Roof Leak After a Florida Storm? What to Do in the First 24 Hours

Short answer: Stay safe, stop the water inside, document everything with photos, and call a licensed roofer for an inspection and temporary repair. If the damage may be covered, notify your insurance company promptly. Don’t climb on a wet roof yourself, and don’t sign a contract or an assignment of benefits on the spot with someone who knocks on your door.

Step by step: what to do when your roof is leaking

1. Put safety first. If water is near light fixtures, outlets or the electrical panel, turn off power to that area. Stay out of rooms with a sagging ceiling.
2. Catch and contain the water. Use buckets and towels, move furniture and electronics, and if a ceiling is bulging with water, poke a small hole at the lowest point to drain it into a bucket so it doesn’t collapse.
3. Document everything. Take photos and video of the ceiling, walls, floors and anything damaged, and of the roof from the ground. Note the date and time.
4. Call a licensed roofer. A professional can find where the water is getting in and install a temporary tarp or patch to prevent more damage until a permanent repair is made.
5. Notify your insurer if the damage may be covered. Most policies require you to report promptly and to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Keep receipts for emergency repairs.
6. Dry things out. Run fans and dehumidifiers. Wet drywall and insulation can grow mold within a couple of days in Florida humidity.

Where do roof leaks usually start?

• Missing, lifted or creased shingles after high winds
• Cracked or slipped tiles, or worn underlayment beneath a tile roof
• Flashing around chimneys, skylights, walls and roof valleys
• Pipe boots and other roof penetrations that have cracked in the sun
• Clogged gutters or valleys that let water back up under the roofing

The spot on your ceiling is often not directly below the hole in the roof. Water can run along the decking or rafters before it drips through, which is why a roof inspection matters.

Watch out for storm chasers

After a big storm, out-of-town crews often go door to door. Before you hire anyone, check their Florida roofing license, ask for proof of insurance, read their reviews and get the scope and price in writing. Florida law also gives you rights to cancel some roofing contracts signed after a declared emergency, so read anything carefully before you sign.

Repair or replace?

Many leaks are fixable with a targeted repair. If the roof is near the end of its life, has widespread damage or keeps leaking in new places, replacement may be the better investment. An honest inspection with photos should tell you which one you need. Does your Florida roof really need to be replaced?

Roof leaking now? Call (352) 857-1469. We serve Ocala, The Villages, Winter Park and Orlando and Tampa Bay from our Summerfield headquarters. We’re a Florida Certified Roofing Contractor (CCC1331563) and Certified General Contractor (CGC1534617).

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first when my roof leaks?

Make the area safe, especially around electricity, catch the water, and take photos of the damage. Then call a licensed roofer for an inspection and a temporary repair.

Can I put a tarp on my roof myself?

It is safer to have a professional do it. Wet roofs are slippery, and a tarp that is not secured correctly can blow off or trap water. A roofer can also find the actual source of the leak.

Will homeowners insurance pay for a roof leak?

It depends on the cause and your policy. Sudden storm damage is often covered, while leaks from age or wear usually are not. Report possible storm damage promptly and keep photos and receipts.

Why is the leak not directly under the damaged spot on my roof?

Water can travel along the roof deck, rafters or insulation before it drips through the ceiling, so the stain can be several feet from where the water is getting in.