What to Do If You Spot a Roof Leak After Heavy Rain

What to Do If You Spot a Roof Leak After Heavy Rain

There’s nothing worse than hearing the drip… drip… drip of water during a heavy rainstorm—especially when it’s coming from your ceiling. If you’ve just spotted a roof leak in your home, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. A minor leak today can lead to major damage tomorrow.

Whether it’s a small ceiling stain or water actively dripping into a bucket, taking the right steps immediately can help you minimize damage and protect your home.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what to do when you spot a roof leak after a storm, how to find the source, and when to call in the pros—especially here in Western PA, where rain is part of life year-round.

🛑 Step 1: Stay Calm and Protect Your Belongings

The first priority is safety and property protection.

If water is dripping or pooling:

• Place a bucket or container under the leak to collect water

• Use old towels or rags to soak up excess moisture

• Move furniture, electronics, or valuables out of harm’s way

• If the ceiling is bulging with water, poke a small hole with a screwdriver to relieve pressure and prevent collapse

⚠️ Important: If water is near electrical fixtures, switches, or outlets, turn off power to the affected area at the breaker box. Electrical + water is a dangerous combo.

🔍 Step 2: Try to Locate the Source

Sometimes, the leak is easy to find—directly above the wet ceiling area. But more often, water travels along beams and rafters before it becomes visible.

Here’s where to check:

• Attic (if safe to enter): Use a flashlight to inspect for wet insulation, water stains on wood, or active drips.

• Roof penetrations: Common leak sources include chimneys, skylights, vents, and plumbing stacks.

• Flashing & valleys: Areas where different parts of the roof meet are vulnerable if flashing is loose or deteriorated.

• Missing or damaged shingles: Heavy wind and rain can dislodge shingles, especially on older roofs.

Even if you can’t see the exact entry point, take note of where and when the leak occurs—this info is helpful for your roofing contractor.

⏳ Step 3: Minimize Interior Damage

A roof leak isn’t just annoying—it can cause real damage to your home’s structure.

To reduce long-term problems:

• Dry the area thoroughly. Use fans, dehumidifiers, or HVAC settings to pull moisture out of the air.

• Remove wet drywall or insulation. This prevents mold from forming inside walls or ceilings.

• Document the damage. Take clear photos of any wet spots, drips, or damage for insurance claims.

💡 Pro Tip: Even if the leak seems to “stop” when the rain ends, the underlying damage can linger and worsen over time.

📞 Step 4: Call a Professional Roofing Contractor

Roof leaks are not a DIY job for most homeowners. Unless you’re trained and equipped to walk on roofs safely, it’s best to leave repairs to the pros.

Here’s why you should call My Guys PGH right away:

• We’ll inspect the entire roofing system, including shingles, flashing, gutters, and attic ventilation.

• We’ll identify hidden issues that may not be visible from inside.

• We offer quick, reliable emergency roof repairs across Pittsburgh and Western PA.

Depending on the damage, we may recommend a small repair, a partial replacement, or—in some cases—a full roof replacement if the leak is part of a larger issue.

📋 Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company (If Needed)

If your leak caused significant damage—especially to your ceilings, flooring, or personal property—you may want to file a homeowners insurance claim.

Before you call:

• Review your policy for coverage details related to water damage or storms

• Take clear photos of all affected areas

• Gather any receipts for cleanup, repairs, or damaged belongings

At My Guys PGH, we’re happy to help provide documentation and photos your insurer may require during the claims process.

🧰 Common Causes of Roof Leaks After Rain

Understanding what caused the leak can help you prevent future problems. Here are some of the most common reasons we see in Pittsburgh-area homes:

1. Aging or Damaged Shingles

Shingles wear out over time—especially asphalt ones exposed to freezing temps and intense sun. Cracks, curls, or missing shingles are open invitations for water.

2. Improper Flashing

Flashing (thin metal strips) seals off roof joints and penetrations. If flashing comes loose, rusts, or was poorly installed, it can let water in.

3. Clogged Gutters

When gutters back up with leaves and debris, water can pool and spill onto your roof or siding, leading to leaks.

4. Poor Ventilation

An unventilated attic traps heat and moisture, damaging the underside of your roof and causing premature aging.

5. Storm Damage

High winds, hail, and flying debris can damage your roof—sometimes in subtle ways that don’t show up until the next heavy rain.

🔄 Temporary Fixes (If You’re Waiting on Repairs)

If a roofing crew can’t get there right away and more rain is coming, consider these temporary leak control options:

• Tarp your roof: Cover the affected section with a heavy-duty tarp secured tightly with 2x4s or roofing nails.

• Sealant spray: For small cracks around vents or flashing, temporary sealant spray can help block moisture.

• Gutter cleaning: If rainwater is overflowing, clean your gutters and downspouts to redirect water properly.

⚠️ Safety Note: Only attempt temporary fixes if you can do so safely from the ground or with professional help.

🛡️ Preventing Roof Leaks in the Future

You can’t stop the rain—but you can stop it from getting inside. Here’s how to prevent future roof leaks in your home:

• Schedule annual roof inspections (especially before and after winter)

• Clean your gutters and downspouts regularly

• Trim overhanging tree branches

• Check attic insulation and ventilation

• Replace your roof when it nears the end of its lifespan

If your roof is more than 15–20 years old, it’s time to start planning for replacement—before leaks become a recurring issue.

🏡 Trust My Guys PGH for Roof Leak Repairs in Pittsburgh

At My Guys PGH, we’ve seen—and fixed—every kind of leak imaginable. From missing shingles to hidden flashing failures, we know how to quickly identify the problem and deliver reliable repairs.

Whether you need:

• Emergency leak repair

• Roof inspection after a storm

• Asphalt or metal roof replacement

…you can count on our licensed, insured, and highly rated team to get the job done right.

Don’t wait until a small leak turns into a big problem.

👉 Contact My Guys PGH today for fast, friendly service—and protect your home from the top down.