Leaking Roof? Here’s What to Do Immediately

A leaking roof can become a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Whether it’s a small drip or a full-blown water intrusion, acting fast can prevent costly damage. Here’s what you need to do right away if you notice your roof is leaking.

1. Contain the Water

The first step is to minimize damage inside your home. Place a bucket, pot, or any large container under the leak to catch dripping water. If water is splattering onto furniture or floors, put a towel or a small board in the bucket to reduce the impact.

2. Protect Your Belongings

Move furniture, electronics, and other valuables away from the leak. If the leak is near a carpet, use plastic sheeting or garbage bags to shield it from water damage.

3. Relieve Water Pressure

If you see a bulging area on the ceiling, there is likely a pool of water collecting above. Carefully use a small tool like a screwdriver to puncture the lowest point of the bulge. Although this may seem counterintuitive, it helps release the water and prevents the ceiling from collapsing. Make sure you have a bucket ready to catch the excess water.

4. Find the Source of the Leak

Try to identify where the water is coming from. While some leaks are directly above the water spot, others may travel along rafters and beams before dripping down. If it’s raining, you might not be able to pinpoint the exact source, but check for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or clogged gutters.

5. Tarp the Roof

If you can safely access the roof, use a tarp to cover the damaged area temporarily. Secure it with nails or heavy objects to prevent it from blowing away. This is a short-term fix until professional repairs can be made.

6. Call a Roofing Professional

Even if the leak seems minor, it’s best to get a professional roofer involved as soon as possible. Roofing issues can worsen quickly, leading to structural damage, mold growth, and higher repair costs. A trained expert will be able to assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.

7. Document the Damage

Take photos and videos of the leak and any affected areas. This documentation can be valuable for insurance claims. If you need to file a claim, contact your insurance provider to begin the roof damage claim process.

8. Prevent Future Leaks

Once repairs are completed, take steps to prevent future leaks. Regularly inspect your roof for signs of wear and tear, keep your gutters clean, and trim overhanging branches that could cause damage during storms. Investing in routine maintenance can help extend the life of your roof.

Final Thoughts

A leaking roof is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. By acting quickly and following these steps, you can reduce the damage and protect your home. If you need expert roofing services, Costello Roofing is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and get your roof back in top shape!

jessica tolan

22:24 26 Feb 24

Ted is very responsive and understands what you require from helping plumbers with our stack pipe to assisting the electrician with the replacement of an attic fan. Costello is quick, efficient, clean and easy to deal with

Tim Brown

23:51 11 Feb 24

These guys are the absolute best for roofing in South Jersey. I appreciate this local family company that came through when we needed a roof repair done.Prior to calling Costello, my neighbors had their roof done by Veterans roofing. I spoke with them while they were working next-door and got a quote for work they would do on our house. Later, I spoke again with an employee who was flying a drone and he totally blew me off again. My texts were ignored for weeks. Finally, I called and spoke with Veterans and they promised they’d be out that afternoon - no show.So I gave up and called Costellos. Not only did they come when they said they would, they also matched Veteran’s quote and worked with my insurance so I didn’t have to. Ryan was our company rep and his boss, Damien, also helped us out. I can’t say enough good things about them and their service. I appreciate their respect of my time and concern for my issue. Highly recommended. Thank you Costello Roofing!

Victoria Phillips

16:48 03 Jan 24

After shopping around for a roof replacement and talking to 8 roofers and meeting with 6 estimators, we chose Costello Roofing. It boiled down to my frank conversation with Ernie, his understanding of our issues and his follow-through. The crew arrived, worked diligently on the tasks, and were extremely polite and were wonderful dealing with the dogs needing to go out. They cleaned up the yard and did a great job. We are very happy with the end result. Thank you!

Dominick Giacalone

16:46 23 Nov 23

They were reliable trustworthy friendly on time and gave me a great price and a great warranty. They did a great job. My roof is beautiful

joseph lamaina

23:17 21 Nov 23

galit schwarz

20:33 31 Aug 23

Had a great experience with Ted and the Costello team. Their price was competitive with the other companies I priced and Ted went above and beyond to work around my hectic schedule and get my job done in a timely and efficient manner. The crews worked extremely hard from dusk till dawn.

DJ Uriel's Electronic Dance Lounge

16:01 29 Aug 23

Costello Roofing Put a new roof on my house last year, And they did an excellent job so when I needed new gutters, I considered using them again. I worked with Ted from the Costello sales team. And he was very good at explaining the process, the materials, and what I will be getting for the price I would pay. I would recommend them if you want to get a quality job at a fair price!

Giuseppe Gambale

16:09 19 Jan 23

They are great from the very start. When Mike came out to give me an estimate you could tell he’s a man that stands by his company. He answered all of my questions and explained exactly the project in great detail. When it came time to do the job, Mike was also there on the roof making sure his guys were well prepared to make the job run as smooth as possible. And that it did!! I will continue to use Costello roofing for all my future projects!!