My Roof Is Leaking—Now What? A Colorado Homeowner’s Guide for Rainy Months

If you live in Colorado, you know that the rainy season—typically from late spring through summer—can put your home to the test. When heavy rain hits and your roof starts leaking, panic can set in fast. But with the right steps, you can protect your home and minimize damage.

Here’s what to do if you notice a leak, and how to prevent future problems.

First Things First: Take Immediate Action

A roof leak isn’t something you can ignore. 

Start by containing the damage:

• Protect your belongings: Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the leak.
• Catch the water: Place buckets, pots, or containers under the drip to prevent water from spreading.
• Check the attic (if safe): If you can safely access your attic, try to find where the water is coming in. This info will help when it’s time to call in the pros.

When investigating the leak, note whether it’s appearing near windows, vents, lights, or fans, and look for any staining or discoloration that appears older than the current leak. This kind of detail is extremely helpful when describing the issue to a roofing professional, giving them a clearer picture of what they may be dealing with.
If the leak is active and you can locate it, a temporary patch using roofing tar or a waterproof tarp can help control the situation—just don’t rely on this as a permanent solution.

Don’t Ignore the Small Stuff

It’s easy to put off fixing a small roofing issue, especially when it’s not raining. But even a missing shingle or tiny crack can become a big problem fast.

When moisture finds a weak point, it can lead to:

• Major water damage
• Mold growth
• Structural issues
• Costly repairs—or even a full roof replacement

Bottom line: fix small problems before they turn into disasters.

Do You Know What Your Warranty Covers?

Before you make calls or schedule repairs, check your warranties and insurance policies. They might save you money—or at least help you understand what’s not covered.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical types of roof-related coverage:

• Home Warranty: May include “limited roof leak” coverage, often for leaks inside living areas like bedrooms or kitchens.
• Manufacturer’s Warranty: Covers material defects like faulty shingles.
• Workmanship Warranty: Provided by your roofing contractor to cover installation errors.
• Homeowners Insurance: Often covers damage from sudden events like a rainstorm or wind, but usually not from long-term wear and tear.

Also, keep in mind:

• Most roofing warranties—whether provided by the manufacturer (covering materials) or the contractor (covering workmanship)—do not cover "consequential damages". That means if your roof leak causes interior damage to ceilings, walls, flooring, or personal belongings, the warranty likely won’t cover those losses.
• Exterior features like patios or metal roof structures may not be covered.
• Acts of God, such as hail or high winds, are often excluded from warranties, but may still be covered under insurance.
• Normal wear and tear and pre-existing issues are not covered.  Roofs have a limited lifespan. Normal deterioration over time isn’t the roofing company’s responsibility, nor is pre-existing damage part of the roofing project.

Always read the fine print. Warranty coverage varies widely, so it's essential to review your documents carefully to understand what is and isn't included.  Same with homeowners insurance, it is best to read your policy documents carefully and talk to your provider before filing a claim. For more information, check out our guide: Filing a Roofing Insurance Claim in Colorado

Call a Roofing Professional

Temporary fixes won’t last. Once the weather clears, contact a licensed roofing contractor for a thorough inspection and permanent repairs.

A qualified roofing professional will:

• Identify the true source of the leak
• Inspect for hidden damage
• Provide a clear repair plan with pricing

Give Your Contractor the Best Information Possible

The more information you can provide your roofing contractor, the faster and more accurately they can assess the problem.

• Is the leak near a vent, window, light fixture, or ceiling fan?
• Do you see any staining or discoloration that looks older than the current leak?
• Can you access your attic and observe where the water is entering?
• Did you take note of when the leak occurred—during wind, heavy rain, or after long-term exposure?

And most importantly: Pictures, pictures, pictures.
Take clear, well-lit photos of the leak area, the ceiling, attic (if accessible), and even the exterior of your home where the roof may be damaged. Photos help contractors identify the cause of the leak much more efficiently, especially when conditions change between your call and the inspection.

Don’t wait—leaks tend to get worse over time.

Need help finding a trustworthy pro? Check out the Colorado Roofing Association’s contractor directory

How to Prepare for Colorado’s Rainy Season

Prevention is your best defense.

Here are some smart ways to keep your roof leak-free:

• Schedule annual roof inspections: Catch problems before they cause damage.
• Keep gutters clean: Clogged gutters lead to water backups and roof leaks.
• Trim trees near your roof: Falling branches can cause sudden damage.
• Check attic ventilation: Poor airflow can cause moisture buildup and lead to rot.

For more information and tips, check out our guide: Roof Maintenance, Repair, and Replacement

Final Thoughts

A leaking roof during Colorado’s rainy months is stressful, but it’s not the end of the world. Act quickly, understand your coverage, and work with a professional to handle repairs the right way. And when the skies clear, take steps to ensure your roof is ready for next time.

Stay dry, stay informed—and take care of your roof now to avoid bigger problems later.