Short answer: When your roof is damaged in a storm, first make sure everyone is safe and stay off the roof. Move belongings, catch drips and turn off power to wet areas. Photograph the damage, then call a licensed roofer for emergency tarping and your insurer to start a claim. A permanent repair follows once the weather clears.
Quick steps
- Get people out of rooms with sagging or dripping ceilings.
- Do not go on the roof in rain or wind.
- Protect belongings and catch water inside.
- Photograph everything, inside and out.
- Call a licensed roofer for emergency tarping.
- Call your insurance company if the damage may be covered.
- Schedule a permanent repair once it is dry.
Step 1: Safety first
Atmospheric-river storms between November and March bring heavy rain and strong winds to the Bay Area, and trees come down on roofs in Oakland, Marin, the Peninsula and the South Bay hills every season. Your first job is safety:
- A bulging, sagging ceiling may be holding water. Keep people out from under it. Puncturing a small hole at the lowest point with a bucket underneath can release water in a controlled way, but only if it is safe to stand there.
- If water is near light fixtures, outlets or the electrical panel, turn off power to that area at the breaker if you can do so safely.
- If a tree is on the roof or power lines are down, stay away and call the utility and, if needed, emergency services.
- Do not climb onto a wet roof in the dark or in wind. Roofers have the equipment and experience; it can wait for them.
Step 2: Limit damage inside
- Move furniture, electronics, rugs and valuables away from the leak.
- Put buckets, pots or bins under drips, with towels to catch splash.
- Check the attic, if you can access it safely, and place containers under active drips.
- Run fans or a dehumidifier once the leak is controlled to help drying.
Step 3: Document the damage
Before anything is cleaned up, take photos and video of the ceiling, walls, floors and damaged belongings, plus anything you can see outside from the ground: missing shingles, a fallen branch, damaged gutters. Note the date and time. Keep receipts for anything you buy to protect the home, such as tarps, buckets or a hotel if you have to leave. This record helps your insurance claim.
Step 4: Emergency tarp
An emergency tarp stops more water from getting in until a permanent repair is possible. A proper tarp job is not just a sheet thrown over the roof:
- The tarp extends well past the damaged area and over the ridge where possible, so water cannot run under it.
- It is secured with boards or fasteners placed to minimize new holes, not just weighted with bricks that blow off.
- Gutters and drainage are kept working.
- On tile roofs, tarping takes care to avoid breaking more tile.
We offer 24/7 emergency service. See our emergency roofing page.
Step 5: Call your insurer
If the damage came from a sudden event like wind or a falling tree, your homeowners policy may cover repairs, minus your deductible. Call your insurer or agent, report the damage, and ask about the process. Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, which is what the tarp and interior protection are for. Our insurance claims page explains how we help document damage and scope.
Be cautious with anyone who knocks on your door after a storm offering to handle your claim or waive your deductible. Check the license on the CSLB website first. See how to find a licensed roofing contractor.
Step 6: Get a contractor assessment
Once the storm passes, a roofer should inspect the whole roof, not just the obvious spot. Wind can lift shingles and break seals in areas that are not leaking yet, and water can travel a long way inside before it shows on a ceiling. We photograph everything in CompanyCam and give you a written scope, which also helps your adjuster.
Temporary vs. permanent repair
| Temporary repair | Permanent repair | |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Stop water now | Restore the roof properly |
| Typical work | Tarp, sealing a hole, securing loose material | Replace shingles, tile, flashing, underlayment or decking as needed |
| Timing | During or right after the storm | When the roof is dry and safe |
| How long it lasts | Short term; check it after each storm | Long term, with warranty |
Do not leave a tarp on for months. Sun and wind break tarps down, and trapped moisture under a tarp can cause its own damage.
What insurance typically covers
Coverage depends on your policy, but in general:
- Often covered: sudden damage from wind, falling trees and some other events, plus resulting interior damage, subject to your deductible and terms.
- Often not covered: wear and age, long-term leaks, lack of maintenance, and moss or rot.
- Depends on the policy: code upgrades required during repair, and matching undamaged areas.
Read your policy or ask your agent. The short answer on storm damage and the claim process is a good summary.
After the repair: check the inside too
Once the roof is sealed, the job is not quite finished. Water that got into the attic or ceilings needs to dry. Wet insulation loses much of its value and can hold moisture against framing, so it may need to be removed and replaced. Stained drywall should be checked for softness and mold before it is painted over. Keep fans or a dehumidifier running until materials are dry, and watch for musty smells in the following weeks.
If the leak was significant, a water damage or restoration company may be part of the claim. We focus on the roof and can share our photos and scope with them and with your adjuster so everyone works from the same record.
Prevent the next emergency
Many storm leaks start with problems that were visible before the rain: clogged gutters, lifted shingles, cracked pipe boots, worn flashing or overhanging branches. A fall inspection catches them. See our fall roof prep guide and atmospheric river roof damage article. We respond across the region, including emergency roofing in San Francisco and Oakland.
Frequently asked questions
Can a roof be repaired in the rain?
Emergency tarping and temporary fixes can be done during or between storms when it is safe. Permanent repairs need a dry roof for materials to seal and bond properly.
How fast can a roofer tarp my roof?
It depends on the storm and demand, but we run a 24/7 emergency line and prioritize active leaks. Protect the inside of the home while you wait.
Will insurance pay for an emergency tarp?
Many policies cover reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a covered event. Keep receipts and photos and check with your insurer.
Should I go on the roof to find the leak?
No. Wet roofs are dangerous, especially in wind or the dark. Protect the inside and let a roofer handle the roof.
Roof leaking right now? Call our 24/7 line at (415) 410-7917. For storm damage that can wait a day, request a free inspection and written estimate.
