Step 1: Contain the Water
Place buckets, bowls, or containers under any visible drips. If water is spreading across a ceiling, place a large container beneath the wettest area and lay towels around it to catch splashes. If the ceiling is bulging, carefully puncture the lowest point of the bulge with a screwdriver over a bucket — this prevents a larger collapse.
Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the affected area. Water damage to contents can be more expensive than the roof repair itself.
Step 2: Turn Off Electrics If Necessary
If water is near light fittings, electrical sockets, or your fuse board, switch off the electricity at the mains. Water and electricity are a lethal combination. Don't take risks — if in doubt, switch off and call an electrician alongside your roofer.
Never touch electrical fittings that are wet or appear to have water around them.
Step 3: Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of the leak, the water damage, and any visible roof damage from outside. This documentation is essential for insurance claims. Note the date and time, weather conditions, and approximate volume of water ingress.
Most home insurance policies cover storm damage and sudden leaks. Having clear documentation from the moment of discovery strengthens your claim significantly.
Step 4: Call a Professional — Not a Handyman
Roof repairs require specialist skills, safety equipment, and trade-specific materials. A general handyman may apply a temporary patch that fails within weeks, while a qualified roofer will identify and fix the root cause.
At AC Roofing, we offer same-day emergency callouts across North London. When you call 07415 302 589, you speak directly to our team — not a call centre. We'll give you an estimated arrival time and talk you through immediate steps while we're on our way.
Step 5: Don't Go on the Roof Yourself
This is critical. Wet roofs are extremely slippery. Damaged roofs may have weakened structural areas that can't support body weight. Falls from height are the leading cause of DIY fatalities in the UK.
Even if the damage looks minor from the ground, let a professional assess it. We have the harnesses, ladders, and experience to work safely at height in any weather condition.
What Happens When We Arrive
Our emergency process follows a clear sequence: First, we make the property safe and watertight — usually with temporary weatherproofing within 60–90 minutes of arrival. We then carry out a full inspection to identify every damaged area, not just the obvious entry point.
Within 48 hours, we provide a written quote for the permanent repair. If the damage is covered by your insurance, we'll provide documentation to support your claim. Emergency callouts are charged at our standard rates — no inflated emergency pricing.
Preventing Future Emergencies
Most roof emergencies are preventable with regular maintenance. An annual roof inspection catches small issues — cracked tiles, deteriorating flashings, blocked gutters — before they become leak-causing failures. Our free inspection service covers everything from ridge to gutter, with a written condition report.
If your roof is over 20 years old and hasn't been inspected recently, don't wait for a leak. Book a free inspection now and get ahead of the problem.