Water is coming through your ceiling. This is not the time for research - it is time for action. Here is what to do right now and what to tell your roofer when you call.
Immediate Steps
Contain the water. Put buckets under active drips. If water is pooling in a ceiling, poke a small hole to let it drain into a bucket rather than spreading and eventually collapsing the drywall.
Move valuables away from the leak area. Furniture, electronics, rugs - get them out of the way.
If safe, check your attic. Look for where water is entering. The entry point is often different from where water appears on the ceiling. Water travels along rafters before dripping down. Knowing the general area helps your roofer.
Document the damage. Take photos and video. Your homeowner insurance may cover some costs. Documentation helps with claims.
Call a roofer. Many roofing companies offer emergency service. Describe what you see. Tell them how much water is coming in and what you observed in the attic.
What Usually Causes Sudden Leaks
Storm damage is the most common trigger for sudden leaks in San Diego. Wind lifts shingles, branches fall, rain finds newly exposed areas.
Flashing failure often shows up during rain after developing slowly over time. The caulk dried out, the metal corroded, gaps opened up - but you did not know until water came through.
Clogged gutters cause water to back up under roof edges. If your gutters were overflowing during the rain, that might be your culprit.
Previous repairs failing happens more than people think. A patch that seemed fine for years can give way during heavy rain.
Getting It Fixed
A roofer responding to a leak will first identify and stop the water entry. This might be a temporary measure - a tarp, emergency sealant - to get you through the immediate crisis.
Permanent repair comes after things dry out. The full extent of damage is not always visible when everything is still wet. Your roofer should return to do proper repair work once conditions allow.
Get a clear understanding of what the emergency visit covers and what the permanent repair will involve. These are often separate charges.
Peak Builders responds to roofing emergencies throughout San Diego. When your roof is leaking, call us.
