What to Do Right Now If Your Roof Is Leaking
- Contain the water with buckets -- if ceiling is bulging, poke a small hole to relieve pressure
- Move valuables and electronics away from the water
- Document everything with photos and video before cleanup
- Cut the power to affected areas at the breaker box
- Call a roofer -- emergency repairs cost $200 to $1,500 for most situations
Do NOT go on the roof during active rain, wind, ice, or darkness.
Your roof is leaking. Water is dripping from the ceiling, maybe it is coming in fast, and you need to know what to do right now. Before you panic, before you start Googling contractors, before you move everything out of the room -- read the next 60 seconds of this guide. It will save you money and prevent further damage.
We are an Essex County roofing company that has handled hundreds of emergency roof repairs across Orange, Newark, West Orange, Montclair, Bloomfield, and every town in between. This guide is what we tell homeowners when they call us in the middle of a storm.
What to Do Right Now If Your Roof Is Leaking
If water is actively coming into your home, do these things immediately -- in this order.
Contain the Water
Grab a bucket, trash can, or any large container and place it under the drip. If water is running down a wall, put towels at the base. If water is pooling on the ceiling and creating a bulge, poke a small hole in the center of the bulge with a screwdriver or nail and place a bucket underneath. This relieves the pressure and prevents the ceiling from collapsing.
This sounds counterintuitive -- why would you poke a hole in your ceiling? Because a controlled drip into a bucket is far better than 50 gallons of water crashing down at once when the drywall gives way.
Move Valuables and Electronics
Get anything valuable away from the water. Electronics, documents, family photos, furniture -- move them out of the room or cover them with plastic sheeting or trash bags. Water damage to personal property is often more expensive than the roof repair itself.
Document Everything
Take photos and video of the leak, the damage to your ceiling and walls, any water on the floor, and any damaged personal property. Do this before you clean anything up. If you file an insurance claim later, this documentation is critical. Timestamp matters -- your phone camera records this automatically.
Cut the Power to Affected Areas
If water is near light fixtures, electrical outlets, or wiring, turn off the electricity to that area at the breaker box. Water and electricity together create a serious safety hazard. If you are not sure which breaker controls the affected area, err on the side of caution and shut off the main breaker until the leak is controlled.
Call a Roofer
Once the immediate situation is controlled, call a roofing company that handles emergency repairs. Explain the situation clearly: where the leak is, how fast the water is coming in, and whether you can see any visible damage on the roof from the outside. Most emergency roofers can give you triage advice over the phone and schedule a visit within hours.
If you are in Essex County, NJ, call R&E Roofing at (667) 204-1609. We respond to emergency calls across all 22 Essex County towns.
Temporary Fixes While You Wait for a Professional
If a roofer cannot get to you immediately -- which happens during major storms when every roofer in the area is fielding calls -- here are temporary measures to limit the damage.
Tarping the Roof
A heavy-duty waterproof tarp (at least 6 mil thickness) draped over the damaged area is the most effective temporary fix. The tarp should extend at least 4 feet past the damaged area in all directions. Secure it with 2x4 lumber, bricks, or sandbags. Do not use nails or screws to attach the tarp -- you will create more holes in the roof.
Important Safety Warning
Do not go on the roof during active rain, wind, ice, or darkness. A tarp does no good if you fall off the roof getting it up there. Wait for the weather to break. In the meantime, manage the water from inside.
Interior Tarping
If you cannot get on the roof safely, tape plastic sheeting or a tarp to the ceiling above the leak, angled so water runs into a bucket. This is not a permanent fix but it directs the water where you want it instead of everywhere.
Roof Sealant for Small Leaks
If you can safely access the roof and identify a small, specific leak point (a visible crack, hole, or gap), roofing sealant or roof cement can provide a temporary patch. Apply it liberally over the damaged area and extend 2 to 3 inches beyond the edges. This works best on dry surfaces, so it is only practical after the rain stops.
What Causes Roof Emergencies?
Understanding what caused the emergency helps you communicate with your roofer and your insurance company.
Storm Damage
Nor'easters, thunderstorms, and hurricanes are the leading cause of emergency roof repairs in New Jersey. High winds lift shingles, blow off flashing, and drive rain under the roofing material. Hail cracks and punctures shingles and flat roof membranes. We see the highest volume of emergency calls in March and April when late-winter storms hit Essex County the hardest.
If storm damage caused your roof emergency, read our detailed guides on hail damage roof repair, wind damage roof repair, and storm damage repair.
