Catch and contain
Buckets, towels and plastic sheeting under the drip. Move furniture, electronics and rugs out of the way.
Roof leaking or water coming through the ceiling?
A roof leak lets rain into the attic, ceilings and walls, and the stain indoors is often far from the actual hole. Protect people and belongings, stay off the roof, then call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An independent roofer does the repair.
Am I in the right place?Yes if water drips or stains appear when it rains, or the attic shows wet insulation or wood.
Is this urgent?Yes while it is raining, if the ceiling is sagging, or if water is near light fixtures. Sagging ceilings and water on wiring come first.
What do I do next?Catch the water, keep people out from under wet ceilings, and call 833-877-1717 with the ZIP code and where it is leaking.
Roof opened by wind, hail or a tree: emergency roof repair or emergency roof tarping. Water only from the ceiling and not related to rain: ceiling water damage.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
While it is raining
Watch the ceiling
If it bulges, keep everyone out of the room. Turn off power to any wet light fixture at the breaker, from a dry spot.
Check the attic, carefully
Only if it is safe to walk: look with a flashlight for dripping, wet insulation or daylight. Step only on framing, never between joists.
Take photos and video inside and from the ground outside. They help the roofer and any insurance claim.
Stay off the roof
Wet and storm-damaged roofs are where serious falls happen. Do not climb onto the roof, especially in rain, wind or lightning. A roofer has fall protection and can judge whether the deck is safe.
Where roof leaks usually start
Flashing
Around chimneys, skylights, walls and valleys. See roof flashing repair.
Pipe boots and vents
Cracked rubber seals around plumbing vents. See roof vent repair.
Missing or damaged shingles
Wind or hail damage exposes the underlayment. See wind damage and hail damage.
Flat or low-slope roofs
Ponding water and membrane seams. See flat roof repair.
Fix the roof, then dry the inside
Roofer
Finds the entry point, makes a temporary or permanent repair, and checks surrounding flashing and decking.
Interior drying
Wet insulation, drywall and ceilings need to dry or be replaced. Mention interior damage so water damage restoration can be arranged.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code, home or business
- Where the water shows up inside
- Whether it only leaks when it rains
- Roof type, if known: shingle, tile, metal or flat
- Any recent storm, wind or hail
- Whether the ceiling is sagging or water is near lights
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles roof leak repair in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717Roof leak questions
What should I do the moment the roof starts leaking?
Move people and valuables away, put a bucket under the drip and protect floors. If the ceiling is bulging, keep people out of the room. Turn off power to wet light fixtures if you can reach the panel safely. Then call 833-877-1717.
Can a roofer come during the storm?
Providers usually cannot work safely on a roof during heavy rain, lightning or high wind. They may be able to provide temporary protection once conditions allow.
Can I call about a roof leak at night?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Why is the leak far from where the water shows inside?
Water runs along rafters, decking and pipes before it drips. The roofer traces it back from the attic and the roof surface.
Do I need a new roof or just a repair?
Most leaks come from one area and can be repaired. Widespread damage or an old, failing roof may need replacement. The roofer explains the options.
Does insurance cover a roof leak?
RepairNowUSA cannot answer for your policy. Storm damage is often treated differently from wear and age. Photograph the damage and contact your insurer or agent.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.