Emergency Roof Repair: What to Do When Your Roof Starts Leaking
Brandon Fletcher
S&B Roofing & Exteriors
When Water Starts Coming In: Your Emergency Playbook
A roof leak during a storm is every homeowner's nightmare. What you do in the first few hours can mean the difference between minor damage and a major restoration project.
Immediate Actions (First 30 Minutes)
1. Protect your belongings
Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the leak area. Cover anything that can't be moved with plastic sheeting or tarps.
2. Contain the water
Place buckets, pots, or trash cans under active drips. Lay towels around the containers to catch splashes. If water is pooling on a ceiling, poke a small hole in the center of the bulge to relieve pressure and direct the water into a bucket. (A ceiling collapse is much worse than a controlled drain.)
3. Document everything
Take photos and video of:
This documentation is critical for insurance claims.
4. Turn off electricity
If water is near electrical fixtures, switches, or outlets, turn off the circuit breaker for that area. Water and electricity are a deadly combination.
Next Steps (First 2-4 Hours)
5. Call for emergency tarping
A professional emergency tarp can prevent further water intrusion. At S&B, we provide 24/7 emergency tarping services throughout the DFW metroplex. A properly installed tarp will protect your home until permanent repairs can be made.
6. Call your insurance company
Report the damage as soon as possible. Take note of:
7. Start water extraction
If you have significant standing water, use a wet/dry vacuum, mop, or towels to remove as much water as possible. The faster you extract water, the less likely you'll have mold problems.
What NOT to Do
After the Storm
Once the weather clears:
Our Emergency Services
S&B Roofing provides emergency response throughout DFW:
Experiencing a roof emergency? Call us immediately at (817) 281-6433. We're here when you need us most.
