If you are reading this because water is currently dripping from your ceiling, here is the short version:
If your roof is actively leaking, the first step is to clear the area and place a bucket under the drip. If the ceiling paint is bubbling, carefully poke a small hole in the center of the bulge with a screwdriver to release the water and prevent the drywall from collapsing. Then, call a professional immediately.

The Full Guide: How to Manage a Roof Leak Until We Arrive
There are few things more stressful for a homeowner than hearing the drip, drip, drip of water inside the house during a storm. Panic is a natural reaction, but it won’t stop the water. Action will.

While you wait for the storm to pass so a professional can safely inspect the roof, here are 5 immediate steps you can take to minimize the damage to your home.

1. Contain the Water (The Bucket Trick)
It sounds obvious, but your first priority is protecting your floors and furniture.

Move any furniture, rugs, or electronics away from the leak.

Place a bucket or large pot directly under the drip.

Pro Tip: If the dripping sound is driving you crazy, pin a piece of string to the ceiling (or tape it near the leak source) and let the other end dangle into the bucket. The water will travel down the string silently, eliminating the splashing noise.

2. Relieve the Ceiling Pressure
If you see a bubble or blister forming in your ceiling paint, that is water pooling on top of your drywall. Drywall acts like a sponge, but it can only hold so much weight before the entire section collapses.

The Fix: Take a screwdriver or a small nail and carefully poke a hole in the center of the bulge.

Why? This allows the water to drain into your bucket in a controlled stream rather than causing the entire ceiling to crash down on your living room floor.

3. Do NOT Go on the Roof
This is the most important safety rule.

Never attempt to climb onto your roof while it is raining, snowing, or windy. A wet roof is incredibly slippery, and a damaged roof is unstable.

There is nothing you can permanently fix from the outside while the rain is falling. Tarping requires safe conditions. Stay inside and manage the interior damage until the weather clears.

4. Document the Damage Immediately
Once the water is contained, start taking pictures.

Photograph the leak source, the water in the bucket, and any damage to your furniture, floors, or walls.

These photos will be vital if you need to file an insurance claim later. Insurance adjusters need proof of the "event," and photos taken during the storm are hard to dispute.

5. Call a Local Professional (Not a Storm Chaser)
During a major storm, "Storm Chasers" (out-of-town contractors who travel to disaster zones) often flood the area. Stick with a local company you trust, someone who will be here 5 years from now to honor their warranty.

Need Emergency Help?
If you are seeing water where it shouldn’t be, don't wait for mold to grow. Call Stan’s Roofing & Siding at (708) 448-4100 to schedule an emergency inspection.