Step-by-step guide for homeowners dealing with an active roof leak after a storm. Stop the damage, document everything, and protect your insurance claim.
If your roof is actively leaking, your first priority is limiting interior damage:
Before you start mopping up or moving anything, document the damage thoroughly. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim.
If the storm has passed and conditions are safe, emergency tarping can prevent additional water intrusion while you wait for a full inspection and repair. Most roofing contractors offer emergency tarping services.
A vetted local roofing contractor will inspect your roof, document all storm damage, and provide the written report you need to file your insurance claim.
Request Emergency Inspection →Notify your homeowner's insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies require "prompt" reporting of damage. When you call:
You do NOT need to know the full extent of damage when you first call — that's what the adjuster visit is for. Just report the event and open the claim.
This is the most important step most homeowners skip. Getting a licensed contractor's inspection BEFORE the insurance adjuster's visit consistently results in more complete settlements.
Why? Because the contractor documents all damage — including less-visible issues like granule loss, bruised shingles, and damaged flashing that insurance adjusters frequently overlook or undervalue. With the contractor's written report in hand, you have documentation to push back if the adjuster's estimate seems low.
If the leak caused water damage to ceilings, walls, floors, or personal property, this may be covered by your homeowner's insurance under the same storm claim. Document all interior damage as thoroughly as you document the roof damage.
Important: If water damage is not dried within 24-48 hours, mold can begin growing. Professional water damage restoration companies can extract water, dry structural components, and prevent mold — and this work is typically covered under your insurance claim as well.
First, protect your interior: place buckets under drips, move valuables, and lay down towels. Do NOT go on the roof during unsafe conditions. Take photos and video of all damage before touching anything. Then call a roofing contractor for emergency assessment.
Check local weather history for the date the leak started — hail, high winds, or heavy rain are the most common causes. A professional inspection can confirm the cause and create documentation tying the leak to the storm event, which is essential for insurance purposes.
Emergency tarping typically costs $300-$600. Full storm damage repairs range from $1,500 (minor damage) to $15,000+ (full replacement). However, if the damage is storm-related, these costs are typically covered by homeowner's insurance (minus your deductible).
You can do temporary measures like placing tarps to stop further water intrusion, but do NOT make permanent repairs until after the adjuster visits — this can complicate your claim. Always document before making any temporary repairs.