What to do after a roof leak

In the first hour

1. Stay safe. If the ceiling is sagging or bulging, keep people and pets out from under it. If water is near light fixtures or outlets, switch off that circuit at the breaker, but only if you can reach the panel without standing in water.
2. Catch the water. Use buckets, towels and plastic sheeting. Move furniture, electronics and rugs.
3. Leave a bulging ceiling to a professional. It can hold a lot of water and come down suddenly.
4. Take photos and notes. Record the ceiling, walls, floor and anything damaged, with the date and time.

What not to do

• Do not climb onto the roof in rain or wind, or while it is wet.
• Do not walk on a tile roof; tiles break underfoot.
• Do not caulk random spots from outside. It rarely fixes the cause and can hide it.
• Do not wait for the next storm to see whether it happens again.

The next day or two

1. Call a licensed roofer to find and fix the source. Water often travels before it appears, so the leak is rarely right above the stain.
2. If you plan to file an insurance claim, contact your insurance company early and keep receipts for any temporary repairs.
3. Dry the area. Fans and a dehumidifier help. Wet insulation and drywall may need to come out to dry properly.

Watch for hidden damage

A leak that ran for weeks before you noticed it can leave wet insulation, stained decking and the start of mold in the attic. If you see or smell mold, consider a qualified mold professional for that part of the job.

Questions to ask your roofer

• Where exactly was the water getting in?
• What caused it, and is it likely to happen elsewhere on the roof?
• Is this a repair, or is the roof near the end of its life?
• Does the repair need a permit?

More about roof leak repair