Roof Leaking? Do This First (Cambridge)

Step 1: Protect what's inside, not the roof

Move furniture, electronics, and rugs away from the drip. Throw down towels and a tarp. Put a bucket under the leak. If water is bulging in a ceiling, poke a small hole with a screwdriver into the lowest point — controlled drainage prevents the whole ceiling from collapsing.

Step 2: Cut the power to that room

If water is anywhere near light fixtures, outlets, or the breaker panel, kill the breaker for that zone. Water and electricity is the #1 cause of fire after a leak.

Step 3: Document everything for insurance

Photo and video the active leak, the source on the ceiling, the water pooling, and any damaged contents. Your phone's timestamp matters. Do this before you clean up.

Step 4: Don't go on the roof yourself in a storm

Wet shingles are slick. Roof falls send Cambridge homeowners to Grand River Hospital every storm season. Wait until the rain stops, or — better — call a roofer with proper harness and ladder.

Step 5: Call an emergency roofer for a tarp

A proper emergency tarp covers the source, weighs down with 2×4s, and lasts 30–60 days while you arrange permanent repair. We respond same-day in Cambridge, Hespeler, Preston and Galt.

Step 6: File your insurance claim

Most Ontario home policies cover sudden storm damage but not slow leaks from old shingles. Submit photos, the timestamp, and a roofer's written assessment as soon as possible. Don't sign anything until you've talked to your adjuster.

When is it truly an emergency?

Active interior leak. Visible structural sag. Tree on the roof. Multiple missing shingles after a storm. Anything else can usually wait 24–48 hours for a scheduled repair — which is cheaper and easier to fit in.