It is 10 o’clock at night, the rain is coming sideways, and you just heard the drip. Panic is a normal reaction. The good news is that a few calm steps in the first half hour can save you thousands of dollars in drywall, flooring and insulation.
Here is exactly what we tell homeowners who call us during a storm.
Step 1: Stay safe first
- Do not go on the roof. Wet shingles are slick, and wind makes it worse. No leak is worth a fall.
- Watch for water near electrical. If water is coming through a light fixture or near outlets, turn off the breaker for that area.
- A sagging ceiling is a warning. A bulge means water is pooling above the drywall. Keep people and pets out from underneath it.
Step 2: Control the water inside
- Put a bucket, pot or storage bin under the drip. Lay a towel in the bottom so the splashing does not spread water.
- If the ceiling is bulging, poke a small hole in the lowest point of the bulge with a screwdriver, right over the bucket. It sounds wrong, but it lets the water drain in one controlled spot instead of bringing the whole ceiling down.
- Move furniture, rugs and electronics out of the area, or cover them with plastic.
- If you can safely get into the attic, set another bucket or a piece of plastic under the drip there.
Step 3: Document everything
Before you clean up too much, take photos and video of the stain, the drip and anything that got wet. Write down the date and time, and roughly when the storm hit. If the damage came from wind, hail or a fallen tree, your homeowners insurance may cover it, and photos taken during the storm are the best evidence you will have. See does homeowners insurance cover roof damage in NJ.
Step 4: Call for an emergency tarp
A tarp is the right first fix. It stops more water from coming in until the weather clears and the roof can be properly repaired. Trying to put a permanent repair on a soaked roof in the rain rarely holds.
Herts answers from 7 AM to 11 PM, seven days a week, and offers same-day emergency roof repair and tarping. Call 908-206-4240 in New Jersey or 610-772-8384 in Pennsylvania.
Step 5: Dry things out
- Run fans and a dehumidifier in the wet room.
- Pull up wet rugs so the floor underneath can dry.
- Wet attic insulation stays wet for a long time and loses most of its value. If a big area got soaked, it usually needs to be replaced once the roof is fixed.
Step 6: Get the permanent repair done
Once the storm passes, the roof needs a real inspection: where did the water get in, how much decking got wet, and is this a one-spot repair or a sign the roof is worn out? Our roof repair crew photographs everything so you can see the problem and keep the photos for insurance.
What not to do
- Do not climb up with a tube of caulk in the rain.
- Do not ignore it because it stopped dripping. Water that stops dripping is often sitting in the insulation.
- Do not sign anything with a door-to-door crew that shows up the morning after a storm before you have had your own roofer look.
Frequently asked questions
Can a roof be repaired in the rain?
A temporary tarp can go on in light rain if it is safe. Permanent repairs need dry conditions so the materials seal properly.
How much does an emergency roof tarp cost?
It depends on the size of the area and the access. Ask for the tarp price up front when you call, and whether it gets credited toward the permanent repair.
Will insurance pay for an emergency tarp?
Many policies cover reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a covered storm, but every policy is different. Keep the receipt and photos and ask your adjuster.
Need help right now?
Call 908-206-4240 (NJ) or 610-772-8384 (PA). For warning signs before the next storm, read 5 warning signs you need emergency roof repair.