What to Do When Your Roof Leaks During Heavy Rain
If your roof leaks during heavy rain, protect people first, contain water indoors only when safe, and stay off the roof. Do not try to tarp or inspect a roof while rain, wind, or electrical hazards make access unsafe.
Storm conditions can make a roof and the area around a leak dangerous. Reduce indoor damage without climbing, touching electrical hazards, or standing beneath an unstable ceiling.
What to do right away
- Move people and belongings away from the leak. Keep clear of bulging or sagging ceilings, wet light fixtures, outlets, and areas where water is near electrical equipment.
- Catch drips from a dry, safe position. Put a bucket under a small leak only if you can do so without standing beneath a sagging ceiling. Move furniture and cover belongings.
- Stay away from electrical hazards. Do not touch wet electrical equipment or water near outlets. If you see sparks, damaged wires, or water entering electrical fixtures, keep away and contact the appropriate emergency or electrical professional. Do not walk through standing water to reach a breaker.
- Do not climb onto the roof during the storm. Wet shingles, wind, lightning, debris, and hidden damage can cause injury. Leave roof tarping and inspection to a qualified roofer when conditions are safe.
- Record what you can safely see. Take photos from inside or the ground, note when the leak began, and keep receipts for protective measures.
After the rain eases
Do not assume the roof is safe just because rain has stopped. The Louisiana Department of Insurance advises homeowners not to get on a roof until it is safe, to document visible damage, contact their insurer promptly, and obtain multiple written estimates. Ask a roofing contractor to inspect and explain temporary protection and permanent repairs.
Your homeowners policy determines coverage. Contact your insurer or agent about next steps and keep copies of photos, notes, and communications. A roofer can describe observed damage; the insurer decides how the policy applies.
When to request urgent help
Contact a roofing professional when water is actively entering, shingles or flashing are visibly damaged, or you need a safe inspection after a storm. If there is risk of ceiling collapse, fire, downed power lines, or other immediate danger, move away and contact emergency services or the relevant utility. For non-emergency roof service in Baton Rouge, use the service request form.
Official storm guidance
See the Louisiana Department of Insurance’s “After the Storm” guide for roof safety, documentation, contacting your insurer, and avoiding contractor scams. For coverage questions, consult the department’s homeowners insurance guidance.
Need help with a roof leak?
For an inspection or service request in Baton Rouge, send the team a message describing what you noticed and when it began.