Fallen Trees and Debris
A tree branch through the roof is one of the most dramatic emergencies we respond to. Even a branch that does not penetrate the roof can crack shingles, dislodge flashing, and create gaps that leak immediately. After any storm with high winds, check your roof visually from the ground for fallen debris.
Ice Dams
In January and February, ice dams are a major source of emergency leaks in Essex County. Warm air from your attic melts snow on the roof. The meltwater runs down to the cold eaves and refreezes, creating a dam. Water backs up behind the dam and pushes under shingles and into your home. Read our full guide on ice dam roof damage for prevention strategies.
Sudden Flashing Failure
Old flashing around chimneys, skylights, vents, and wall junctions can fail suddenly, especially after years of expansion and contraction. One day it is holding, the next day it is not. These leaks often appear during the first heavy rain after a temperature swing. Our roof flashing repair and chimney flashing repair services address this specifically.
Flat Roof Membrane Failure
If your building has a flat roof (common in Newark, Irvington, East Orange, and on many NJ commercial buildings), membrane failure can create a sudden, heavy leak. Flat roof emergencies tend to involve more water than sloped roof leaks because the water has nowhere to run. See our complete guide on flat roof leak repair for flat-roof-specific advice.
Age-Related Failure
Sometimes there is no dramatic cause. The roof is simply old, and years of weathering finally create a failure point. In Essex County, where many homes were built in the early 1900s, we see plenty of emergency calls on roofs that are 25 to 40 years old and have been patched repeatedly. At some point, emergency repair becomes a bridge to full roof replacement.
Emergency Roof Repair Costs in 2026
Emergency repairs typically cost more than scheduled repairs because of the urgency. Here is what to expect in the Essex County, NJ area.
| Repair Type | Standard Cost | Emergency Premium | Emergency Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarp and temporary cover | -- | -- | $200 - $500 |
| Minor leak patch (single point) | $150 - $500 | +25-50% | $200 - $750 |
| Shingle replacement (small area) | $200 - $600 | +25-50% | $300 - $900 |
| Flashing repair | $200 - $750 | +25-50% | $300 - $1,100 |
| Flat roof membrane emergency patch | $250 - $1,000 | +25-50% | $375 - $1,500 |
| Major storm damage repair | $1,500 - $5,000 | +25-50% | $2,000 - $7,500 |
| Tree removal + roof repair | $2,000 - $8,000+ | varies | $2,500 - $10,000+ |
Why do emergency repairs cost more? The 25 to 50 percent premium covers after-hours response, rearranging existing job schedules, hazardous working conditions (wet surfaces, active storms), and the need for immediate material sourcing. Reputable roofers will be upfront about emergency pricing. If someone quotes you the same price for an emergency call as a scheduled repair, be cautious -- they may be cutting corners.
Insurance note: If the emergency was caused by a covered event (storm, hail, fallen tree), your homeowners insurance should cover the repair cost minus your deductible. Emergency tarping is typically covered as "reasonable steps to prevent further damage." File your claim as soon as possible and reference our guide on homeowners insurance and roof replacement in NJ.
How to Choose an Emergency Roofer
When your roof is leaking, you are vulnerable to being taken advantage of. Storm chasers -- out-of-state crews that follow weather events -- knock on doors after every major storm offering "free inspections" and pushing insurance claims. Here is how to protect yourself.
Use a Local Company
A roofer based in your area has a reputation to maintain. They are not going to disappear after the job. Ask where they are based, how long they have been in the area, and whether they can provide local references.
Verify Their NJ License
New Jersey requires home improvement contractors to be registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs. Ask for their HIC registration number and verify it online. Do not hire anyone who cannot provide this.
Get a Written Estimate Before Work Starts
Even in an emergency, a reputable roofer will give you a written estimate before starting work. The only exception is initial tarping to stop active water intrusion -- that may need to happen immediately, but the roofer should tell you the cost before they start.
Be Wary of "Full Replacement" Pressure
Some contractors use emergency situations to pressure homeowners into a full roof replacement when a repair would suffice. A good roofer will stabilize the situation first and then give you an honest assessment of whether repair or replacement is the right move -- without pressure.
Ask About Warranty
Even emergency repairs should come with some form of warranty. Ask what is covered and for how long before the work begins.
After the Emergency: What Happens Next
Once the immediate crisis is over and the leak is stopped, here is the typical process.
Full Inspection
Your roofer should inspect the entire roof, not just the leak point. There may be additional damage that has not started leaking yet.
