What to do right now
- Catch the water. Put buckets and towels under drips and move furniture and electronics out of the way.
- Relieve a bulging ceiling carefully. If a ceiling is sagging with water, poke a small hole at the lowest point over a bucket so it drains instead of collapsing. Stay out from underneath.
- Turn off power to wet ceiling lights and fans at the breaker.
- Get the roof tarped. A roofer or water damage company can cover the opening. Don't climb on a wet roof yourself.
- Photograph everything. Ceiling stains, wet insulation, missing shingles and any storm damage outside, with the date.
- Start drying. Wet insulation and drywall in ceilings hold water and grow mold.
- Report the claim. Note the date of the storm if there was one.
Is it covered?
Roof leak coverage depends on why the roof leaked.
- Storm damage: if wind, hail or a fallen tree damaged the roof and let water in, the roof repair and the interior water damage are often covered.
- Wear and tear: if the roof was old, worn or poorly maintained and leaked in ordinary rain, the claim is usually denied.
Other things to know
- Some policies pay only actual cash value on older roofs, which subtracts depreciation.
- Some states and policies use a separate, higher deductible for wind and hail.
- Ice dams have their own rules; some policies cover the interior water damage they cause.
What the adjuster will look at
Whether a covered event, like a specific storm, caused an opening in the roof. Photos of outside damage, the storm date and a roofer's written findings carry a lot of weight. Your roof's age matters too.
Temporary repairs are expected
Your policy expects you to prevent more damage, so tarping the roof and drying the inside is the right move. Keep the receipts; those costs are usually part of the claim.
Common questions
Does homeowners insurance cover a leaking roof?
Often, if storm damage caused the leak. Leaks from an old or worn-out roof usually aren't covered.
Should I wait for the adjuster before tarping?
No. Take photos, then tarp the roof to prevent more damage. Keep your receipts.
How old is too old for a roof?
Asphalt shingle roofs usually last about 15 to 25 years. Older roofs face more scrutiny on claims.