Every homeowner’s worst nightmare: The house starts leaking during the storm. It might have been some time since your last roof inspection, or maybe there were some issues that you never knew about.
Until the roof started leaking.
The most important thing to do in the case of a leak is to minimize all possible damage to your home. Running water can destroy furniture, walls, floors, and generally make your home unsafe to live in. You need to get those leaks under control as soon as you can.
Here are 3 ways to keep your home safe from leaks during a storm.
Key Takeaways
- Check and clean your gutter systems to let water flow away from your home instead of backing up and pooling inside of your ceiling.
- Cover larger leaks from the outside using tarpaulin or plastic sheeting, keeping it from moving with nails or concrete blocks.
- Cover smaller leaks from the inside using roof tape or caulking, taking care to keep the area as dry as possible to make sure the waterproofing takes hold.
- Opt for a roof inspection as soon as possible to carry out all the necessary post-storm repairs and preventative maintenance to lessen the possibility of a leak.
1. Clean Your Gutter Systems
In Lexington, KY, constant rain and high humidity keep your gutters working year-round. They direct water away from your home, but over time, debris buildup and damage can cause blockages. Left unchecked, clogged gutters can send water back onto your roof, leading to leaks—especially near the corners of your ceiling and along the edges.
If a storm has already started and you notice water leaking inside, your gutters may be the cause. But before attempting to clear them yourself, consider the risks.
Why You Should Avoid DIY Gutter Cleaning
Gutter cleaning during a storm isn’t just messy—it can be dangerous. Slippery surfaces, unstable ladders, and hidden debris make it a risky job, and without the right tools, you could end up causing more harm than good.
The safest approach? Leave it to the professionals.
While you might be tempted to clear clogs using a stick, a hose, or even a pressure washer, these methods can damage your gutters or push water into an already vulnerable roof. If your ceiling is already waterlogged, extra force could make things worse.
Instead of taking that risk, have a professional assess the situation.
A trained roofer can safely remove blockages, inspect for underlying damage, and ensure your gutters are working as they should—without the guesswork.
2. Use Tarpaulin or Plastic Sheeting to Cover Bigger Leaks
Before attempting to cover a leak in your Lexington, KY home, think about your safety first.
If water is coming in through missing shingles, damaged flashing, or underlayment issues, you may be tempted to climb onto the roof. But whenever possible, avoid stepping onto wet or unstable surfaces. Instead, try working from an attic window, a balcony, or a verandah.
Once you’ve spotted the leak, check for its source.
Water often enters around chimneys, skylights, or areas with missing shingles. Some damage—like a section of torn flashing or a large gap in the shingles—will be easy to see from inside the attic or outside the house.
If the problem is with the gutters, you may notice water spilling over the edges or pooling where it shouldn’t.
Once you’ve identified the source of the leak, you can take temporary measures to slow water intrusion until professional help arrives.
Temporary Leak Protection Until Help Arrives
If you’ve just discovered a leak in your Lexington, KY home, you may be wondering what you can do to slow the damage before a professional arrives.
While DIY repairs can cause more harm than good, there are a few temporary precautions you can take to limit water intrusion until expert help is on the way:
- Cover the area with a tarp – If water is actively coming through, a waterproof tarp can provide a short-term barrier. Use attic windows, balconies, or long-handled tools to secure it without stepping on the roof.
- Protect your home’s interior – Place buckets or containers under the leak to catch dripping water, and move valuables away from the affected area.
- Leave permanent repairs to the professionals – Quick fixes like sealants or makeshift patches can lead to bigger issues later. Instead, document the damage and contact a roofing expert immediately.
While these steps may help contain the situation, they are not a solution. The best way to prevent long-term damage is to schedule a professional roof inspection as soon as possible.
3. Apply Roof Tape or Caulking to Block Smaller Leaks
Your Lexington home is built to withstand humidity, frequent rain, and the occasional storm. But even a well-constructed roof isn’t invincible. Aging materials, fallen branches, or heavy winds can create openings that let water in.
Most roofing issues can wait for a scheduled inspection, but an active leak during a storm needs immediate attention. If water is dripping inside, temporary solutions may help slow the damage until a professional arrives.
For small leaks—like isolated water drops or damp spots—you might consider waterproofing from the inside. But make sure you know where the leak is actually coming from. If you seal the wrong spot, the water will simply redirect and show up somewhere else.
That’s why temporary fixes should only be a short-term measure.
Temporary Leak Control Before Professional Repairs
A roof leak is never a small issue, and while it may be tempting to seal it yourself, quick fixes are just that—temporary. The last thing you want is to make future roof repairs harder by layering on tape or caulking that professionals will need to remove later.
If you’re dealing with an active leak and need to limit interior damage before a roofer arrives, here’s what you can do:
- If water is actively dripping, absorb it with towels or place a container underneath to prevent further damage.
- Remove any broken shingles, decking fragments, or materials that could compromise a proper seal.
- If safe to do so, a tarp over the affected area can help minimize exposure to rain and moisture.
- If you must use tape or caulking as a short-term measure, don’t over-apply—roofers will need to remove it to make lasting repairs.
But remember—temporary patches won’t stop the real problem. Without a full roof inspection, the next storm could bring even worse leaks. Call a professional as soon as possible to locate the real source and fix it properly.
Take Action Before the Damage Gets Worse
A roof inspection will give you the best possible opportunity to know everything you need to strengthen your home. After a storm, with visible leaks, is the best time to have professional roofing contractors inspect the roof. If you need to make insurance claims, the roofing report is also a crucial tool. At Barrier Roofs, we provide you with a detailed roof inspection report, recommend needed repairs, and support your insurance claims. Call us now at (859) 605-1079 for more information or fill out a contact form.
