What to Do When Your Roof Springs a Leak During a Storm

Few things are more stressful than discovering water dripping from your ceiling during a storm. Whether it’s a slow, steady drip or full-on water pouring in, acting fast can make a huge difference in preventing further damage to your home.

While calling a professional roofer is the only true long-term solution, there are several smart, immediate steps you can take to protect your home and minimize the damage until help arrives.

Step 1: Stop More Water from Getting Inside

The very first priority? Keep as much water out of your home as possible. If the weather allows and it’s safe to do so, covering the leak from the outside with a heavy-duty tarp is your best line of defense.

How to Tarp Your Roof the Right Way:

1. Choose the right material — Look for a waterproof, heavy-duty tarp that’s large enough to cover the damaged area plus a few feet on all sides.
2. Secure it properly — Use nails, wood planks, sandbags, or even heavy bricks to anchor the tarp securely and prevent it from blowing away.
3. Create a slope for drainage — Angle the tarp so rainwater can flow off easily rather than pooling on top (pooled water adds unnecessary weight and stress to your already-damaged roof).

Important Safety Note: If conditions are dangerous — high winds, heavy rain, lightning, or icy surfaces — do NOT attempt to go on your roof. Stay safely indoors and focus on containing the leak from the inside until a roofing professional can take over.

Step 2: Control the Water Inside Your Home

If you can’t get to the roof (or until you can), the next step is managing the water that’s already getting in.

Inside Leak Control Tips:

Relieve ceiling pressure — If water is collecting and creating a bulge in your ceiling, carefully poke a small hole in the lowest point to allow the water to drain into a bucket. This can prevent a much larger, uncontrolled ceiling collapse.

• Place buckets, trash cans, or large bowls directly under the leak to catch dripping water.
• Use towels or old blankets around the area to soak up any splashes or overflow.
• Move furniture, rugs, and valuables away from the leak zone to prevent water damage.

Step 3: Locate the Source (If Possible)

Remember: Where you see water isn’t always where the leak starts. Water can travel along rafters, beams, or insulation before showing up in a different location inside your home.

Tracking Down the Leak:

• Look for daylight — In the daytime, small rays of light peeking through roof boards can signal where water might be getting in.

• Check your attic for damp insulation, water stains, or active drips.

• Follow any visible water trails upward to the highest point.

Step 4: Look for Obvious Exterior Damage

If you can safely get a good view from the ground or a sturdy ladder, look for:

• Overflowing or clogged gutters forcing water back under the shingles
• Missing, cracked, or lifted shingles
• Damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights
• Debris on the roof that could have caused damage

Step 5: Temporary Roof Repairs (If Safe)

If weather permits and you feel comfortable:

• Clear out gutters and downspouts to prevent water from backing up.
• Reattach loose shingles with roofing nails or roofing cement.
• Cover missing shingles with a tarp or even a flat sheet of metal as a temporary patch.
• Apply roof sealant or waterproof caulking to small gaps around flashing or vents.

Tip: Keeping your gutters clean is one of the easiest ways to prevent roof leaks year-round — especially during heavy rain or storms.

Final Step: Call a Professional Roofer ASAP

Temporary fixes can help buy you some time — but they’re not a permanent solution. The longer a leak goes unaddressed, the more expensive the repairs are likely to be.

A licensed roofing professional can:

• Perform a thorough inspection
• Identify the full extent of the damage
• Repair or replace damaged shingles, flashing, or decking
• Help with insurance claims (if applicable)
• Ensure your roof is fully sealed and storm-ready moving forward

Quick Checklist for Handling a Roof Leak During a Storm

• Contain the water inside your home
• Cover the roof with a tarp (if safe)
• Locate the source of the leak
• Clear gutters and downspouts
• Call a roofing professional

Don’t Wait Until It Gets Worse

Roof leaks rarely fix themselves — and the longer you wait, the more potential there is for costly repairs like mold, structural damage, or ruined drywall.

If you’re dealing with a roof leak — big or small — give us a call today. We’ll get your roof (and your peace of mind) restored in no time.