Roof, doors and outside · checked 5 Oct 2026
The roof is leaking in a storm
Safety, right now
- Move everyone away from wet, bulging, or sagging ceilings.
- Avoid wet lights, outlets, switches, and standing water.
- Stay off the roof; leave tarping to a roofer.
Fix it nowEight steps
- Keep children and pets out; avoid standing beneath damaged ceilings.Wet ceiling material may fall without warning.
- Avoid wet electrical equipment; call the electric utility if water reaches it.Wet electrical systems need professional isolation and inspection.
- Call a roofer now; request emergency containment when weather permits.A professional can tarp the roof safely.
The other five steps
- Catch drips only away from electricity and beneath a flat, intact ceiling.Buckets limit damage; never approach sagging or bulging areas.
- Move belongings only along dry paths outside the damaged ceiling area.Protect possessions without entering standing water.
- Photograph damage from a safe spot; contact your insurer.Photos and a damage list support your claim.
- Stay out of the attic; do not puncture or press ceiling bulges.Hidden electrical and structural damage require professional assessment.
- After containment, arrange drying; use powered equipment only after electrical clearance.Prompt, safe drying helps prevent mold.
When to stop
Stop and get a roofer if:
- Ceiling bulges, sags, cracks, or drops debris: clear the room; call a roofer now.
- Water reaches lights, outlets, or wiring: leave the area; call the electric utility.
- Sparks, smoke, fire, or an electrical shock: move to safety; call 911.
- Roof shifts, loud structural cracking, or partial collapse: leave the building; call 911.
- Water pours in faster than buckets contain it: abandon containment; call a roofer.
What it probably is
Missing or damaged shinglesAfter the storm, missing or cracked shingles visible from the ground suggest damage.For a pro
Damaged flashing or roof-opening sealsLeaks near chimneys, skylights, or vents suggest these entry points; a roofer must confirm.For a pro
Clogged gutters backing water under roofingOverflowing gutters and wet ceiling edges suggest backup; inspect only after the storm.For a pro
Branch impact or other storm damageA fallen branch, visible opening, or sudden heavy leak suggests impact damage.For a pro
Time and parts
- Time
- 10–20 minutes for safe indoor containment; not a roof repair.
- Parts
- $0 with existing buckets and towels; professional repairs extra.
Get it done
More than a quick fix? Vora gets quotes privately and recommends one roofer.
Checked against
- CDC: Safety Guidelines—Reentering Your Flooded Home
- Texas Department of Insurance: Hail damage—What to do next
- GAF: How to Identify and Repair Roof Leaks
- GAF: What to Do After a Storm Damages Your Roof
Written for Vora from these public sources and checked on 5 Oct 2026. General guidance, not a substitute for a pro on site. In danger, leave and call 911.