Roof Leak in BC: What to Do First

A roof leak is usually a protect-the-interior first, diagnose-the-roof second problem. Do not climb onto a wet roof to investigate it yourself.

1. Protect the inside of the home

Move valuables away from the affected area, use containers to catch dripping water where safe, and protect flooring or furniture. If water is near electrical fixtures, outlets or a visibly compromised ceiling, keep clear of the area and seek appropriate professional help.

2. Document what you can see

Take photos or video of the interior leak, staining and any visible exterior damage that can be photographed safely from the ground. Note when the leak started, whether it appears only during heavy rain, and whether it is near a chimney, skylight, vent or roof valley.

3. Do not assume the stain is directly below the roof opening

Water can travel along framing, sheathing or other building components before appearing inside. The visible ceiling stain may not be the exact location where water entered the roofing system.

4. Contact a roofer and describe the urgency

Useful details include your city, roof type if known, whether water is actively entering, the approximate age of the roof, and any recent wind or storm damage. This helps the contractor understand whether the request is an active leak, temporary protection issue or planned repair.

5. Check your insurance policy if interior damage is significant

The Insurance Bureau of Canada notes that home insurance may cover interior water damage caused by water entering through a roof leak, while damage to the roof itself may not be covered when the cause is wear and tear or poor maintenance. Coverage depends on the policy and circumstances, so contact your insurer for the actual decision.

What not to do

• Do not climb onto a wet, icy or storm-damaged roof.
• Do not promise yourself a quick patch is a permanent fix without identifying the cause.
• Do not ignore repeated staining just because it temporarily dries.
• Do not assume insurance will automatically cover roof replacement.

For insurance-specific questions, see our BC roof insurance claim guide. If the leak raises the question of whether to repair or replace, see roof repair vs. replacement.

Need a local roofer?

BC Quote accepts roof-repair and leak requests from Chilliwack through the Fraser Valley to Vancouver and North Vancouver.