What to Do When Your Roof Is Leaking

If water is entering your home or building, the first priority is limiting interior damage without putting yourself at risk.

Protect the Interior

Move belongings away from the affected area and use a container where practical. Keep people away from visibly damaged ceilings or electrical fixtures affected by water. Avoid climbing onto a wet or damaged roof yourself.

Document What You See

Note where dripping or staining appears, when it started and whether it followed recent rain. Photos of the interior symptom can help preserve what was visible even if the area dries before the roof is evaluated.

Do Not Assume the Stain Is the Entry Point

Water can move along decking or framing before becoming visible indoors. The roof area above a ceiling stain therefore may not be the exact place where water entered.

Move From Symptom to Diagnosis

The next step is identifying the likely source and surrounding condition. Depending on the roof, that may involve roofing material, flashing, valleys, penetrations, transitions or drainage. Review emergency roof leak repair, roof repair or roof inspection.