Dealing With Leaks: What to Do If Your Roof Is Leaking

A man holds a bowl to capture water from a leaking roof in Alabama or the Florida Panhandle

Discovering a roof leak is never fun, but don’t panic—most leaks can be affordably repaired. The key is to act quickly before the damage spreads. Whether your leak is a slow trickle or a full-blown ceiling disaster, taking the right steps minimizes damage until you can restore your roof.

Signs of a Leaking Roof

Leaks don’t always announce themselves with water pouring from the ceiling. Sometimes, the warning signs are more subtle. Here’s what to look for:

Water stains on the ceiling: Look up. If you notice yellow or brown discoloration on the ceiling, water may be seeping in through the roof.
Peeling paint or wallpaper: Water behind your walls can break down adhesives, causing paint and wallpaper to bubble, crack, or peel. This indicates the moisture has been present for a while, so don’t ignore it.
Dripping sounds: If you hear dripping when it rains but can’t see where it’s coming from, the roof may be leaking.
Sagging or warped ceilings: Does a section of your ceiling appear swollen or saggy? Water has likely pooled above it. This is a serious issue, as the ceiling could eventually collapse if the leak continues.
Exterior roof damage: If you notice asphalt shingles in the yard or excessive granules in the gutters, your roof may be compromised. Missing, cracked, or curled shingles are also never a good sign.
Musty odors: A persistent damp smell is a sign of water damage. Moisture trapped in your ceiling, insulation, or drywall may facilitate hidden mold growth.
Visible mold: If water damage from a roof leak is extensive enough, mold may grow in plain sight. Look for black, green, or brown growths on ceilings, walls, and attic surfaces.

Immediate Steps to Take When You Suspect a Leak

Time is of the essence. The sooner you take action, the less damage your home will suffer. Here’s what to do if your roof is leaking.

1. Call a Roofing Professional

This is the most important step, so make the call before doing anything else. Roof leaks never fix themselves, and trying to patch things up without professional expertise can make the problem worse. Avoid climbing on the roof, as walking on wet or damaged shingles is dangerous and may cause more harm. A roof repair specialist can assess the situation safely and suggest the best solution.

2. Check for Signs of Damage

You don’t need to get on the roof to check for damage. Instead, try these methods to find a roof leak:

Climb a ladder or look out of upper-floor windows.
Take pictures or videos of the roof using a drone.
Inspect the attic for damp insulation, water stains, or active dripping.

3. Protect Your Belongings

Until the leak is fixed, protect your home’s interior with these steps:

Move furniture: Relocate furniture away from the leak to prevent water damage.
Unplug and remove electronics: If a leak is near outlets, TVs, or appliances, unplug them and move them to a dry area.
Cover valuables: If you can’t move furniture or electronics, cover them with plastic sheeting or tarps to minimize water exposure.
Roll-up carpets and rugs: Fabric holds moisture, making it a breeding ground for mold. Roll up carpets and move them to a dry place.
Catch the water: Set out buckets, garbage cans, or stockpots to collect dripping water.
Take photos and videos: Document all visible damage to support your insurance claim.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

Most homeowners insurance policies cover roof leaks if they’re caused by sudden, unexpected events, such as storm damage, hail, fallen branches, or fire.

However, insurance likely won’t cover the repair costs if the leak results from neglect, wear and tear, or poor maintenance. For example, if a storm tears off shingles, your policy may help. But if your roof leaks because it’s 25 years old and hasn’t been inspected in a decade, you’ll likely have to pay out of pocket.

Here’s how to improve your chances of coverage:

Keep up with regular roof maintenance and inspections.
Address minor issues before they become major problems.
Review your insurance policy and speak with your provider to understand what’s covered.
Document damage from roof leaks and contact your insurance company immediately to start the claims process.

Tips to Prevent Future Roof Leaks

The best way to deal with a roof leak is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some preventative steps:

Schedule regular inspections: Have your roof inspected at least once a year, especially before hurricane season or shortly after a storm event. A professional can spot early signs of damage that might not be obvious from the ground.
Clear debris from the roof, gutters, and downspouts: Clogged gutters and a debris-littered roof can let water seep under your shingles and cause leaks. Clean your roof and gutters regularly to ensure proper drainage.
Trim tree branches: Strong winds can cause overhanging branches to scrape against your roof or break off and damage the shingles. Trimming reduces these risks.
Repair minor damage immediately: Small leaks or missing shingles may not seem urgent, but delayed repairs could lead to bigger problems. If you notice any damage, call a roofing professional before it worsens.

Roof Leak Repair in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle

No one wants to face the headache of a leaky roof. For an affordable, streamlined repair process, turn to Homesouth Roofing. We have decades of roof repair experience and know how to deal with leaks quickly and effectively. Our locally owned company focuses solely on roofing to ensure we deliver expert installation, repair, and maintenance for asphalt shingle, metal, and flat roofs. For your peace of mind, we follow all codes and manufacturer guidelines and back everything we do with a 10-year workmanship warranty.

If you’re dealing with a roof leak, don’t wait—contact us today for emergency roof repair in Montgomery, Auburn, Destin, Pensacola, or the surrounding area.