What to Do When Your Roof Is Leaking
A step-by-step for Valrico homeowners: what to do in the first ten minutes, what to check in the attic, what not to do, and when to call.
When your roof is leaking: put a bucket under the drip, move valuables, switch off power to any wet light or outlet at the breaker, drain a bulging ceiling with a small hole over a bucket, and photograph everything. Don't go on the roof. Then call a roofer. In Valrico, call us on (813) 555-0147.
In the first ten minutes
- Catch the water.Bucket, pot or storage tub, with a towel inside to stop splashing. Lay towels or a tarp around it.
- Move what matters.Electronics, rugs, furniture, documents. Cover what you can't move with plastic sheeting or bin bags.
- Make the electrics safe.If water is near a light, fan or outlet, switch that circuit off at the breaker panel. Don't touch wet switches or fittings.
- Drain a bulging ceiling.If the drywall is sagging with water, push a screwdriver through the lowest point over your bucket. Better a small hole now than the whole ceiling later.
- Photograph and video it.The stain, the drip, the time, and anything damaged. Your insurer will want this.
- Call.Call (813) 555-0147. Tell us where the water is, what kind of roof you have, and which way the rain was blowing.
Don't go on the roof
A wet roof is slippery, concrete tiles crack under a misplaced foot, and Tampa Bay sees some of the most lightning in North America. Every summer people get hurt doing this. Let us do it.
Check the attic, if it's safe
If you have attic access and it's safe, a quick look helps:
- Use a torch and step only on the joists, never between them.
- Look for wet insulation, dark streaks on the underside of the roof deck, rusty nails and daylight.
- Follow the water trail uphill. The leak is usually above where the trail starts, not above the stain.
- If you can, put a bucket or tray under the drip in the attic.
- Check the AC air handler and drain pan. A clogged condensate line can look like a roof leak.
What not to do
- Don't climb up in the rain or during lightning.
- Don't coat the roof with sealant from the hardware store over a large area. It can hide the real entry point.
- Don't ignore a small leak. In Florida humidity, wet insulation and drywall can start growing mould within a day or two.
- Don't sign anything at the door after a storm. Never sign an assignment of benefits, and walk away from anyone offering to cover your deductible. That's illegal in Florida.
After the rain stops
- Dry it out. Fans and a dehumidifier. Pull out soaked insulation if you can reach it.
- Get the leak found and fixed. See how we find roof leaks.
- Talk to your insurer if the damage came from a storm or a fallen limb. Have your photos ready.
- Get the inside checked for wet drywall, insulation and mould.
Why does my roof only leak in heavy rain?
Valrico's June-to-September thunderstorms come in with wind that drives rain sideways, under shingle edges, flashing and tile laps that stay dry in a gentle shower. Heavy bursts also overload valleys and gutters. Tell us the wind direction when it leaked. It helps.
How much will this cost?
Most roof leak repairs in the Tampa area cost $250 to $1,600. See the roof leak repair cost guide for the details.
Roof leak questions
Is a leaking roof an emergency?
It is if water is near electrics, the ceiling is sagging, or there's a visible hole in the roof. A slow drip into a bucket can usually wait until morning, but call anyway so it's booked.
Should I poke a hole in a bulging ceiling?
If the drywall is bulging with water, yes: a small hole at the lowest point, over a bucket, drains it in a controlled way. Keep clear of light fittings and switch off power to that area first.
Can a roof leak cause mould?
Yes. In Florida humidity, wet drywall and insulation can start growing mould within a day or two. Dry the area with fans and a dehumidifier and replace wet insulation.
Should I go on the roof to find the leak?
No. Wet roofs are slippery, tile cracks underfoot, and Tampa Bay has some of the most lightning in North America. Check the attic instead, safely, stepping only on joists.
Will my homeowners insurance cover the damage?
Sudden damage like wind or a falling limb is often covered; wear and tear usually isn't; flood is excluded from standard policies. Photograph everything and stop further damage before you file.
Leak still coming in?
Call (813) 555-0147 or text us a photo of the stain. We'll find where the water is getting in, show you, and give you a written price.