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What to Do When Your Roof Starts Leaking

What to Do When Your Roof Starts Leaking (And How to Stop the Damage Fast)

In Arizona, where the climate swings between scorching summers and intense monsoon storms, your roof is your first line of defense against the elements. But when that defense fails—whether from high winds, heavy rain, or years of wear and tear—a roof leak can turn into a serious problem fast.

Unlike other regions, Phoenix and Tucson homeowners face unique roofing challenges. The brutal summer heat can weaken roofing materials, making them more vulnerable when monsoon season arrives. Sudden downpours can overwhelm gutters, exploit small cracks in shingles, and lead to rapid water intrusion—causing damage in a matter of minutes.

Even a small drip in your ceiling could mean hidden water is already soaking into insulation, weakening drywall, or even reaching electrical wiring. The longer you wait, the worse the damage gets, leading to costly repairs, structural issues, and mold growth—especially in humid post-storm conditions.

This guide will walk you through immediate steps to take when you notice a leak, why fast action is critical, and how Lyons Roofing can handle everything for you—from emergency repairs to long-term solutions that protect your home for years to come.

Signs You Have a Roof Leak (Before It Gets Worse)

Even if you don’t see water dripping from your ceiling, a leak could be forming out of sight. Spotting the warning signs early can help prevent expensive repairs down the line.

COMMONS SIGNS OF A HIDDEN ROOF LEAK

 Water stains on ceilings or walls – Yellow or brown spots often mean moisture is collecting inside your ceiling.
 Peeling paint or bubbling drywall – Trapped moisture causes interior surfaces to warp or crack.
 Damp or musty odors – A sign that water is collecting in hidden areas like your attic or behind walls.
 Sagging ceiling – If water is pooling above, the drywall can start to bow or collapse.
 Mold or mildew in the attic – Excess moisture from a leak can quickly lead to mold growth.

If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Call Lyons Roofing for a professional inspection and emergency roof repair.

Here is what to do if Your Roof is Leaking:

Step 1: Contain the Water Before It Spreads

WATER DAMAGE STARTS IMMEDIATELY

The first thing you’ll notice? Water doesn’t stay in one place. It seeps into insulation, drywall, and flooring—leading to property damage that only gets worse with time.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU WAIT?

 Ceiling stains turn into sagging drywall.
 Carpets, furniture, and belongings can be ruined.
 Water reaches electrical wiring, increasing fire risks.

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW

Move furniture and valuables away from the leak.
Use buckets or towels to collect dripping water.
If water is pooling in the ceiling, poke a small hole to release pressure and prevent a collapse.

Or skip the stress—Lyons Roofing can stop the leak at the source. Call us and we’ll send an expert to contain the damage immediately.

Step 2: Identify Where the Leak is Coming From

A ROOF LEAK ISN’T ALWAYS WHERE YOU THINK IT IS

Water can travel far from the actual leak before it drips inside. A ceiling stain doesn’t necessarily mean the damage is right above it.

WHAT MAKES LEAK DETECTION TRICKY?

Water can move along rafters and beams, making it hard to pinpoint.
Attic insulation absorbs moisture, hiding leaks until major damage occurs.
Even small leaks can lead to structural rot over time.

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW

Check your attic for damp insulation, mold, or water stains.
Look for damaged shingles, cracked flashing, or clogged gutters outside.
If you can’t find the leak, don’t wait—Lyons Roofing has specialized leak detection tools to find the exact source fast.

Or avoid the hassle—Call Lyons Roofing and we’ll pinpoint the leak and stop the damage before it gets worse.

Step 3: Protect Your Home from Further Damage

THE LONGER YOU WAIT, THE WORSE IT GETS

Every minute water is inside your home, it’s doing more damage. Mold growth can start within 24-48 hours, and wood rot can weaken your home’s structure.

TEMPORARY DIY FIXES WON’T LAST

Tarping the roof can help, but it’s not a permanent solution.
Sealing a leak yourself with caulk or roofing cement rarely works long-term.
Small leaks often mean bigger underlying issues—without a full inspection, you won’t know the extent of the damage.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY

Cover the leak with a tarp if it’s safe to do so.
Run a dehumidifier to slow down mold growth.
Call Lyons Roofing for professional emergency repairs. Our team will assess the damage, apply a temporary fix if needed, and provide long-term repair options.

Don’t wait until it gets worse—Call Lyons Roofing at 602-638-3135 for fast, expert repairs.

Step 4: Call a Roofing Professional for Inspection & Repairs

A ROOF LEAK IS A WARNING SIGN

If water is getting inside, your roof has already been compromised. Even if the leak seems small, it could mean:
Shingles are failing.
Flashing is cracked or missing.
There’s unseen damage beneath the surface.

DELAYING REPAIRS LEADS TO BIGGER PROBLEMS

Water can weaken the roof structure, leading to expensive repairs or even replacement.
Your home’s insulation can be ruined, driving up energy costs.
Insurance might not cover the damage if you don’t address the issue quickly.

THE STRESS-FREE FIX—LYONS ROOFING HANDLES EVERYTHING

Free comprehensive roof inspection—we don’t just patch leaks; we find and fix the real problem.
Licensed, experienced roofers who know Arizona’s climate and roofing materials inside and out.
Insurance claim assistance—if your roof leak is covered, we’ll help you with documentation.

Don’t wait—schedule your free roof inspection with Lyons Roofing today.

 

Step 5: Prevent Future Roof Leaks

A LEAKING ROOF ONCE IS BAD. A SECOND TIME IS WORSE.

If your roof has leaked before, there’s a higher chance it could happen again. Without proper maintenance, you risk:
More expensive repairs.
Recurring water damage.
Unexpected emergencies during storms.

MOST LEAKS ARE PREVENTABLE—BUT ONLY IF YOU TAKE ACTION.

Small cracks and loose shingles get worse over time.
Regular roof maintenance catches minor issues before they turn into major problems.
Your roof has a lifespan. If it’s getting older, an inspection can help determine if repairs or a replacement are needed.

GET AHEAD OF PROBLEMS WITH LYONS ROOFING

Annual roof inspections—catch issues early and avoid surprise leaks.
Preventative maintenance—reinforce weak spots before they become problems.
Quality roofing repairs—fix small issues before they lead to costly damage.

The best way to deal with a roof leak? Prevent it from happening.

Roof Leak Insurance Claims: What Homeowners Need to Know

Filing an insurance claim for roof damage can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with an active leak. Here’s what to know:

Most policies cover sudden damage, like leaks caused by storms, fallen branches, or unexpected roof failure.
Damage from wear and tear may not be covered, so regular roof maintenance is essential.
Waiting too long to fix a leak could impact your claim, as insurers may consider it neglect.

At Lyons Roofing, we help homeowners document roof damage, work with insurance adjusters, and ensure you get the coverage you deserve. If your policy covers the repairs, we’ll guide you through the process—from inspection to final repairs.

When Your Roof Leaks, Call Lyons Roofing First

You shouldn’t have to stress about your roof. If you notice a leak, the most important thing you can do is act fast—and let a professional take care of it.

At Lyons Roofing, we make roof repairs easy.
No guesswork. No stress. Just expert solutions that last.
Fast response, thorough inspections, and long-term fixes.
Helping Arizona homeowners protect their homes—one roof at a time.

Call Lyons Roofing today to stop the leak and prevent further damage.