If a leak or severe wind just hit your home, the next 48 hours are critical. As your trusted local team, we at Indianapolis’s Stay Dry Roofing want you to stay safe, reduce further damage, and set yourself up for a smooth insurance and repair process. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide you can follow right now.
Put safety first
Before anything else, make sure everyone is out of harm’s way. If ceilings are bulging, walls are soaked, or you smell gas, evacuate and call emergency services. Don’t walk through standing water if electrical power is still on there’s a real risk of shock. Avoid climbing on a wet or wind-damaged roof yourself; it’s unstable even if it looks okay from the ground.
Stop the source (if it’s safe to do so)
If the leak is from a broken pipe or an interior source you can reach safely, shut off the water at the valve for that fixture or the main water shutoff if necessary. If the leak is roof-related and you can’t safely access it, skip DIY roof repairs and go to the next step: temporary protection by professionals. Acting quickly limits the area water can travel inside your walls and ceilings.
Document everything. Photos, video, notes
Start documenting the damage immediately. Take wide shots to show context, then close-ups that show scale (put a coin or ruler in frame if needed). Capture timestamps on your phone and record short videos that show leaking in real time. Write brief notes: when you noticed it, weather conditions, and any temporary steps you took. This documentation is essential for insurance and faster approvals.
Mitigate further damage
Do small, safe things right away to limit damage:
- Place buckets or bins under active drips and move furniture and valuables away from the wet area.
- Use towels and mops to soak up water on floors.
- If a roof opening is visible and it’s safe for professionals to access, cover the area with a tarp but don’t try complex roof work yourself. Emergency tarping or board-up services can secure your home 24/7 until repairs are scheduled.
Keep receipts for any supplies you buy (tarps, pumps, fans, etc.) they can be reimbursable under many homeowner policies.
Slow mold before it starts
Mold can begin to form in as little as 24–48 hours in wet materials. Start drying interior spaces fast: open windows if weather allows, run fans and dehumidifiers, and remove wet carpets or padding if you can. When water has soaked into drywall, insulation, or structural wood, professional drying and moisture readings are often required to prevent hidden mold and structural issues.
Call your insurer and then call us
Report the loss to your insurance company as soon as possible. Give them the basic facts and share the photos and videos you took. Ask about temporary living coverage if your home is uninhabitable. After that, call us at we offer fast, honest inspections and can help document damage for your claim. We’ll provide a clear estimate and explain the options, so you decide with confidence.
Get a professional inspection (free from us)
A professional roof inspection is the single best next step after wind damage or a leak. Roof problems aren’t always visible from the ground wind can lift shingle tabs or damage underlayment without obvious missing shingles. We’ll inspect the roof, attic, gutters, vents, and interior ceilings to locate both obvious and subtle damage. If you have storm debris or granules in gutters, that’s a clue we’ll check closely.
Avoid contractor traps
After major storms, crews come through quickly offering “discounts” or immediate repairs. Be cautious:
- Don’t sign a contract you don’t understand.
- Don’t transfer your insurance claim to a contractor without reading the paperwork.
- Get a written estimate and a clear scope of work.
- Ask for proof of insurance, local licensing, and references.
We will walk you through the insurance process, explain your policy rights, and provide a professional estimate you can trust.
Temporary cover vs. permanent repair
Temporary measures (tarps, board-up, interior drying) protect your home while you arrange a full repair or replacement. Permanent work should wait until your insurer approves the claim or you’re ready to pay out of pocket. We recommend scheduling permanent repairs only after a full inspection and confirmed materials plan; that protects both long-term performance and your resale value.
Keep a damage log and receipts
Maintain a simple file (physical or digital) that includes:
- Photos and videos (with timestamps)
- Claim number and adjuster name
- Contractor estimates and invoices
- Receipts for emergency supplies or temporary repairs
This organized record speeds claims and prevents surprises later.
When to call restoration pros
If water has soaked walls, ceilings, or insulation, call a water-damage restoration team. Professionals use moisture meters, industrial dehumidifiers, and controlled drying strategies to stop mold and structural damage. If you’re unsure how serious it is, call us and we’ll let you know whether restoration services are needed.
What we do for you. How Stay Dry Roofing helps
We provide immediate inspections, documentation assistance for insurance, and professional emergency tarping when needed. Our team will:
- Inspect your roof, attic, and interior for visible and hidden damage.
- Document damage with photos and expert notes for your claim.
- Provide tarp/board-up and coordinate with restoration crews if required.
- Deliver a clear, written estimate and timeline for permanent repair or replacement.
We treat every call like an emergency: fast response, clear communication, and work you can depend on.
Final checklist. Do these in the first 48 hours
- Ensure safety; evacuate if necessary.
- Stop water at the source if safe.
- Photograph and video everything; note dates/times.
- Move valuables; place buckets and towels under drips.
- Run fans/dehumidifiers; remove wet carpets if possible.
- Call your insurer and get a claim number.
- Call Stay Dry Roofing for an inspection and emergency tarping if needed.
If you’re facing a leak or wind damage right now, don’t guess. Call us at 317-308-7773 for a fast, professional inspection, or request help online. We’ll secure your home, document the loss, and guide you through repairs and the insurance process with honesty and clarity. Stay safe we’re here to make sure your home gets fixed the right way.
Note: The safety and mitigation steps above are based on standard storm-damage best practices and local restoration guidance. If you smell gas, see major structural collapse, or there are downed power lines, call emergency services immediately.