Short answer
- Do not climb onto the roof during a leak or storm. Work at height and roof work require proper precautions.
- Move belongings, contain water safely and avoid electrics if water is near fittings, sockets or wiring.
- Emergency work usually makes the roof safe or watertight temporarily; permanent repair should follow once conditions and access allow.
What to do first during an active leak
Move possessions away from the leak, place containers where safe, protect flooring and avoid using electrical fittings near water. If there is any electrical risk, isolate the affected area if you can do so safely and seek appropriate help.
Take photos and short videos of the leak from inside the property. These help the roofer understand urgency and may support insurance or landlord records.
What not to do
Do not climb onto a wet, icy, storm-damaged or unfamiliar roof. Do not lean ladders on weak gutters or overreach to move materials. HSE guidance treats roof work and work at height as high risk because falls and fragile surfaces can be fatal.
Avoid DIY tarpaulin work unless it can be done safely from inside or ground level. A badly secured sheet can create more damage or become a hazard in wind.
- Do not walk on rooflights or sheeted roofs.
- Do not work near unprotected roof edges.
- Do not disturb asbestos-suspect materials.
- Do not remove historic roof materials without recording them.
Information an emergency roofer needs
Share the property postcode, roof type if known, where water is entering, whether it is active, what room is affected and whether access is restricted. Photos of outside roof areas, internal damage and access points are useful.
Mention whether the property is commercial, tenanted, listed, in a conservation area or has vulnerable occupants so the visit can be planned correctly.
Temporary make-safe versus permanent repair
Emergency work may include temporary weatherproofing, securing loose materials, clearing a blocked outlet or stopping immediate water entry. That is not always the final repair.
Permanent repair should follow when the roof is safe to inspect, weather allows proper materials to be used and the root cause has been confirmed.
Follow-up roof survey
A follow-up survey should check the leak source, related roof areas, access constraints and any hidden damage. This is especially important after storms, repeated leaks or emergency temporary work.
For flat roofs, the survey should include membrane, deck, outlets and edges. For heritage roofs, it should include slate, leadwork, chimneys, gutters and mortar details.
Useful Scottish references
- HSE: roof work Roof work guidance covering safe access, roof edges, fragile surfaces and method statements.
- HSE: working at height safely Safety guidance on planning work at height, competent people and suitable access equipment.
- Historic Environment Scotland: maintenance of traditional buildings Scottish maintenance guidance covering water ingress, roof coverings, gutters, chimneys and inspection tips.
