A leaking roof can quickly turn into a costly problem if it isn't dealt with quickly. Whether it's a small drip during heavy rain or water pouring through the ceiling, knowing what to do — and what not to do — makes a big difference.
Here's how we recommend handling a roof leak.
Step 1: Protect your belongings
The very first thing to do is protect anything below the leak. Move furniture, electronics, and personal items well away from the affected area. Cover what you can't move with plastic sheeting or bin bags.
Place a bucket or large container directly under the drip. If water is spreading, use towels around the outside of the container.
Step 2: Ease pressure on the ceiling
If you can see water pooling in a bulge on the ceiling, don't ignore it. A saturated ceiling can collapse suddenly.
If it's safe to do so, use a screwdriver to make a small hole at the lowest point of the bulge and drain the water into a bucket. This controlled release is much safer than a sudden collapse.
Step 3: Turn off electricity if needed
If water is anywhere near electrical fittings, sockets, or light fixtures, turn off the power to that circuit at the consumer unit. Don't touch anything electrical that has been in contact with water.
Step 4: Try to find the source (from inside)
If you can safely access the loft, use a torch to look for:
- Wet timbers or insulation
- Visible daylight through the roof
- Water tracking down beams or rafters
Remember that water often travels along beams before dripping down, so the internal source may not be directly above the drip.
Step 5: Don't climb on the roof
We can't say this strongly enough. Wet roofs are dangerous, and a fall from a roof is very serious. Leave the outside inspection to a professional roofer with the right safety equipment.
Step 6: Call a professional roofer
For an urgent leak, call a roofer who offers emergency callouts. A good roofer will:
- Attend quickly to assess the leak
- Provide temporary protection to stop further water ingress
- Book in a permanent repair once things are dry and safe
At Total Roofing Care we offer 24/7 emergency roof repairs across Berkshire. Our team will get to you as quickly as possible.
Step 7: Take photos for insurance
If damage has been done inside the property, take clear photos and videos before you clean up. Your home insurance may cover the internal damage, and you'll need evidence of what happened.
Preventing future leaks
Most roof leaks are avoidable with regular maintenance:
- Have your roof visually inspected every couple of years
- Clean gutters at least once a year
- Deal with slipped or cracked tiles promptly
- Check flashings after storms
If you'd like a professional inspection of your roof — before there's a problem — contact us for a free quote.