Safety first! Never climb onto a damaged roof. Many of these steps can be done from inside your home or ground level. If conditions are dangerous, evacuate and wait for professional help.
Immediate Actions (First 30 Minutes)
When you discover roof damage or an active leak, quick action can prevent thousands of dollars in additional damage. Here's your step-by-step guide:
- Move valuables and electronics away from the leak area
- Place buckets or containers to catch dripping water
- Take photos and videos of all visible damage for insurance
- Turn off electricity to affected areas if water is near outlets
- Call your insurance company to report the damage
Temporary Protection Methods
If it's safe to access your attic or the exterior, these temporary measures can slow water intrusion until repairs can be made:
- Place a tarp over the damaged area, extending at least 4 feet beyond the damage
- Secure tarps with sandbags or weighted boards (never nail through a tarp)
- From inside the attic, direct water into buckets using a funnel or cut plastic
- Apply roofing cement to small holes as a temporary seal
- Clear debris from gutters to prevent additional water backup
RJ Roofing Bros offers Priority Dispatch for $500—a fully-refundable deposit that moves you to the front of our emergency response queue. When you need help NOW, this ensures a crew arrives within 24-48 hours.
What NOT to Do
In the stress of an emergency, it's easy to make decisions that create bigger problems. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Don't attempt repairs in active rain, wind, or darkness
- Don't remove large debris that may be plugging holes
- Don't use open flames or heat sources near wet wood
- Don't hire the first contractor who shows up at your door
- Don't sign contracts under pressure without reading them
Documenting for Insurance
Proper documentation is crucial for a successful insurance claim. Take dated photos from multiple angles, save all receipts for temporary repairs, and keep a written log of all damage discovered. Your insurance adjuster will need this information to process your claim.