Roof leaking now: how to contain it until the roofer comes

What to do, in order

1. Move belongings, then contain: plastic sheet + buckets. For a bulging ceiling bulge: puncture the lowest point with a screwdriver and catch the water — a stretched ceiling lets go all at once.
2. Find the entry if you can from the attic: wet insulation, water tracks on sheathing. Photograph everything (insurance later).
3. Do NOT walk a wet or steep roof. If it's low-slope and dry, a DIY tarp anchored with capped nails (never staples) buys weeks — over-extend 4 ft past the damage on the uphill side.
4. Photograph roof damage from the ground: binoculars + zoom. Contractor and insurer both want these.
5. Call roofers with photos ready — post-storm, the crews with integrity book out days, the ones with open schedules are often the ones to avoid.

Red flags — stop and call a pro

• Sagging ceiling across a large area — structural water load: clear the room, then drain it
• Active electrical fixtures near the wet zone — kill that circuit first
• Storm still active — nobody should be on any roof; interior containment only

Prevention

Annual ground-level photo survey of your roof (shingles, flashing boots, gutters) so post-storm comparisons are possible, and trim overhanging branches before storm season.

This guide is maintained by the ee.ltd editorial team — reviewed for 2026. Browse all home repair guides or compare roofing costs.

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• Wind damaged shingles: the 72-hour checklist for insurance
• Gutters overflowing: 4 root causes (it's not always leaves)

What this repair typically costs

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• Roof inspection cost guide