What to Do if You Discover a Roof Leak in Your Home

Discovering a roof leak can be frustrating, especially when it shows up during a heavy storm or seems to appear out of nowhere. While it might be tempting to climb up and assess or fix the issue yourself, it’s important to take a safe, efficient approach that protects both your home and your personal safety. Here’s what you should do when you first spot a roof leak.

Act Quickly

While a roof leak does not necessarily mean catastrophic damage, it is important to get it repaired as soon as possible. Acting fast can help protect your home and belongings, as well as your family’s personal safety. Even small water leaks can develop into more serious damage, such as mold, rotting wood, structural issues, or ruined insulation. The sooner you act, the better your chances of preventing major problems.

Clear the Area

The next thing you’ll want to do is clear the area of any items you don’t want damaged, such as furniture or electronics. If you’re dealing with ceiling drips, use buckets or containers to catch the water and minimize flooring damage.

If you have water pooling in your ceiling, it may create a visible bubble or bulge. Do not ignore this. Place a container under the bulge and carefully poke a small hole to release the water in a controlled way. This can prevent the entire ceiling panel from collapsing under the weight of trapped water.

Document, Document, Document

Take clear photos or videos of the leak and any visible damage it has caused. This includes water stains, bubbling paint, sagging ceilings, and any affected personal property. If it’s safe to do so and conditions permit, also take photos of your roof from the ground.

These visuals can be extremely helpful when filing an insurance claim or working with a roofing contractor. The more evidence you have, the smoother your insurance claim process will likely be. However, it’s important that you do not try to get on your roof, as the structural integrity could be compromised.

Contact a Professional

One of the most important steps is to contact a licensed and insured roofing service as soon as possible. Professionals can perform a thorough inspection to identify the source of the leak, which is often not directly above where the water is showing inside your home. Roof systems are complex, and leaks can travel along beams and walls before becoming visible.

Reputable roofers have the training, tools, and safety equipment to evaluate the situation and determine the best course of action. Whether it’s damaged flashing, missing shingles, cracked seals, or a compromised roof valley, a professional assessment ensures the repair is handled correctly and safely.

File an Insurance Claim (If Applicable)

Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand what types of roof damage are covered. Typically, if the leak is caused by a covered peril—such as a storm, fallen tree, or sudden impact—your policy may help pay for repairs. However, leaks resulting from neglect or lack of maintenance might not be covered.

File a claim promptly if the damage is substantial. Many insurance companies have strict time limits for reporting roof-related claims. Your roofer may even be able to assist with documentation or speak directly with your adjuster to support your case.

Prevent Future Damage

While it’s crucial not to attempt roof repairs yourself, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce the chances of leaks reoccurring. Schedule regular roof inspections—especially after major storms—and keep your gutters and downspouts clear of debris. Trapped water or ice dams can lead to future leaks if left unaddressed.

Additionally, have your attic ventilation and insulation checked. Improper airflow and insulation can cause condensation buildup that mimics a roof leak or worsens existing issues.

Do You Have a Roof Leak in Northwest Indiana?

If you’ve noticed a water leak coming from the roof of your Crown Point, Cedar Lake, Dyer, or Hammond area home, Eenigenburg Roofing is here to help! We offer licensed roof repair and inspections to keep your home dry all year long. Filing an insurance claim? We can help with that too! Contact Eenigenburg Roofing today for a free estimate.