When a leak shows up on your wall or in your ceiling the main problem happened quietly and only now snowballed to your attention. Although these may seem like common sense, we want to provide a few simple steps that could save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars in repair.
What To Do When You See Water Leaking
- Poke a hole in it.As the circle of water in the ceiling expands, take a screwdriver, a drywall saw or any sharp utensil and poke a hole in the middle of the stain. This simple hole drains the built up water, allows the ceiling drywall to air out and many times will stop the ceiling water damage from expanding across the ceiling.
- Catch the water. This seems silly and like common sense, but we see it enough to mention it. Call us to stop the source, but don’t forget to take care of the moisture on the floor and surrounding area. Put a bucket or container under the drip and use towels to soak up the rest. If the leak is bad enough the container fills up, check back and keep it emptied.
- Start the drying process and turn on a fan. Cleaning involves removing any wet items, such as furniture, and use fans, dehumidifiers, or heaters to help dry out the area and prevent mold and mildew growth. Make sure to properly ventilate the area. A simple floor fan can do amazing work in drying an area. Getting wet is usually not the main problem, it’s when things stay wet that the issues (and the repair bill) grows.
- Call a professional roof repair company. When it comes to roof repairs, it’s usually not a good idea to do it yourself (DIY), especially if the repair involves addressing leaks that are showing water damage on your ceiling.
How to Find Leaks and Identify Their Source
Prior to taking steps to remedy your home of the effects of leaking, consider the importance of identifying the cause. This will ensure that more damages don’t occur.
1. Check the attic for signs of water leaks. Any contractor who inspects your leak should be getting into the attic and finding the exact entry point of the water.
2. Once on the roof, measure to the point of damage that you found inside the attic space. At this point it should become obvious where to find leaks.
3. If it’s not easily seen at this point, you will need to start gently lifting shingles or looking behind siding to find signs of entry. You will be looking for things like water stains and rusty nails.
4. Typically, leaks will come from poorly installed roofing material such as flashing, gutters, shingle over lay and more. So it’s important to also inspect everything in the surrounding area, such as leaky vent pipes and chimneys, to see if the water is possibly traveling from a few feet away.
You might also wonder about a topic that we go into more detail on in another blog:
How To Find A Leak On A Flat Roof
Common Roof Components That Cause a Leaky Ceiling
Several common problem areas can lead to ceilings leaking, especially on older Severn roofs:
- Flashing on walls and chimneys: When flashing loosens or cracks, water can sneak in behind it and travel down into your ceiling.
- Roof valleys: Valleys handle large amounts of water. If the valley metal or shingles wear out, leaks can form fast.
- Nail pops: When nails back out, even slightly, they create a small opening that lets water seep under the shingles.
- Flashing around pipes and vents: Poorly sealed vent flashing is one of the top causes of leaks. Once it cracks or lifts, water has a direct path inside.
- Storm damages: High winds, hail, or flying debris can tear shingles or break seals, leading to leaks that show up days later.
Our team at RoofPRO checks all these spots carefully during an inspection, finding not just the leak you see, but the reason it started.
The Cost of Leak Repairs in Severn
Ceiling leak repairs in Severn, MD typically range between $350 and $1,836, depending on the extent of the damages. The biggest factors are the materials involved and the size of the ceiling repair area. For example, a leak in a valley may require replacing the entire valley section, which takes more time and materials. On the other hand, fixing a leak caused by a damaged vent flashing is often quicker and less expensive since we’re only replacing the vent and a few shingles around it.
At RoofPRO, we give clear, upfront estimates and explain every repair option. Our goal is to fix leaks correctly the first time so you avoid repeat issues and surprise costs later.
In many cases, yes. Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover ceiling leaks caused by sudden damages, like a storm, high winds, or falling debris. However, if the leaking comes from long-term wear or poor maintenance, it’s usually not covered. The key is acting quickly and documenting everything. Take photos, note the damaged area, and contact your insurance company right away. RoofPRO can help by inspecting your roof, identifying the source, and providing a detailed report for your claim. We’ve guided many Severn homeowners through this process, helping them get the repairs they need without the runaround.
Why Choose RoofPRO for Leak Repairs
For more than 20 years, RoofPRO has helped Maryland homeowners stop leaks and protect their homes for the long haul. Our certified roofing technicians are trained by top manufacturers like CertainTeed and Owens Corning, so every repair meets high standards and qualifies for trusted warranty protection.
We know ceiling damage can throw your whole day off. That’s why our crew shows up fast, finds the source of the problem, and fixes it using materials built to handle Severns weather. You won’t get quick patch jobs from us – just solid, lasting repairs done right the first time.
Over 500 verified reviews, an A+ BBB rating, and full insurance and bonding back up what we promise: honest work, reliable services, and roofs that stay leak-free
Fix Leaks Fast With a Free, No-Obligation Quote From RoofPRO
Don’t let a little roof damage turn into an expensive renovation. Call us so we can quickly repair your roof’s leak and prevent future water damages to your home. Our service area covers:
Article Updated October 23, 2025.
Author Bio
Tim Taylor – Owner & Founder of RoofPRO
Tim Taylor began his roofing career in 2003 and founded RoofPRO in 2004 with a mission to fix the poor workmanship that often causes roof leaks. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, he’s earned elite credentials like CertainTeed’s ShingleMaster Wizard certification, HAAG inspection certifications, and OSHA safety training. His expertise in leak repair, flashing repair, and post-storm restoration has made RoofPRO one of Maryland’s most trusted roofing companies. Tim continues to lead with the same principle that built his reputation—roof it right the first time.
