roofing guides
Roof Leak: What to Do First Before the Roofer Arrives
When water is coming in, protect the interior, avoid climbing on the roof, document what you can, and get the leak assessed safely.
4 min read | Updated 2026-05-02
Protect the inside first
Move valuables, place containers under drips, and reduce interior damage where safe. Do not open ceilings unless advised by a qualified professional.
Take photos of interior water entry and exterior conditions if you can do so safely from the ground.
Do not climb onto the roof
Wet, icy, steep, or damaged roofs are dangerous. Leave roof access to trained roofing crews with proper safety equipment.
Ask for the leak source
A roof leak may come from shingles, flashing, vents, pipe boots, skylights, valleys, gutters, or roof-wall intersections. The repair should address the source, not just the stain indoors.