If it's leaking right now
- Contain the water. Put buckets or bins under drips and move furniture, rugs and electronics out of the way.
- Relieve a bulging ceiling carefully. If drywall is sagging with water, a small hole at the lowest point lets it drain into a bucket instead of collapsing. Stay clear of light fixtures and turn off power to that area if water is near wiring.
- Don't go on the roof. A wet roof in wind and rain is dangerous. A tarp can wait until conditions are safe.
- Photograph everything for your insurer: the ceiling, the attic if you can reach it safely, and any visible exterior damage from the ground.
- Call for help. We'll pass your request to an available local roofer.
How roofers trace a leak
Water travels. A roofer will usually start in the attic, follow the water trail uphill on the underside of the deck, then match it to the outside: a cracked pipe boot, a gap in step flashing, a nail pop or a worn valley. On low-slope roofs, common on mid-century homes in parts of Santa Rosa and Petaluma, seams and drains are frequent culprits. Some roofers use a controlled water test with a garden hose to confirm the source.
Interior damage matters too
Wet insulation and drywall can grow mold if they stay damp. The EPA advises drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA). If a leak soaked a ceiling or wall, consider a water damage provider through our sister site, Sonoma County Water Damage, and if you smell mustiness later, see Sonoma Mold Removal.
Want a local pro to take a look?It's free for homeowners and there's no obligation.
Insurance
Homeowners policies often treat sudden storm damage differently from leaks caused by wear and tear. Read your policy, report damage promptly and keep receipts for emergency repairs such as tarping.
Where we connect homeowners
- Roof repair in Santa Rosa
- Roof repair in Petaluma
- Roof repair in Rohnert Park & Cotati
- Roof repair in Windsor
- Roof repair in Healdsburg
- Roof repair in Sebastopol
- Roof repair in Sonoma
- Roof repair in Glen Ellen & Kenwood
- Roof repair in Cloverdale
- Roof repair in Guerneville & the lower Russian River
- Roof repair in Forestville
Other services
Dealing with this right now?Tell us what's happening and we'll connect you with an independent local provider.
Sources
Sources checked October 18, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my roof only leak in some storms?
Wind direction matters. Wind-driven rain can push water sideways under flashing or shingles on one side of the house, so a leak may show up only in storms from a certain direction.
Can a leak be fixed in the rain?
Usually not permanently. A roofer may do a temporary fix or tarp, then make the permanent repair when the roof is dry.