Emergency Roof Repair: What to Do When Your Roof Leaks
Discovered a leak? Here's how to minimize damage while waiting for help.
There's never a convenient time for a roof leak. But discovering water dripping from your ceiling during a rainstorm ranks pretty high on the list of homeowner nightmares.
You probably can't fix it yourself—not properly. And you might not be able to get a roofer there immediately, especially if it's nighttime, a weekend, or during a major storm when everyone else is dealing with the same problem.
Here's what you can do to minimize damage while you wait for professional help.
Contain the Water Inside
First priority: stop the water from spreading and causing more interior damage.
Grab buckets, trash cans, towels—whatever you have. Place containers under active drips. Use towels to soak up standing water and create barriers to keep water from spreading across floors.
If water's coming through a light fixture, turn off power to that circuit immediately. Water and electricity don't mix. If you're not sure which breaker controls that fixture, shut off the main breaker to that area.
Move furniture, electronics, and anything valuable away from the leak. Water damage to possessions adds up fast.
Poke a Hole in Bulging Ceiling
This sounds counterintuitive, but if you have a bulging, sagging ceiling from water accumulation, you need to drain it before the weight collapses the ceiling.
Place a bucket directly under the bulge. Use a screwdriver or small knife to carefully poke a hole in the center. Water will drain out—probably a lot of it. Better controlled drainage into a bucket than sudden ceiling collapse.
You're going to need ceiling repair anyway. Making a small drainage hole prevents a much bigger repair job.
Document Everything
Take photos and videos of the leak, water damage, and any visible roof damage from the ground. Document time, date, and weather conditions.
This documentation is crucial for insurance claims. Show the extent of damage, what was affected, and how severe the leak was. Don't wait to do this—document as soon as it's safe.
Also document any emergency measures you take and money you spend on temporary fixes or cleanup. Insurance might reimburse reasonable expenses to prevent further damage.
Call for Emergency Roof Repair
Once you've contained the immediate problem, call a roofing company that offers emergency service. Explain the situation clearly—where it's leaking, how much water, any visible roof damage.
Be realistic about response times. During major storms when multiple roofs are leaking across Boise, you might wait several hours or longer. Professional roofers prioritize based on severity and order of calls.
If you can't get anyone immediately, at least get on the schedule for first thing in the morning or as soon as weather permits safe roof access.
Temporary Tarping (If Safe)
If you can safely access your roof and you have the materials, a temporary tarp can reduce water intrusion until professional help arrives. Key word: safely.
Don't attempt this during active rain, at night, on steep roofs, or if you're not comfortable working at height. Falling off your roof creates a much bigger emergency than water damage.
If conditions allow, cover the damaged area with a heavy-duty tarp, extending it well beyond the leak location. Secure it with boards and weights—not nails, which create more holes.
Honestly, this is better left to professionals who have proper equipment and experience. But if you're handy and conditions are safe, a tarp can help.
What NOT to Do
Some responses to roof leaks make things worse. Avoid these common mistakes.
Don't ignore it hoping it'll stop: Even small leaks cause damage over time. Mold, rot, structural problems—they develop fast when water's involved.
Don't attempt major roof work yourself: Emergency tarping under safe conditions? Maybe. Trying to fix flashing or replace shingles during a storm? No. Leave real repairs to professionals.
Don't delay calling your insurance: Most policies require prompt notification of damage. Waiting weeks to file a claim can cause problems with coverage.
Don't use just anyone who shows up: Storm-chasers and scammers target neighborhoods after major weather events. Verify licensing, insurance, and references before hiring anyone.
After Emergency Repairs
Once a professional has stopped the immediate leak, you're not done yet. Emergency repairs are temporary. You'll need proper permanent fixes.
Get a thorough inspection to identify all damage—sometimes water travels before it drips, so the leak location and the roof damage location aren't the same spot.
Address interior damage too. Wet insulation needs replacement. Stained drywall might hide mold. Document everything for insurance purposes.
File your insurance claim promptly with all documentation. Most companies are reasonable about storm damage if you report it properly and act to mitigate further damage.
24/7 Emergency Roof Repair in Boise
We offer emergency roof repair service throughout the Treasure Valley. When you call, you'll talk to a real person who can assess your situation and get help on the way.
We prioritize based on severity—active leaks causing interior damage get immediate response. We'll stabilize the situation, prevent further damage, and schedule permanent repairs.
The Bottom Line
When your roof leaks, act fast to minimize damage. Contain water inside, document everything, and call for professional help. Don't attempt dangerous roof work yourself.
Emergency repairs stop the immediate problem, but you'll need permanent fixes too. Work with your insurance company and get thorough inspections to identify all damage.
A roof leak is stressful, but it's manageable if you take the right steps. The key is quick action and professional help.
Roof Emergency Right Now?
Call us immediately. We'll assess your situation and get help on the way.