Start with the interior evidence
Record when the stain appeared, whether it grows only during wind-driven rain and whether it sits near a wall, chimney, plumbing vent or skylight.
- Photograph the stain without touching wet electrical fixtures
- Note the weather direction and approximate time
- Move belongings and contain drips only when it is safe
Inspect the surrounding system
A useful roof assessment looks beyond the visible stain. Flashing, penetrations, transitions, valleys and earlier repair areas may all be part of the water path.
- Roof surface around the suspected area
- Step or counterflashing at walls and chimneys
- Pipe boots, vents, skylights and transitions
Treat active water as urgent
If water is entering now, call directly. Response options depend on weather, safe roof access and current availability; no website tool can determine those conditions.
- Do not climb onto a wet or storm-damaged roof
- Stay away from wet electrical fixtures
- Use emergency services for immediate life-safety hazards