Roof Leak in Humble, TX: What to Do Right Now
Water coming through the ceiling means the roof has been breached. Here is how to limit the damage, what to record for your insurer, and how to get a roofing company on the phone.
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Stop more damage while you wait
In short: catch dripping water, move belongings away, cover holes if you can do it safely, and photograph everything. Do not throw damaged items away until your insurer says you can.
- Move belongings and catch water. Move furniture and valuables away from the leak and put containers under drips.
- Remove standing water. The Texas Department of Insurance lists removing standing water as part of preventing more damage.
- Cover holes to keep rain out. Temporary covers are a short-term step. Save every receipt, because your policy may pay for temporary repairs.
- Photograph and list. Take photos and video of damage inside and outside, and make a list. Keep damaged items until the insurer says otherwise.
- Call for help. Call your insurer to report the damage, and call a roofing company to look at the roof.
Sources: Texas Department of Insurance: Hail damage to your home or car? What to do next.
Why a roof leak turns into a bigger problem
Moisture is what mold needs. The US EPA says to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours, and that mold will not grow without water or moisture.
A roof leak rarely stays on the roof. Water runs along framing, soaks insulation and shows up as stains on ceilings and walls, often some distance from the hole. If wet materials stay damp past the first couple of days, mold becomes a real risk, and damaged insulation and drywall may have to be replaced.
Source: US EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home.
Common places a roof leak starts
| Where you notice it | What it can point to |
|---|---|
| Stain or drip on a ceiling | Water entering through the roof or running along framing from another spot |
| Damp insulation or dark framing in the attic | A leak that has been wetting materials, sometimes for a while |
| Missing or lifted shingles after a storm | Wind damage; check the roof after every storm, as the Texas Department of Insurance suggests |
| Water at the edge of the roof | Clogged gutters; the Texas Department of Insurance says to keep gutters clean |
Finding the exact source usually needs someone on the roof. That is a job for the roofing company you are connected with, not for guesswork from the ground.
Source: Texas Department of Insurance: Insurance and your roof.
What your insurer will ask for
- Photos and video of the damage before anything is thrown away
- A list of what was damaged, inside and outside
- Receipts for temporary repairs and any living expenses
- Your availability for the adjuster visit, so the adjuster sees everything
- A record of who you spoke to at the insurance company
Our guide to roof insurance claims in Texas walks through the steps in order.
Source: Texas Department of Insurance: Hail damage to your home or car? What to do next.
Roof leak questions
How fast do I need to act on a roof leak?
Quickly, because wet materials can grow mold. The US EPA recommends drying water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours. Stop more water getting in first, then get the leak found and the roof repaired.
Will insurance pay for a roof leak?
It depends on the cause. The Texas Department of Insurance says you can file a claim if a storm, a tree or something else damaged your roof, but your company will not pay for a new roof just because it is old or worn out. Read your policy and ask your agent.
Should I cover the hole myself?
Covering holes to keep rain out is what the Texas Department of Insurance advises as a temporary step, and your policy may pay for it if you save the receipts. Climbing onto a wet roof is dangerous, so a roofing company can do it for you.
Is a ceiling stain always a roof problem?
Not always. Water stains can also come from plumbing or condensation. A roofing company can check the roof side, and a plumber can check pipes. If you are unsure, call and describe what you see.
What should I photograph?
Take photos and video of the damage inside and outside the house, and list damaged items. The Texas Department of Insurance says not to throw damaged items away until your insurance company tells you.
Water coming through the roof? Call now.
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