What to Do When Your Roof Leaks

Step by Step

1. Protect people and belongings. Move furniture, electronics and valuables out of the drip zone. If water is near outlets or lights, cut power to that area.
2. Contain the water. Place buckets under drips. If the ceiling bulges, poke a small hole in the lowest point of the bulge to drain it into a bucket, a controlled drip beats a ceiling collapse.
3. Find the source area. From the attic (if safe), note where water enters. The entry point is often uphill from the interior stain, photograph everything.
4. Document for insurance. Take dated photos and video of the leak, the damage, and any affected belongings. Don’t throw anything away yet.
5. Don’t climb on a wet roof. Wet shingles are treacherous. Emergency tarping is a professional job, and it’s what our 24/7 crews do every night.
6. Call 24/7 emergency service. Call Stuart Home Improvement at (908) 917-0332. We tarp the roof, stop the water, document for your insurer and plan the permanent repair.

When to Call a Professional

If at any point the job involves heights, structural damage, active water flow or insurance documentation, stop and call a licensed contractor. Stuart Home Improvement offers free inspections across Somerset County, call (908) 917-0332, 24/7.