What to do after a roof leak or storm damage

If the leak is active, focus on safety first. If you see electrical hazards (sparks, wet outlets, or water near panels), stop and contact a licensed electrician or your utility for guidance. For active dripping, you can place a bucket and move belongings away from the wet area.

When it’s safe to do so, try to control the source of moisture (for example, covering a damaged section with a tarp) without putting yourself at risk. Avoid throwing away damaged materials right away—you may need them for documentation. Taking clear photos and notes can help professionals later.

If anyone has to stay in the home, ensure basic ventilation and keep indoor areas as dry as possible. Don’t run fans into heavily contaminated areas; a restoration pro can advise if there’s mold risk. If you prefer guidance in Spanish or another language, we can help you find support during the matching process.

Create a simple record of what happened. Take wide and close-up photos of the roof area, ceilings, walls, floors, and any belongings affected. Note dates and times, the storm event (if applicable), and any visible signs like staining, bubbling paint, or warped materials.

If you have an insurance claim, your insurer often asks for this information. While we can’t advise on claim approval, good documentation can make the process smoother. Keep receipts for temporary measures (like tarps, dehumidifiers, or emergency water removal) if your policy permits reimbursement.

For a helpful checklist, see what to do now for step-by-step actions after property damage.

Water can start causing structural and material damage quickly. Restoration teams may use devices like dehumidifiers and air movers to remove moisture from the air and building materials. They also use moisture meters (tools that measure how wet materials are) to confirm when areas are truly dry.

Because roof leaks vary widely, costs can vary a lot by location and severity. As a rough US estimate, basic water extraction and drying for a small affected area often starts around a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars, while larger or more complex jobs can run into several thousand or more. If there’s significant demolition (for example, removing soaked drywall or insulation), the range can increase. Your final cost depends on the materials affected, whether mold is present, and how quickly drying begins.

If you’re deciding who to call, you can explore services to understand the typical stages of restoration, from mitigation to drying and repairs.

Steady Restore helps you find certified home restoration professionals near you. The service is free for property owners, and professionals pay a flat fee to be listed—never a percentage of your project.

When you request matches, you’ll share general contact details and basic information about the damage (for example: roof leak vs. storm, what areas are affected, and when it started). We do not ask for medical or identity records.

To get started, visit get-matched. You can also review guides to learn what to ask before work begins, how to think about drying vs. repairs, and how to prepare your home for an inspection.