What to do when your roof leaks: immediate steps to limit damage, finding the source, common causes, safe temporary fixes, insurance claims, choosing a roofer, and preventing future leaks.
A roof leak can quickly damage ceilings, insulation, electrics and belongings. Acting fast limits the damage. This guide covers what to do immediately, how to find the cause, and how to get it fixed. Never go onto a roof yourself in bad weather; working at height is dangerous.
Immediate steps
- Contain the water: put buckets or bowls under drips, and move furniture and belongings away.
- Protect electrics: if water is near light fittings or sockets, switch off the electricity to that circuit at the consumer unit, if safe. Don't touch wet electrical fittings. Call an electrician if in doubt.
- Relieve a bulging ceiling: if a plasterboard ceiling bulges with water, it may collapse. Keep people away. Some people make a small hole at the lowest point to drain it into a bucket, but only if safe; otherwise call a professional.
- Check the loft: if you can do so safely, look for the wet area and put down a container or plastic sheeting.
- Take photos of the damage for your insurer.
Finding the source
Water often travels along rafters before dripping, so the leak may not be directly above the stain. In the loft, look for wet timber, damp insulation, daylight through the roof or water marks, ideally during or just after rain, with a torch.
From the ground, use binoculars to check for:
- slipped, cracked or missing tiles or slates;
- damaged flashing (the metal strips around chimneys, dormers and walls);
- cracked mortar on ridge tiles or chimneys;
- blocked or overflowing gutters;
- damage to flat roof coverings, such as splits or blisters.
Is it actually the roof?
Not every ceiling stain is a roof leak. Other causes include:
- leaking pipes, tanks or overflows in the loft;
- condensation in a poorly ventilated loft, common in winter;
- leaking bathrooms above, such as failed shower seals;
- blocked gutters overflowing into walls.
If the stain appears when it hasn't rained, suspect plumbing or condensation.
Temporary fixes
From inside the loft, you can catch water and protect insulation. Emergency tarpaulins on the outside should be fitted by professionals. Avoid DIY repairs on the roof; falls from height are a major cause of serious injury.
Insurance
- Contact your home insurer promptly. Many policies cover sudden storm damage and resulting water damage.
- Policies generally don't cover wear and tear, gradual deterioration or poor maintenance.
- Insurers often define a "storm" by specific wind speeds or rainfall.
- Keep receipts for emergency repairs, and photos before and after.
- Check whether your policy includes home emergency cover.
If you rent, tell your landlord immediately in writing; they are generally responsible for repairs to the structure and exterior.
Choosing a roofer
- Get at least two or three written quotes.
- Look for membership of a trade association such as the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) or TrustMark-registered businesses.
- Ask about guarantees and insurance.
- Be wary of cold callers offering roof repairs, especially after storms, and of pressure to pay large deposits upfront.
Preventing future leaks
- clear gutters at least once a year;
- check the roof from the ground after storms;
- keep loft ventilation clear to prevent condensation;
- have chimneys and flashing checked periodically;
- trim overhanging trees.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly should a roof leak be fixed?
As soon as possible; water damage gets worse quickly.
Does home insurance cover roof repairs?
Often the resulting damage from a storm, but not the cost of fixing worn-out roofs.
Sources and further reading
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.