Roof Leak Emergency Repair

What should you do first?

Protect people and property from the inside. Move furniture and valuables away from the leak, put buckets or tubs under drips and lay towels around them. If the ceiling is bulging with water, carefully poke a small hole to let it drain into a bucket, standing clear of the spot, since the weight of water can bring down the ceiling.

If water is near light fixtures, outlets or the electrical panel, turn off the power to that area from the breaker if you can do so safely, and call an electrician.

• Move items away from the leak
• Catch water with buckets and towels
• Relieve a bulging ceiling from a safe position
• Turn off power if water is near electrical parts

Why is the roof itself dangerous?

Never go onto a wet, icy or steep roof. Falls from roofs are a serious cause of injury, and a storm leaves slippery surfaces, wind and loose material. Do not use a ladder in wind or on soft ground, and do not work alone.

If the roof can only be reached by climbing, call a roofer or a tarp service. If you must look, do it from the ground with binoculars or from inside the attic with a light.

Can you make a temporary fix?

Sometimes. A properly secured tarp can keep water out until a roofer arrives, but putting it up is dangerous and should be done only in calm, dry conditions and with proper safety equipment, and often by a professional. In the attic, you may be able to catch drips and move insulation out of the way.

Ask the roofing contractor or your insurance company how to make a temporary repair that does not void a claim. Keep receipts for any emergency work.

If water is coming in fast and nobody can get to the roof, moving things and containing water is still worth doing. A wet-dry vacuum or mop and bucket will keep floors from warping.

How do you document damage and handle insurance?

Take photos and video of the leak, the damage inside, and the roof from the ground. Note the date and time, and keep damaged items until the adjuster has seen them, unless they are a health hazard. Call your insurance company promptly and ask about the claim process.

Policies differ on what is covered and what the owner must do. Read yours or ask your agent. Be careful with contractors who go door to door after storms, and ask your state attorney general or consumer office how to check for fraud.

• Photos and video of all damage
• Dated notes and receipts
• Early call to your insurer
• Written estimates from licensed contractors

Who should do the permanent repair?

Choose a licensed and insured roofer when your state or county requires it, and get more than one estimate when you can. Ask for a written contract, the scope of work, the schedule and the warranty. Do not pay the full price up front.

Ask neighbors, your local building department or your county extension office for guidance on finding reliable contractors. Do not choose based on price alone.

Ask whether the contractor carries insurance for workers on your property, and make sure you have a written agreement about cleanup and debris removal.

How do you prevent mold and hidden damage?

Wet insulation, drywall and wood can grow mold within days if they stay wet. Dry out the space with fresh air and fans, remove soaked materials and check the attic and walls for moisture. The CDC and EPA have information on mold cleanup.

If anyone in the home has asthma or allergies, take extra care. Consult your doctor or county health department about health concerns.

How do you plan for the next storm?

Check the roof each spring and fall from the ground, look for missing shingles, damaged flashing and sagging, and clear gutters and debris. Trim limbs that hang over the roof. Keep tarps, buckets and flashlights in one place.

Know your roofer's number and your insurance policy number, and keep them together with your photos of the roof in good condition. These make a claim much easier.

Photograph the roof while it is in good condition so you have a baseline to show an adjuster.

• Inspect twice a year from the ground
• Clear gutters and trim overhanging limbs
• Keep buckets, tarps and lights ready
• Store insurance details with photos of the roof

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.