A drip from the ceiling needs attention. Start by keeping people safe, then get help to stop the leak. You do not need to find the hole yourself before calling a roofer.
Keep clear of unsafe areas
Stay out of rooms with a sagging or bulging ceiling. Keep children and pets away. Do not poke a hole in wet drywall or stand under it to catch water.
Water near lights, outlets or wiring can cause an electric shock. Do not touch wet fixtures or use electrical tools in the wet area. Leave the area and get help. Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life. The CDC explains electrical risks after water damage .
Protect your things when it is safe
Move small items away from a minor drip if you can reach them safely. A bucket can catch water when the ceiling above it is sound. Do not risk a fall or walk through water near electrical equipment.
Take photos from a safe spot before cleanup. Save receipts for urgent work and damaged items. Ask for help with soaked floors, walls or furniture that you cannot safely dry.
Call about the leak
Tell the roofer where you see water and when it started. Mention any recent storm or roof work. Ask whether temporary protection is needed while you wait for a repair.
Stay off the roof. Do not enter a damaged attic or try to put up a tarp from inside it. A wet roof, weak deck or hidden wire can make the job unsafe.
Report possible storm damage promptly
If a storm may have caused the leak, contact your insurance company. Ask about reporting rules, photos and urgent repairs. Do not wait for a full roof report if that would delay required notice.
A roofer can explain the damage and provide a repair estimate. Your insurer decides what the policy covers. The Texas Department of Insurance lists steps for making a claim .
Find the cause before choosing a repair
Water can travel before it drips into a room. The ceiling stain may be far from the roof problem. A leak can also come from plumbing or another source.
Ask what the roofer found, what can be repaired and whether other checks are needed. A patch should address the cause. Covering the stain alone will not stop an active leak.
Get a clear written quote
The quote should describe the work, materials, price and warranty. Ask how hidden damage could change the cost. Check references and proof of insurance before work starts.
Texas has no statewide roofing contractor license. If a roofer lists a license or training, ask who issued it. Our Texas contractor checklist explains what to check.
Arrange a roof inspection
Cox Brothers Roofing serves Cuero, Victoria, Goliad and nearby towns. Contact us about a roof leak or call (361) 277-0014. Tell us if water is still getting in so we can discuss the next step.
