What to do when your roof starts leaking

Protect people and the interior first

A roof leak is first a people-and-property problem, then a diagnosis problem. Water can travel along framing or layers, so the visible ceiling spot does not reliably identify the exterior entry point.

What to do, in order

1. Keep people away from wet ceilings and electrical hazards. Keep people away from bulging ceilings, wet electrical fixtures, slippery floors, and any area where material may fall.
2. Move belongings and contain water only when safe. Move belongings and collect water only when the area is safe; do not enter an attic or climb onto a wet or storm-damaged roof.
3. Photograph the interior path and exterior conditions from the ground. Photograph the interior location, timing, weather, and visible exterior conditions from the ground before temporary work changes the evidence.
4. Arrange diagnosis before choosing a permanent repair. Ask a qualified roofer to trace the water path and separate emergency drying or covering from the permanent repair decision.

Do not let an emergency patch become the diagnosis

A temporary cover can limit additional water without proving which flashing, penetration, seam, or roof area failed. Keep the temporary-work record and require a separate permanent scope once conditions allow inspection.