My roof is leaking during a Bay Area storm — what should I do?

Bay Area winters now bring back-to-back atmospheric rivers — days of wind-driven rain that find every weak flashing, lifted shingle, and tired skylight curb. If you have an active leak during a storm, here’s the order of operations:

1. Protect the inside first. Move belongings, put down buckets/towels, and if water is pooling in a ceiling, pierce a small drain hole at the low point so it doesn’t spread and collapse the drywall.
2. Stay off the roof. A wet, windy roof is the most dangerous moment to be up there. A ground-level tarp anchored over the area is safer than climbing.
3. Document for insurance. Photograph the interior damage, the date, and any visible exterior cause. Most homeowner policies cover sudden storm damage (not long-term wear) — good documentation is what gets it approved.
4. Get a temporary dry-in. A proper tarp or emergency patch stops the bleeding until the weather clears enough for a permanent repair.

We keep a 24/7 storm line during the wet season and prioritize active interior leaks. If your roof is leaking right now, call (415) 410-7917 — and we’ll walk you through making it safe even before we arrive.