Roof Leaking After Heavy Rain: What To Do Next
Catch the water, move your things, take photos, and get the roof inspected. Do not climb up on a wet roof.
Do this first, from inside
Your job right now is to protect the house, not to fix the roof. Every one of these steps is safe to do from inside.
- Put a bucket under the drip and a towel around it.
- Move furniture, rugs and electronics out of the way.
- If the ceiling is bulging, poke a small hole at the low point so the water drains into your bucket instead of collapsing the plaster.
- Take photos and a short video with the date showing. This helps later.
- Shut off power to that room if water is anywhere near a light or outlet.
Why the leak stops when the rain stops
A dry stain does not mean a fixed roof. It only means the rain stopped. The opening is still there, and the wood under it keeps getting wet in every storm.
Water also travels. It can run sideways along a rafter for several feet before it drips. That is why the wet spot on your ceiling is usually not under the hole.
What a roofer checks
A real inspection looks at the roof and the attic, not just the ceiling.
- Flashing at the chimney, skylights, dormers and walls.
- Valleys where two roof slopes meet.
- Pipe boots and vents, which crack with age.
- Missing, cracked or lifted shingles.
- Attic wood for dark stains and soft spots, and insulation that is packed down and wet.
Be careful who you call
Some crews quote a whole new roof before they find the leak. If nobody looked in your attic and nobody showed you a photo of the problem, you do not have an answer yet — you have a sales pitch.
Questions people ask
Is a leaking roof an emergency?
It is urgent if water is running in, near electric, or soaking a ceiling. Then call instead of filling out a form. A small stain from last week can wait a few days.
Can I just use roof sealant myself?
Sealant on the wrong spot hides the problem and makes the real repair harder. Wet roofs are also very slippery. Stay off.
Does insurance cover it?
Storm damage is often covered. A leak from plain old age usually is not. Your photos help either way.
How we can help
Ceiling stains, drips and damp attics all start small. We find the real source of the leak and fix it the right way.