Emergency Roof Repair: What to Do When Your Roof Is Leaking Now

If water is coming into your home right now, call us at 501.441.2900. Our phones are answered live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we do emergency tarping. Then use the steps below while you wait.

What to do in the first hour

1. Stay off the roof. Wet shingles are slick, and storm damage can hide weak spots. Leave the roof to us.
2. Stay safe around water and power. If water is near a light fixture, outlet or ceiling fan, keep clear of it and turn off that circuit at the breaker if you can do it safely.
3. Catch the water. Use buckets, towels and plastic sheeting. Move furniture, electronics and valuables out of the way.
4. Take photos. Photograph the ceiling, the wet areas and anything damaged. Your insurance company will want them.
5. Call us. Tell us where the water is coming in and what happened, like hail, wind or a fallen limb.

How emergency tarping works

When water is coming in, the first job is to stop it. We tarp the damaged area of the roof and make temporary repairs, then schedule the permanent fix. A tarp buys time so the rain does not keep reaching your decking, insulation and ceilings while the real repair is planned.

After a storm: insurance and documentation

If hail, wind or a fallen tree caused the damage, it may be covered by your homeowners insurance. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage, so getting the roof tarped quickly matters. Check your own policy.

Storm damage inspections are free. We document the damage with photos to support your insurance claim and help you work with your insurance company. See our storm damage repair page.

Emergency or not, the repair follows our price book

Once the leak is stopped, the permanent repair is priced from our published price book before any work starts. Repairs start with a $79.99 diagnostic visit, and Patriot Care Club members pay no service fee and get priority appointments within 24 hours. See our roof repair cost page and the Care Club.

Common causes of an emergency leak

• Shingles torn off by high wind.
• Hail damage that opens up shingles or flashing.
• A tree limb through the roof.
• Failed flashing around a chimney, wall or vent pipe.
• A cracked pipe boot.

Frequently asked questions

Do you answer the phone at night and on weekends?

Yes. Our phones are answered live 24/7.

Should I put a tarp on the roof myself?

We do not recommend it. Climbing a wet or damaged roof is dangerous. Call us and catch the water inside until we get there.

Is a tarp a permanent fix?

No. A tarp is temporary. It stops water until the permanent repair or replacement.

Roof leaking right now?

Call 501.441.2900, answered live 24/7, or learn more about roof repair.