Ale dirèk nan kontni an

Roof leak: what to do right now

Water coming through a ceiling can ruin a room quickly and can reach wiring. This page helps you protect people and belongings, make a safe temporary fix, and get the roof repaired.

Do this now

  1. Move people and pets out from under any sagging, bulging, or dripping ceiling.
  2. If water is near lights, outlets, or the ceiling fixtures, switch off the power to that area at the breaker, if you can reach the panel while staying dry.
  3. Put buckets or tubs under drips, and move furniture, rugs, and electronics out of the way.
  4. Take photos and video of the damage before you move or throw away anything.
  5. Call your insurer and a roofer. Do not go onto the roof if it is wet, steep, or windy.

Stay safe inside

A ceiling that holds water can fall without warning. Stay out from under a bulge or a sag, and keep children and pets away.

If a ceiling bulges with water, you may be able to release it in a controlled way. Place a bucket under the bulge, stand to the side, and poke a small hole in the lowest point with a screwdriver. Water will run out into the bucket. Do not do this if the ceiling looks ready to collapse, or if lights or wiring are in the wet area.

... danger "Water and electricity" Water dripping through light fixtures, fans, or outlets can make them live. Do not touch a wet fixture or switch, and do not stand in water near them. Turn off the breaker for the area if you can do it safely, or call an electrician or your utility.

Contain the water

Wet building materials start to grow mold within a day or two, so act quickly.

  • Catch drips with buckets, pots, or tubs, and empty them often
  • Lay towels or plastic sheets under the leak
  • Lift furniture off wet floors, and put foil or plastic under the legs
  • Move electronics, papers, and valuables to a dry room
  • Open windows and run fans and a dehumidifier once the leak is under control
  • Keep a rough note of the time the leak started and stopped

A temporary cover for the roof

A temporary cover is a stopgap, not a repair. Roofs are dangerous places, and falls from roofs and ladders injure many people.

... warning "Do not go on a wet, steep, or storm swept roof" Never climb on a roof during rain, wind, ice, or lightning, or if the roof is steep, high, or damaged. A fall can kill you. If you are not sure, wait and call a roofer or your insurer.

If the weather has cleared, the roof is low and dry, and you are comfortable working at height with someone holding the ladder, you may be able to cover the damaged area. Heavy plastic sheeting or a waterproof tarp, held down with battens or boards and fixed carefully, is the usual method. A tarp is a short term cover only, so arrange a permanent repair as soon as possible.

Many insurers will send an approved company to cover a roof. In some disasters, governments run temporary roofing programs. Ask your insurer and local officials first, because their help may be free or covered, and professional crews have the right equipment.

Find where the leak starts

Water often travels along beams and rafters before it drips, so the leak you see may be some distance from the hole. Check the attic, if you can reach it safely, for wet insulation or stained wood. Do this from the attic, not from the roof.

Common causes include missing or lifted tiles or shingles, damaged flashing around chimneys and vents, clogged gutters, and storm damage. Do not guess at the cause and begin a repair at height. Describe what you see to the roofer.

Document for insurance

Insurers often ask for proof of the damage and the date it began.

  • Photograph and film the ceiling, walls, floor, belongings, and the roof from the ground
  • Keep damaged items until the insurer has seen them, unless they are unsafe
  • Save receipts for buckets, tarps, drying equipment, and emergency repairs
  • Write down when you noticed the leak and who you called

Policies differ by country and by cause. Many cover water from a sudden storm opening in the roof but not from long term wear. Read your policy and ask your insurer what it covers and how long you have to make a claim.

Call a roofer

Call a licensed roofer for the repair. Ask for a written quote, and check licenses, insurance, and reviews. Be careful with anyone who knocks on your door after a storm and asks for payment in advance.