Finding water dripping from your ceiling or spotting a stain on your wall is never a pleasant experience. A roof leak demands quick action to prevent further damage, but don’t panic. Here’s exactly what to do when you discover a leak in your roof.
Stop the Water Damage Immediately
Your first priority is minimizing damage inside your home. Place buckets or containers under any active drips to catch water. If water is pooling on your ceiling and causing it to sag, carefully poke a small hole in the center of the bulge with a screwdriver to let water drain into a bucket. This prevents a larger ceiling collapse.
Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the affected area. If water is dripping near electrical outlets or fixtures, turn off power to that area at your circuit breaker.
Use towels or a wet-dry vacuum to soak up standing water on floors. The faster you remove water, the less damage it will cause to flooring, drywall, and framing.
Find the Source (If Safe)
If you can safely access your attic, go up with a flashlight and look for the source of the leak. Water often travels along rafters or roof decking before dripping down, so the leak in your ceiling might not be directly below the roof problem.
Look for water stains, wet insulation, or active dripping. This information helps your roofer locate and fix the problem quickly. Take photos if possible.
Never go on your roof yourself, especially if it’s wet, icy, or steep. This is extremely dangerous and best left to professionals.
Make Temporary Repairs (Only If Safe)
If you can reach the leak from inside your attic and it’s actively raining, you might place a bucket or tarp under the leak to protect your insulation and ceiling. From outside, you can sometimes cover a damaged area with a heavy-duty tarp secured with boards, but only if you can do this safely from the ground or a stable ladder.
Don’t attempt temporary repairs in bad weather, on steep roofs, or if you’re not comfortable with heights. Your safety matters more than preventing some water damage.
Document Everything
Take photos and videos of the leak, water damage, and any visible roof damage you can see from the ground. Document the date and weather conditions. This documentation is valuable for insurance claims and helps your roofer assess the problem.
Call a Professional Roofer
Contact a roofing contractor as soon as possible, even if you’ve stopped the immediate water intrusion. A roof leak won’t fix itself and will only get worse over time. What starts as a small leak can quickly lead to rot, mold, and structural damage.
At Alan Construction, we understand that leaks are emergencies. We respond quickly to assess damage and make necessary repairs. Even if the leak happens outside business hours, call and leave a message so we can prioritize your repair first thing in the morning.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If the leak is significant or caused by storm damage, contact your homeowner’s insurance company. Many policies cover sudden roof damage from storms, falling trees, or other unexpected events. However, leaks from poor maintenance or normal wear typically aren’t covered.
Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage. Keep all receipts for emergency repairs and documentation of the damage.
Prevent Future Leaks
Once your immediate leak is repaired, discuss preventive maintenance with your roofer. Regular inspections can catch small problems before they become leaks. Clear gutters, trim overhanging branches, and address minor shingle damage promptly to keep your roof in good condition.
When to Call Emergency Services
Call a professional roofer for leaks, but call emergency services if the leak causes dangerous conditions like electrical hazards, major structural damage, or ceiling collapse. Your safety always comes first.
Trust Experienced Professionals
A roof leak needs expert attention to fix properly and prevent recurrence. At Alan Construction, we provide thorough leak detection and permanent repairs that protect your home. We’ll identify the source, fix the damage, and make sure your roof is ready to handle Pittsburgh’s next storm.
If you’ve discovered a roof leak, contact Alan Construction at (412) 954-8337. We’ll respond quickly to assess your situation and get your roof back to protecting your home properly.
