Start here
Quick, low-risk steps
- Keep everyone away from lines, unstable ceilings, and fallen material.
- Photograph damage only from the ground or a safe interior location.
- Record the storm date and check official event records.
- Move belongings only when the area is safe.
- Compare written roof scopes before authorizing work.
Assess Safety First
After a storm, your first priority is the safety of everyone in the home. A leaking roof can lead to electrical hazards, ceiling collapse, or structural instability. Never enter a room with a sagging ceiling or water near light fixtures or outlets.
If you see any downed power lines touching your home, stay far away and call 911. Do not attempt to move debris that may be in contact with hidden electrical lines. Wait for professionals to confirm the structure is safe before re-entering affected areas.
- Check for sagging ceilings or wet drywall that could fall.
- Look for water near electrical outlets, switches, or appliances.
- Do not use a ladder or walk on a wet or damaged roof.
- If you smell gas, evacuate and call the gas company.
Contain the Water Safely
Once you've confirmed the area is safe, try to minimize interior water damage. Place buckets or containers under active drips. If a ceiling bulge is present, you can carefully puncture a small hole to let water drain into a bucket, but only if you can do so without touching electrical fixtures or standing on a wet floor.
Move furniture, electronics, and other valuables to a dry area if you can do so without risk. Avoid using electrical appliances in damp areas. If water is spreading, use towels or tarps to divert it, but never put yourself in harm's way.
- Use buckets to catch dripping water.
- Relocate belongings only if the path is dry and safe.
- Do not use a vacuum or fan to remove water if wiring is wet.
- Place aluminum foil under furniture legs to prevent stains.
Document the Damage
Before making any temporary repairs, document the damage for insurance purposes. Take clear photos and videos of the leak, affected areas, and any exterior damage you can see from the ground. Do not climb onto the roof or a ladder to get photos.
Note the date and time of the storm, and check official weather records to confirm the event. This information can support your insurance claim. Keep a log of all conversations with your insurer and any contractors you contact.
- Photograph interior water stains, drips, and standing water.
- Take exterior photos of the roof from the ground.
- Record the storm date and check NOAA Storm Events Database.
- Save receipts for any emergency supplies you purchase.
Contact Your Insurer and a Roofer
Report the leak to your insurance company as soon as possible. Ask about your policy's coverage for storm damage and the claims process. Your insurer may send an adjuster to inspect the damage. Do not make permanent repairs until the adjuster has documented the loss, unless necessary to prevent further damage.
Hire a licensed, insured roofing contractor for a professional inspection. Get a written scope of work that details all repairs needed. Compare multiple estimates and check references. Be wary of contractors who demand large upfront payments or promise to waive your deductible.
- Contact your insurer to report the claim.
- Ask about coverage for temporary repairs and living expenses.
- Get a written roof scope from a licensed roofer.
- Compare written scopes before authorizing work.
Take this with you
Evidence and scope checklist
- Measured roof area and waste
- Tear-off layers
- Decking allowance
- Underlayment
- Flashing and penetrations
- Ventilation
- Materials and fastening
- Permit and inspection
- Disposal and cleanup
- Workmanship and manufacturer warranties
Common questions
What homeowners ask next
Should I try to tarp my roof myself?
No. Climbing onto a wet or damaged roof is dangerous. Only a professional with proper safety equipment should install a tarp. Temporary interior containment is safer.
Will my insurance cover a roof leak after a storm?
Coverage depends on your policy and the cause of the leak. Check your policy or contact your insurer. The Texas Department of Insurance offers consumer resources for storm claims.
How long can I wait to fix a roof leak?
Even a small leak can cause mold, rot, and structural damage over time. Prompt professional assessment is recommended, but safety comes first.
Evidence
Sources used for this guide
Research checked July 31, 2026
- NOAA Storm Events DatabaseNOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Dated official storm-event records; an area event does not prove damage at a property.
- Storm and property insurance consumer resourcesTexas Department of Insurance
Texas consumer process and fraud-prevention context; never a promise of coverage.
- International Residential Code wind and roof compilationFEMA
Model-code background; locally adopted code and permits control.
Optional next step
Need an on-site professional?
Use the guide and worksheet first so you can describe the situation and compare the full scope. A referral is optional; you can also contact a licensed local provider directly.
We have not enabled a provider route for this site. Use the checklist to contact and verify local providers yourself; urgent hazards should go to the appropriate emergency or public service.