What to do in a roofing emergency: a 5-minute homeowner guide

When water starts coming through the ceiling or you see tiles on the lawn, the next few minutes matter. This guide helps you minimise damage and stay safe until a roofer arrives.

Step 1: Stay safe

• Don't go into the loft if there's water near electrics
• Don't climb on the roof — even in good weather, it's a professional job
• Keep children and pets away from the affected area

Step 2: Limit interior damage

• Move furniture, electronics, and valuables out of the affected room
• Place buckets, towels, or plastic sheeting under the leak
• Pierce bulging ceiling plaster with a screwdriver to release pooled water in a controlled way (this saves the ceiling)

Step 3: Document for insurance

• Photograph and video the damage from multiple angles
• Note the date, time, and weather conditions
• Keep receipts for any emergency supplies

Step 4: Call a 24/7 emergency roofer

AWN Roofing Specialists operate 24/7 emergency callouts. We make safe, stop the leak, and document the damage for your insurer. We respond within 2 hours across Wimbledon and South London.

Don't wait for a regular daytime quote — emergency callouts exist for a reason.