Permanent Repair Plan
The emergency fix (tarp, patch, sealant) is temporary. Your roofer should provide a plan and quote for permanent repair within a few days.
Insurance Coordination
If you are filing a claim, your roofer should be able to provide documentation of the damage and repair costs for your insurance adjuster.
Prevention Plan
Ask your roofer what you can do to prevent future emergencies. Sometimes it is as simple as trimming a tree. Other times it means scheduling a roof maintenance plan or addressing attic ventilation issues that contribute to ice dams.
Essex County Emergency Roof Repair
R&E Roofing has been handling roof emergencies across Essex County, NJ for over 26 years. We serve all 22 towns including Orange, West Orange, Newark, Montclair, Nutley, Bloomfield, Livingston, Maplewood, South Orange, Millburn, Belleville, Irvington, East Orange, Cedar Grove, Verona, Glen Ridge, Caldwell, and beyond.
When your roof is leaking, you need someone who will pick up the phone, give you straight answers, and get to your property fast. That is what we do.
Emergency line: (667) 204-1609
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does emergency roof repair cost?
Emergency roof repair in New Jersey typically costs $200 to $1,500 for most situations, with the average homeowner paying around $500 to $800. Emergency tarping alone costs $200 to $500. Major repairs involving storm damage, tree removal, or structural work can reach $5,000 to $10,000 or more. Emergency repairs cost 25 to 50 percent more than scheduled repairs due to urgent response, after-hours work, and hazardous conditions.
What should I do if my roof is leaking during a storm?
First, contain the water with buckets and containers. If the ceiling is bulging, poke a small hole to relieve pressure and direct water into a bucket. Move valuables away from the water. Turn off electricity to affected areas. Take photos and video for insurance documentation. Call a roofer to schedule emergency service. Do NOT go on the roof during active rain or high winds.
Will insurance cover emergency roof repair?
If the damage was caused by a sudden covered event -- storm, hail, wind, fallen tree -- your homeowners insurance should cover the repair minus your deductible. Emergency tarping to prevent further damage is also typically covered. Insurance will NOT cover leaks caused by age, wear and tear, or lack of maintenance. File your claim promptly and document all damage with photos before any cleanup.
Can I put a tarp on my roof myself?
You can, but only if it is safe to do so. Never go on a roof during rain, ice, darkness, or high wind. Wait for conditions to improve. Use a heavy-duty tarp (6 mil or thicker) that extends at least 4 feet past the damaged area. Secure it with lumber or sandbags -- not nails or screws that create additional holes. If you are not comfortable on a roof, call a professional. The tarp can also be installed from inside the attic in some cases.
How fast can a roofer respond to an emergency?
Response times depend on weather conditions and demand. During a localized storm, most local roofers can respond within 2 to 6 hours. During a major regional event (hurricane, widespread severe storms), response times can stretch to 24 to 48 hours because every roofer in the area is fielding emergency calls simultaneously. This is why temporary measures -- tarping, containing water, protecting property -- are so important.
Is emergency roof repair a permanent fix?
Usually not. Emergency repairs are designed to stop active water intrusion and prevent further damage. Tarps, sealants, and quick patches are temporary. Your roofer should return within a few days to assess the full extent of the damage and provide a permanent repair plan. Some minor repairs (like re-sealing a small flashing gap) can be permanent, but anything done in emergency conditions should be inspected and verified once conditions improve.
What counts as a roof emergency vs a normal repair?
A roof emergency is any situation where water is actively entering your home or there is an immediate risk of structural damage. Active leaks during rain, large sections of missing shingles or flashing after a storm, visible holes or structural damage from fallen trees, and ice dam leaks flooding interior spaces all qualify as emergencies. A few missing shingles with no active leak, minor staining that has been there for weeks, or cosmetic damage can wait for a scheduled repair appointment.
Need Emergency Roof Repair in Essex County NJ?
R&E Roofing responds to roof emergencies across all 22 Essex County towns. We are licensed, insured, and have been handling emergency roof repairs for over 26 years. When your roof is leaking, we pick up the phone.
- Emergency response across all 22 Essex County towns
- Upfront pricing -- written estimate before work starts
- Insurance claim documentation and coordination
- 26+ years of emergency roofing experience
R&E Roofing is a licensed NJ roofing contractor serving Orange, West Orange, Montclair, Bloomfield, Nutley, Clifton, Passaic, Wayne, Paterson, and surrounding North Jersey communities. We specialize in roof replacement, emergency roof repair, storm damage repair, and all residential and commercial roofing services.