What to do when your roof leaks in Illinois. Emergency steps to minimize damage while you wait for professional roof repair.
A leaking roof is stressful. Here's what to do RIGHT NOW to minimize damage while you arrange for a professional repair or replacement.
Immediate Steps
- Contain the water. Place buckets, trash cans, or plastic bins under active drips. Put towels around the base to catch splashes.
- Protect your belongings. Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the leak area. Cover large items with plastic sheeting or tarps.
- Relieve ceiling pressure. If your ceiling is bulging or sagging from trapped water, carefully poke a small hole in the center of the bulge with a screwdriver and place a bucket below. This prevents the entire ceiling from collapsing under the weight of accumulated water.
- Document everything. Take photos and videos of the leak, water damage, ceiling damage, and any damaged belongings. Note the date and time. This documentation is critical if you file an insurance claim.
- Do NOT go on the roof. Wet roofs are extremely dangerous. Don't attempt temporary repairs yourself — let a professional handle it.
Is It an Emergency or Can It Wait?
Emergency (call now): Active, heavy water intrusion during a storm; ceiling collapsing; water near electrical fixtures or panel; structural sagging.
Urgent but not emergency: Slow drip during rain; water stains appearing on ceiling; damp spots on walls. Schedule a professional inspection within 24-48 hours.
Should You File an Insurance Claim?
If the leak is caused by a storm (hail, wind, fallen tree), you likely have a valid insurance claim. We handle the entire insurance claim process — free inspection, documentation, adjuster meeting, and full replacement once approved. Learn about our insurance claim process →
For emergency roof situations, call us at (331) 250-3726.
What to do in the first hour
Move what you can out from under the leak and put down a bucket and towels. If the ceiling is bulging, poke a small hole at the low point so the water drains into the bucket instead of spreading. Take photos and video of everything, including the date. Do not go on the roof in rain, wind or ice. Then call. We tarp and make temporary repairs year-round, and those photos will help if there is an insurance claim.
Finding the real source
Water rarely drips straight down from the hole. It runs along decking, rafters and pipes before it shows on a ceiling, so the stain may be several feet from the entry point. The usual sources are pipe boots, chimney and wall flashing, valleys, nail pops and, in winter, ice dams at the eaves. A proper diagnosis from the roof and the attic saves paying for the wrong repair.
What an inspection should include
A real roof inspection covers more than a look from the driveway. It should include every slope, the flashing at chimneys and walls, pipe boots, valleys, the condition of the decking at the eaves, the gutters and, where there is access, the attic: daylight, staining, damp insulation and ventilation. You should get photos and a plain statement of whether the roof needs nothing, a repair or replacement. Ours is free.
Common questions
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