A sudden leak in the middle of the night is stressful. The good news: the steps you take right now can make a significant difference in how much damage — and how much money — you end up dealing with.
Step 1: Contain the Water Right Now
Grab buckets, bins, or towels and place them under the drip. Move any furniture, electronics, or valuables out of the area.
Keep in mind: water rarely falls straight down from a roof breach. It travels along rafters and ceiling materials until it finds the lowest point — so the drip you see may not be directly below the actual problem.
If your ceiling is bulging, do not wait for it to collapse. Poke a small hole in the center of the bulge with a screwdriver to let the water drain in a controlled way. It will save you a much bigger mess.
Step 2: Document Everything Before You Clean Up
Before you start mopping up, grab your phone and take photos and videos of:
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The active leak and where the water is coming from
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Water pooling or damage to floors, walls, and belongings
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The time and conditions outside (storm, snow, wind)
Insurance adjusters need this evidence to process your claim. The more you document, the smoother the process.
Step 3: Do Not Go Back to Sleep
It is tempting to put a bucket down and deal with it at sunrise. But every hour water sits inside your roof system, it is soaking into insulation, wood framing, and drywall — materials that can grow mold within 24 to 48 hours.
A localized leak caught early is a repair job. Left to spread, it can become a full replacement.
As soon as it is daylight — or even before — make a note to call a professional first thing in the morning. The faster a roofer can assess and address the source, the less damage you will be dealing with.
What Happens at Your Inspection
When our team at Roof Crafters comes out, we do not just look at the obvious spot. Roof leaks are often caused by something several feet away from where the water appears inside. We inspect:
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The full roof surface for cracked, curled, or missing materials
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Flashing around chimneys, vents, and valleys — the most common entry points for water
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The underlayment and decking for hidden moisture damage
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Drainage and ponding areas that accelerate deterioration
From there, we give you a clear picture of what needs to be fixed and what your options are — no pressure, no guesswork.
Since 1977, Roof Crafters has helped Reno homeowners and business owners protect their properties against Northern Nevada’s toughest conditions. If your roof gave you a scare last night, do not put it off.
Schedule an inspection before the next storm hits.
(775) 831-4188 | roofcrafterswest.com