The 5 Things You Should Do When Your Roof Starts Leaking

A leaking roof can quickly become chaotic and result in significant loss to your property and belongings. Water seeping into your home can cause structural damage, ruin furniture, and even lead to mold growth if left unchecked.
The good news is that you can minimize the damage by acting fast and knowing exactly what steps to take.
In this article, we’ll cover the five essential actions you should consider as soon as you notice a leak. Whether it’s a small drip or a more serious issue, these steps can help you protect your home and buy yourself some time until professional repairs can be made.
What to Do Immediately When You Discover a Roof Leak
1. Contain the Water to Prevent Further Damage
After noticing a leak, the first step is to manage the water flow and prevent it from spreading. Place buckets, containers, or waterproof bins under the leak to catch the water. If the leak is particularly severe, consider using towels or old blankets around the base of the container to prevent water from splashing onto the floor. Tarping a leaky roof is another effective temporary solution to contain water while you wait for professional repairs.
Try to estimate the flow, as this can help you know how often to empty the containers.
2. Identify the Source of the Leak – Even If It’s Not Obvious
Identifying the source of a leak early is essential for fixing the issue and providing accurate information to any repair professionals you may call. However, roof leaks are often deceptive, with water traveling along beams, insulation, or piping before it becomes visible.
Start by checking your attic if you have one; look for any signs of moisture or discoloration on the underside of the roof deck. Use a flashlight to examine tricky spots and inspect areas around chimneys, vents, and joints where roofing materials meet.
3. Remove or Protect Belongings in the Affected Area
One of the worst outcomes of a roof leak is damage to your personal belongings. If the leak is in a common living area, quickly move any furniture, electronics, or valuables out of the way. For larger or immovable items, such as beds or cabinets, cover them with thick plastic sheeting or waterproof tarps to protect them from potential drips.
Also, make sure to lift rugs or carpets that are in the affected area to prevent mold or water stains from forming.
4. Relieve Water Pressure by Puncturing the Bulge Safely
When water pools on a ceiling, it can create a noticeable bulge, especially if the leak has been active for some time. As counterintuitive as it may seem, you should relieve the water pressure by carefully puncturing the bulge.
Leaving it unchecked could lead to a more significant ceiling collapse, causing extensive damage. Use a screwdriver or similar tool to puncture a small hole at the center of the bulge, letting the water drain into a container below.

5. Call a Roofing Specialist and Document the Damage for Insurance
Once you’ve managed the immediate crisis, it’s time to bring in a professional roofer to assess and repair the damage. Before you make the call, document the situation thoroughly for insurance purposes. Take photos and videos of any visible leaks, water damage to your belongings, or structural issues in the ceiling.
Don’t Ignore Roof Leaks
Noticing a leaky roof can put you in a state of panic. It’s easy to get carried away because of the dangers of a massive leak. Taking quick, practical steps can prevent it from turning into a bigger problem. First, try to contain the leak by placing buckets or tarps in the affected area to minimize water damage. Then, inspect the situation and consider whether a temporary fix, such as sealing small holes, is feasible until professional help can arrive. If roof access is necessary, be sure to use appropriate roof hatch selection tips to ensure you choose a safe and durable hatch for easy and secure entry to the rooftop.
Start by containing the water to limit immediate damage, then do your best to locate the source of the leak. Move or cover any belongings at risk and, if necessary, relieve the pressure from ceiling bulges to avoid a sudden collapse. Once the initial emergency is managed, contact a roofing professional to handle repairs and document the damage thoroughly for any insurance claims for the home.