Roof leaking?
Here's what to do now.

Right now: the first 30 minutes

1. Contain the water — Place buckets, pots, or containers under active drips. Put towels around the containers to catch splashes.
2. Move valuables — Get electronics, documents, and irreplaceable items away from the leak area.
3. Photograph everything — Take photos and video of the leak, the water damage, and the ceiling stain. This is critical for insurance claims.
4. Relieve ceiling water — If your ceiling is bulging with water, poke a small hole with a screwdriver in the center of the bulge to drain it into a bucket. This prevents the ceiling from collapsing.
5. Turn off electricity — If water is near electrical outlets, light fixtures, or your breaker panel, turn off power to that area.

The next 24 hours

1. Call a roofer — DeHart Roofing offers 24/7 emergency roof repair in the Central Valley. Call (209) 667-7737.
2. Temporary tarp — If a roofer cannot arrive immediately, a tarp over the damaged area prevents further water entry. Secure with bricks or sandbags (not nails, which create more holes).
3. Document damage — Continue photographing as damage becomes apparent. Check walls, floors, and adjacent rooms.
4. Contact your insurance company — Report the damage within 24 hours. Do NOT make permanent repairs before the adjuster inspects.

The insurance claim process

1. File the claim — Call your homeowner’s insurance within 24 hours
2. Get a claim number — Write it down and reference it in all communications
3. Meet the adjuster — They will inspect the damage within 3-7 days
4. Get repair estimates — Your roofer provides a detailed repair estimate for the adjuster
5. Approve the scope — Negotiate if the adjuster’s estimate does not cover full repair
6. Complete repairs — Once approved, schedule the permanent repair

Read our complete guide: Storm Damage Roof Insurance Claim Guide

Common causes of emergency leaks

• Storm damage — high winds lift shingles, expose the deck
• Failed flashing — around chimneys, vents, and wall junctions
• Pipe boot failure — rubber seals crack in Central Valley heat
• Clogged gutters — water backs up under shingles
• Age — shingles beyond their lifespan lose waterproofing ability
• Ice dam — rare in the Central Valley, but possible in foothill communities

What NOT to do

• Do not climb on a wet roof — extremely dangerous
• Do not make permanent repairs before insurance inspection
• Do not ignore a small leak — small leaks become big problems fast
• Do not hire a storm chaser — door-to-door roofers after storms are often unlicensed or out-of-state

DeHart Roofing emergency service

We respond to emergency calls within hours, not days. Our emergency team provides temporary weatherproofing, damage assessment, insurance documentation, and permanent repair — all coordinated by one team. 51 years of experience. Available 24/7. Call (209) 667-7737 or request emergency service online.