What to Do When Your Roof Starts Leaking

When a roof starts leaking, protect people first, move belongings away from the water, contain drips, photograph visible damage, and arrange an inspection as soon as conditions are safe. Do not climb onto a wet, icy, steep, or storm-damaged roof. The ceiling stain may not be directly below the entry point, so finding the source requires reviewing the roof and the path water may have traveled.

Limit additional damage without opening ceilings or touching electrical fixtures. If water is near lights, outlets, wiring, or a sagging ceiling, keep people away from the area and contact the appropriate emergency professional.

Do not walk on the roof during rain, snow, ice, high wind, or darkness. Avoid spreading roof cement over a large area without identifying the entry point; a rushed surface patch can hide conditions, trap moisture, or make the permanent repair harder to plan.

The inspection should consider roofing materials, valleys, flashing, vents, pipe boots, chimneys, wall transitions, penetrations, drainage, and visible attic or interior evidence when accessible. The goal is to connect the interior symptom to the likely exterior source and determine whether temporary protection, targeted repair, or broader work is appropriate.

Water can affect decking, insulation, fasteners, drywall, paint, and nearby finishes before a stain becomes large. Prompt inspection gives you a better chance to address the source while the affected area is still limited.