What to Do If Your Roof Is Leaking

Published 1 April 2026 • By High and Dry Roofing

Discovering a roof leak can be stressful, especially during heavy rain or in the middle of the night. The key is to act quickly to limit the damage while keeping yourself safe. Here is what you should do if you discover water coming through your roof.

Step 1: Contain the Water

Place buckets, bowls or any waterproof containers under the leak to catch dripping water. If water is spreading across a ceiling, lay towels or old sheets on the floor to protect carpets and flooring. If you can see a bulge forming in a ceiling where water is pooling, carefully place a bucket underneath and make a small hole in the centre of the bulge with a screwdriver to let the water drain in a controlled way. This prevents the weight of collected water from bringing down a larger section of ceiling.

Step 2: Protect Your Belongings

Move any furniture, electronics, valuables and personal items away from the affected area. Even items that appear dry could be damaged if the leak worsens or spreads. If furniture is too heavy to move, cover it with plastic sheeting or bin bags to protect it from water damage.

Step 3: Do Not Go on the Roof

It can be tempting to climb up and try to fix the problem yourself, but this is extremely dangerous, particularly in wet or windy conditions. Roof surfaces become very slippery when wet and a fall from even a single-storey roof can cause serious injury. Leave any external repairs to a professional roofer with the correct equipment and training.

Step 4: Photograph the Damage

Before you start cleaning up, take photos and videos of the damage. Photograph the leak itself, any water staining on ceilings and walls, and any damage to your belongings. This documentation is essential if you need to make an insurance claim. Keep a written record of the date and time you discovered the leak and any steps you took to minimise damage.

Step 5: Call a Professional Roofer

Contact a local roofer as soon as possible. Many roofing companies, including High and Dry, can respond quickly to emergency call-outs. A professional roofer can make the roof safe with a temporary repair to stop further water ingress, then assess the full extent of the damage and advise on the permanent repair needed.

Common Causes of Roof Leaks

Understanding what might be causing the leak can be helpful when speaking to your roofer:

• Missing or damaged tiles: Storms and high winds can dislodge or crack tiles, allowing water in.
• Failed flashing: The lead or mortar around chimneys, vents and where the roof meets a wall can deteriorate over time.
• Blocked gutters: If gutters are blocked, water can back up under the roof tiles and seep into the building.
• Perished felt: The felt underlay beneath roof tiles breaks down over time and can allow water through even if the tiles look fine.
• Flat roof membrane failure: Felt flat roofs are prone to blistering, cracking and splitting, especially as they age.