Roof Leaking During Rain? What to Do, Step by Step

Safety comes before anything else.

• If water is dripping near light fixtures, outlets or electrical panels, turn off power to that area at the breaker if you can do so safely
• If a ceiling is sagging badly, keep people and pets out from under it
• Do not climb onto the roof during rain or wind. Wet roofs are slippery, and SF fog keeps them slick even after the rain stops

Put buckets, pots or bins under drips. Lay towels around them to catch splashes. A piece of wood or a towel inside the bucket cuts down on noise from the drip.

Move furniture, rugs, electronics and anything valuable out of the way, or cover them with plastic sheeting or tarps.

If water is pooling above the ceiling and it's bulging downward, it's usually better to release the water in a controlled way than to let the ceiling give way on its own. Put a bucket underneath, then carefully poke a small hole in the lowest point of the bulge with a screwdriver. Stand to the side. This lets water drain and can limit how much of the ceiling is damaged.

If you're not comfortable doing this, or the bulge is large, keep everyone clear and wait for help.

Take photos and video of the leak, the ceiling, any damaged belongings and, if visible from the street, the outside of the roof. Note the date and time. This helps your roofer find the source and helps with any insurance claim.

Whether insurance covers a leak depends on your policy and the cause. Sudden storm damage is treated differently from gradual wear. Call your insurer or agent to ask.

Without going on the roof, look for things you can see from a window or the street:

• A gutter or downspout overflowing or disconnected
• Water pouring off a roof edge where it normally wouldn't
• Branches or debris on the roof
• Missing shingles or a flapping section of roofing

On flat roofs, clogged drains are one of the most common causes of storm leaks. Our flat roof leak guide explains this and the other common causes.

Call a licensed roofer as soon as you can. Ace Roofing & Construction responds next day for active leaks across San Francisco, and we can talk you through containment over the phone when you call 415-872-9300.

When you call, tell the roofer where the leak is, when it started, what kind of roof you have if you know (flat, shingle, mixed), and whether it has leaked before. Send photos if they ask.

Temporary fix

If it's still raining, a roofer may make a temporary repair to slow or stop the water — for example, a tarp, a temporary patch, or clearing a blocked drain. Permanent repairs on most roofing systems need a dry surface.

Finding the real source

Water often travels before it drips, so the stain inside isn't always right under the problem. A roofer checks the roof around and above the leak — drains, seams, flashing, penetrations, skylights — to trace it back.

Permanent repair

Once the roof is dry, the actual problem gets fixed. Most leaks are a single failed detail and can be fixed with a targeted repair. We believe in repair before replace, and we'll only recommend a larger job if the roof really needs it — with photos to show why. See our roof repair service.

Tenants should report leaks to the owner or property manager right away, in writing, with photos. Owners of multi-unit buildings should have a plan for storm leaks — who to call, and how to reach the roof safely.

Once the immediate problem is fixed, it's worth asking why it happened. Was a drain clogged? Did old flashing give out? Is the roof near the end of its life? The answer tells you whether this was a one-off or a sign of more to come.

• Keep drains, scuppers and gutters clear, especially before and during the rainy season
• Have flashing at walls, chimneys, vents and skylights checked once a year
• Fix small problems right away instead of waiting for the next storm
• Get an inspection if the roof has leaked more than once

See what happens during a roof inspection for what a good roof check covers.

• Don't climb on the roof in rain or wind
• Don't smear roofing cement on a wet roof and call it fixed — it rarely holds
• Don't ignore a leak that stops when the rain stops; it will come back
• Don't wait to dry out wet insulation, carpet or drywall — moisture left behind can lead to mold

Dry the area with fans and open windows if weather allows. Check the attic or ceiling space if you can. Once the roof is repaired, consider an inspection to look for other weak spots before the next storm — see how to prepare your roof for the rainy season. Leaks around skylights are common too; see skylight leak causes and fixes.

We handle storm leaks across the city, including the Mission, Excelsior and Bernal Heights. For flat roofs, see our flat roofing service.