What to Do When Your Roof Leaks in a Storm
There are few things more stressful than watching water drip from your ceiling during a heavy rainstorm. While you can't fix the roof until the storm passes, taking immediate action inside can save your home from thousands of dollars in water damage.
1. Contain the Water
Your immediate priority is protecting the interior of your home. Grab buckets, garbage cans, or large pots and place them under the active leak. If water is splashing out of the bucket, pin a string to the ceiling where the water is dripping and let it hang down into the bucket; the water will travel down the string, preventing splashes.
2. Move Valuables and Furniture
Clear the area immediately under and around the leak. Move electronics, furniture, and rugs. If furniture is too heavy to move, cover it with plastic drop cloths or tarps.
3. Relieve the Water Pressure
This sounds counterintuitive, but if you see a bulge forming in your ceiling drywall, it means water is pooling above it. If left alone, the entire ceiling could collapse, causing massive damage. Take a screwdriver or an awl and poke a small hole in the center of the bulge. This allows the water to drain smoothly into your bucket and relieves the weight on the drywall.
4. Document the Damage
Once the situation is contained, take photos and videos of the active leak, the pooling water, and any damaged belongings. This evidence will be crucial when you file an insurance claim.
5. Call for Emergency Roofing Services
Do not attempt to climb onto the roof during a storm. It is incredibly dangerous. Instead, call a roofing contractor that offers emergency services. At Calhoun Roofing, we provide emergency tarping services to temporarily seal the roof and prevent further water intrusion until a permanent repair can be made.
6. Contact Your Insurance Company
Once the storm has passed and your home is secure, contact your insurance agent to report the damage and start the claims process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I try to patch the roof while it's raining?
Absolutely not. Climbing on a wet roof during a storm is incredibly dangerous. Wait for the weather to clear or call a professional for emergency tarping.
Will my insurance cover the interior water damage?
Usually, yes. If the roof leak was caused by a covered peril (like wind or hail), the resulting interior damage is typically covered.
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