources: cracked flashing around chimneys, lifted or missing shingles, damaged pipe boots, and clogged gutters causing ice damming.

Step 3: Call for Emergency Tarping

Do NOT climb on a wet or storm-damaged roof yourself. Our 24/7 emergency roofing crew can tarp your roof within 2 hours — this stops further water intrusion and gives insurance adjusters time to assess. Emergency tarping is often reimbursable through your homeowners policy.

Step 4: File Your Insurance Claim

Most policies require you to mitigate further damage (which is why tarping matters). Take dated photos, save every receipt, and contact your insurer within 72 hours. Our team documents the damage in the exact format adjusters need — improving approval rates by up to 40%.

Step 5: Choose the Right Repair vs. Replace

Roofs under 15 years old and with damage in a single area are usually repairable. Roofs 20+ years old or with widespread granule loss almost always warrant full replacement — patching them is throwing good money after bad. Our free inspection includes a written repair-or-replace recommendation with photo documentation.