| Quick Answer: If your roof is leaking after a storm in Gatineau, act quickly: contain the water inside by moving belongings and catching drips, then call a licensed roofer for emergency service and temporary tarping. Do not climb onto a wet or storm-damaged roof yourself. Document the damage with photos for your insurer, since storm damage may be covered. Fast action limits interior damage and keeps a repair from becoming a much larger job. |
What should you do first, inside the home?
Your first job is to limit interior damage while you arrange help. Move or cover furniture and electronics away from the drip, place a bucket or container to catch water, and if a ceiling is bulging with trapped water, a small relief hole over a container can prevent a larger collapse. Note where the water is entering so you can describe it to the roofer. These steps are about containment, not a permanent fix — and they buy time until a professional can get on the roof safely. If you can do so without risk, also move valuables and important documents clear of the affected area and lay down towels or a plastic sheet to protect flooring, since water can travel along ceilings and beams and reappear well away from where it first dripped.
- Move or cover belongings and catch drips in a container.
- Relieve a bulging ceiling over a bucket if water is pooling.
- Note where the water appears inside for the roofer.
Why shouldn’t you go on the roof yourself?
After a storm, a roof is wet, possibly iced or covered in debris, and may have hidden structural damage — all of which make climbing up dangerous. It is also hard to diagnose a leak safely from above without training, and walking on damaged roofing can make things worse. The safe move is to stay off the roof and call a licensed, insured contractor who has the equipment and fall protection to assess and stabilize it. Cossette Roofing offers 24/7 emergency service for exactly this situation.
How do you document damage for insurance?
Storm-related roof damage may be covered by your home insurance, so documentation matters. From safe vantage points — inside the attic and from the ground outside — photograph the water intrusion, any stains, and visible exterior damage like missing shingles, lifted flashing or debris. Note the date and the storm. GAF’s storm-damage guidance suggests assessing inside, outside and (only if safe) up a ladder, and recommends having a professional confirm the damage (see GAF’s storm damage resources). Keep your photos and the roofer’s written assessment together for your claim.
What will a roofer do on an emergency call?
An emergency response is about stabilizing the roof first, then planning the permanent repair. The roofer locates the entry point — which is often some distance from where the stain appears inside — and installs a tarp or temporary waterproofing to stop further water entry. Once the weather clears, they carry out a full inspection and provide a written assessment and estimate for the lasting repair or, if the inspection reveals widespread damage, a replacement. Acting fast keeps the problem contained and supports any insurance claim with timely documentation.
How do you prevent the next storm leak?
Once the emergency is handled, a little prevention goes a long way before the next big storm or the winter. Have the roof inspected so worn shingles, lifted flashing and weak seals are caught and fixed before they leak, keep gutters and valleys clear so water drains instead of backing up, and address attic ventilation and ice-and-water protection if ice dams have been a problem. In our climate, fall is the ideal time for this check, because a small issue found in September is a quick repair, while the same issue found in January — under snow and ice — becomes an emergency. An established local contractor can put your roof on a simple inspection routine so storm season is far less stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a storm roof leak an emergency?
If water is actively entering the home, yes. Contain it inside and call for emergency service; don’t wait for it to spread.
Should I tarp the roof myself?
No. A wet, storm-damaged roof is dangerous. Leave tarping to a licensed roofer with proper equipment and fall protection.
Will insurance cover storm damage?
It may, depending on your policy and deductible. Document the damage with photos and a professional assessment to support a claim.
How fast can a roofer come out?
Cossette Roofing offers 24/7 emergency service to stabilize the roof, then schedules the full repair once conditions allow.
What if the leak seems to stop on its own?
Have it checked anyway. Water may still be tracking inside the structure, and the underlying damage remains until repaired.
If your roof leaks after a storm in Gatineau, contain the water inside, stay off the roof, document the damage for your insurer, and call a licensed roofer for emergency tarping and a proper assessment. Fast action limits the damage and supports a claim. Cossette Roofing provides 24/7 emergency response and a written repair plan — reach the team here.
Key takeaways
- Contain the water inside first; move belongings and catch drips.
- Stay off a wet, storm-damaged roof — call a licensed roofer.
- Photograph the damage for your insurer; storm damage may be covered.
- Emergency tarping stabilizes the roof until a permanent repair.