Roof Leaking When It Rains? What to Do Now

It is raining, and there is a drip coming through the ceiling. Or a brown ring that was not there last week. Your first thought is probably "How bad is this?" Your second is "Who do I call?"

A roof leaking when it rains needs two things: quick steps to protect the inside of your home, and a calm plan to find and fix the real source. This guide covers both. You will learn what to do in the first hour, how leaks travel, what you can safely do yourself, and how to hire a roofer without getting rushed into a bad deal.

Roof leaking when it rains: what to do in the first hour

1. Stay safe. If water is near a light fixture, outlet or electrical panel, keep away and turn off power to that area at the breaker if you can do so safely. If the ceiling is sagging, keep people out of the room.
2. Catch the water. Put a bucket or bin under the drip, with a towel inside to quiet the splash. Move furniture, rugs and electronics.
3. Relieve a bulge carefully. A ceiling that is bulging with water can give way. Some homeowners poke a small hole at the lowest point, with a bucket underneath, to let the water drain in one place. If you are not sure, wait for a professional.
4. Take photos and video. Capture the ceiling, the wet areas and the time. You may need them for insurance.
5. Do not go on the roof in the rain. Wet roofs are slippery, and falls are a serious risk. The roof can wait until it is dry and safe.

How fast do you need to dry things out?

Fast. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that if wet materials are dried within 24 to 48 hours after a leak, in most cases mold will not grow.

Source: U.S. EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home

Run fans and a dehumidifier. Pull back wet carpet if you can. Soaked insulation or drywall may need to be removed. If the attic is accessible and safe, check it with a flashlight for wet insulation and damp wood.

Why is the leak not where the drip is?

Water rarely falls straight down. It gets in at one spot, runs along the underlayment, a rafter or the top of the ceiling, and drips out somewhere else. A stain in the hallway can start at a vent pipe several feet uphill.

Common sources of a roof leak in rain include:

• Flashing around chimneys, skylights, walls and dormers that has pulled loose or rusted.
• Pipe boots, the rubber collars around plumbing vents, which crack with sun and age.
• Valleys, where two roof slopes meet and water runs heavy.
• Missing, cracked or slipped shingles or tiles, often after wind.
• Clogged gutters that push water back under the roof edge. See how clogged gutters damage a roof.
• Worn underlayment under tile, which can leak even when the tiles look fine.

Is it a leak, or condensation?

If the drip shows up on cold mornings without rain, the cause may be moisture from inside the house condensing in the attic. That points to a ventilation or exhaust fan problem, not a hole in the roof. A good roofer will look at both.

Does it only leak in wind driven rain?

Some leaks only appear when rain comes sideways from one direction. Note which way the storm was blowing. It helps the roofer narrow the search to one side of the house.

What temporary fixes are safe?

Once the rain stops and the roof is dry, a temporary cover can protect your home until a proper repair. A tarp secured over the damaged area is the usual answer. Our guide on what to do after storm damage explains how a roof tarp should be placed.

If you are not comfortable on a ladder, do not do it. A temporary fix is a roofer's job too, and most will tarp a roof as part of an emergency visit. Keep receipts for anything you buy or pay for. Insurers generally expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.

When should you call a licensed roofer?

Call soon. A small leak in the first storm of the season usually gets worse with each storm. Call right away if:

• The ceiling is sagging, cracked or stained in more than one place.
• Water is near wiring or light fixtures.
• The leak returns in every rain, or after a previous repair.
• You see daylight or damp wood in the attic.

Be careful with "handyman" offers for real roof work. In California, work that totals $1,000 or more in labor and materials, or that needs a building permit, requires a California contractor license. The exemption also does not cover anyone who advertises as a contractor or uses employees.

Source: California Business and Professions Code §7048

Ask the roofer to show you photos of the source, explain the fix, and put the price in writing. If the roof is old and leaking in several places, the conversation may turn to a full replacement. See signs you need a new roof.

Should you file an insurance claim?

It depends on the cause. Policies typically cover sudden damage, like a branch through the roof or wind tearing off shingles. They usually do not cover wear and tear or a slow leak from an aging roof. Compare the repair estimate with your deductible before you file. Our guide on a roof insurance claim in California walks through the process.

How to avoid leak repair scams

A leak makes people anxious, and some sellers count on that. Watch for:

• Someone who knocks on your door after a storm and offers a "free inspection" that always finds a full roof's worth of damage. See how to spot a storm chaser roofer.
• A large cash payment up front. California caps a home improvement down payment at $1,000 or 10 percent of the price, whichever is less.
• Pressure to sign today. You usually have a right to cancel a contract signed at home. See how to cancel a roofing contract.
• No license number on the bid, or a number that does not match the company.

Source: California Business and Professions Code §7159(d)(8)

After a declared disaster, the stakes go up. Contracting without a license to repair disaster damage in a declared emergency can be charged as a felony in California.

Source: California Business and Professions Code §7028.16

Before you sign, check the license on the CSLB website and ask for proof the roofer is licensed and insured. The guide to bonds and liability insurance explains what to look for. Also see questions to ask a roofer before hiring.

Frequently asked questions

Can a roof leak be fixed in the rain?

Usually only a temporary cover. Most permanent repairs need a dry roof.

Why does my roof only leak in heavy rain?

Heavy or wind driven rain can overwhelm worn flashing, valleys or gutters that handle light rain fine.

Is a small ceiling stain urgent?

It is worth checking soon. Small stains often mean water has been getting in for a while.

Can I use roof sealant myself?

Sealant can buy time on a small gap, but it rarely fixes the real cause. Have a roofer find the source.

Where ConFacts fits

When your roof is leaking when it rains, you want a roofer fast, but not just any roofer. A ConFacts report builds a sourced background check on California C-39 roofing contractors from public records, including CSLB license status, workers' comp, bond and disciplinary history, and scores them from 0 to 100. Your first report is free, then $7, or 3 for $15. We take no money from contractors. We show you the record, you make the decision.