Found a Roof Leak? First Steps for Homeowners

Finding a roof leak can be stressful, but a few safe, practical steps in the first hour can reduce damage and prepare you for a useful inspection request.

Safe first steps

• Protect belongings: move furniture, electronics, or valuables away from the affected area if it's safe to do so.
• Take photos for your own records: document the stain or drip location, size, and any spreading over time.
• Note where the stain appears: which room, which part of the ceiling or wall, and roughly how far from an exterior wall or known roof feature.
• Check the attic only if it's safe: if you can safely access your attic without climbing on a wet or steep roof, note any visible moisture or staining on the underside of the decking.
• Avoid climbing on a wet or steep roof: roofs are significantly more dangerous when wet, and a fall risk isn't worth a closer look you can otherwise describe from safety.

What to avoid

Avoid climbing onto the roof yourself, especially in wet or windy conditions. Avoid assuming the interior stain location is directly below the leak source — it often isn't. And avoid delaying an inspection request once you've noticed active water intrusion, since ongoing leaks can lead to more extensive damage the longer they continue.

Requesting an inspection

Once you've safely gathered what you can — photos, location notes, and timing of when you first noticed it — request a roof inspection. That documentation helps the follow-up review start with useful context.