"My Roof is Leaking!" – What to Do in the First 30 Minutes

October 31, 2025

There is no sound more alarming to a homeowner than the drip, drip, drip of a roof leak. Seeing a water stain appear on your ceiling or finding a puddle on your floor can cause instant panic.

Take a deep breath. A roof leak is an emergency, but it’s one you can manage. How you respond in the first 30 minutes can save you thousands of dollars in interior repairs.

If you’re in Lexington or anywhere in Central Kentucky dealing with a sudden leak, here is a calm, step-by-step guide on exactly what to do.

Step 1: Minimize and Contain Interior Damage (Minutes 0-10)

Before you do anything else, you must control the water that is already inside your house.

Move Valuables: Immediately move any furniture, electronics, rugs, and artwork away from the dripping water.
Contain the Drip: Place a large bucket, trash can, or plastic container directly under the leak. If water is splattering, place an old towel or t-shirt in the bottom of the bucket to absorb the splash.
Manage Spreading Water: Lay down old towels on the floor to soak up any water that has already puddled or spread.
Address a Bubbling Ceiling: If the water is collecting in a “bubble” or “blister” on your ceiling, the drywall is saturated. This is a critical step: Grab a bucket and a small, sharp tool (like a screwdriver or awl). Carefully poke a small hole in the very center of the bubble. This will allow the water to drain in a controlled, single stream into your bucket, relieving the pressure and preventing the drywall from collapsing.

Step 2: Try to Locate the Source… If It Is Safe (Minutes 10-20)

Now that the interior is protected, try to find out where the water is coming from. SAFETY FIRST: Never, under any circumstances, go onto your roof during a rain, wind, or snow storm.

The only place you should look is in your attic.

Get a Flashlight: Carefully go into your attic. Be mindful of where you step—only walk on the secure joists or floorboards, not on the drywall ceiling below.
Look Up: Start from the area directly above the leak in your home. Look up at the underside of the roof deck (the wood sheathing).
What to Look For: You are looking for:
- Water-stained or dark, damp wood
- Wet insulation
- An active, visible drip

Water can be tricky. It often “travels” along rafters or beams, meaning the spot where it’s entering your attic may be 10-15 feet away from where it’s showing up on your ceiling. If you can find the general area, it will be a huge help when you call a professional.

Step 3: Call a Basset Roofing Immediately (Minutes 20-30)

A roof leak will not fix itself, and it will always get worse. Waiting, even a day or two, can allow moisture to spread, leading to structural rot and dangerous mold growth that isn’t covered by most insurance policies.

You need to call a professional roofing company for an emergency response.

For homeowners in Lexington, Winchester, Richmond, and all of Central Kentucky, Basset Roofing is ready to help. Explain your situation clearly:

State that you have an active roof leak.
Tell them where you are located.
Describe what you found in the attic (if anything).

A professional roofing company will send a team out for an emergency tarping or temporary repair to stop the leak and protect your home from further damage, even if it’s still raining. Once the storm passes, they can return to provide a full inspection and permanent repair solution.

A leak is stressful, but by following these three steps, you can take control of the situation and turn a potential disaster into a manageable problem.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Leaks

Will my homeowner's insurance cover a roof leak?

It depends. Most policies cover damage from "sudden and accidental" events like a storm or a fallen tree. They typically do not cover damage from a leak that's been happening for a long time due to lack of maintenance. This is why it's critical to call us immediately to stop the damage and document the event.

Is it okay to wait until the rain stops to call someone?

You should call right away. A reputable roofing company, like Basset Roofing, can perform an emergency tarping service during the rain to prevent thousands of dollars in additional water damage. Waiting allows more water to enter your home.

My leak stopped after the rain. Am I in the clear?

No. A leak that "stops" is a clear sign that you have a breach in your roofing system. The next time it rains, it will leak again, and the underlying wood and insulation are likely staying damp, which can lead to wood rot and mold. It needs to be inspected and repaired professionally.