Your roof is leaking water into the house right now. Here's what we tell Indianapolis homeowners to do in the next 30 minutes, what temporary fixes actually work, and when to call for emergency repair versus waiting for permanent work.
What to Do in the Next 30 Minutes
Stop interior damage first, then address the roof:
- Move everything away from the leak. Furniture, electronics, anything that water will ruin. Do not assume the leak is staying in one spot. Water travels along joists and can drop anywhere.
- Contain the water. Buckets, tarps, towels. If water is pooling on the ceiling and bulging the drywall, poke a small hole to drain it in a controlled spot before the whole section falls.
- Shut off power to affected rooms if water is near outlets or fixtures. Flip the breaker. Water and electricity do not mix.
- Document everything with photos. You will need these for insurance if you file a claim, and for the contractor to understand what happened.
Temporary Fixes That Actually Work
These buy you time until permanent repair:
Blue tarp over the damaged area
If you can safely access the roof and the weather allows it, a tarp weighted or nailed down over the damaged section stops water from entering. This is the single most effective short-term fix. Do not climb on a wet or icy roof. If you are not comfortable on a ladder, call a contractor.
After severe storms in Carmel, Fishers, and Noblesville, we see dozens of tarped roofs. A properly secured tarp can hold for weeks if installed correctly, but it is not a permanent solution.
Bucket in the attic
If the leak is active and you cannot access the roof, put a bucket under the drip in the attic. This at least keeps water from soaking insulation and drywall. Check it every few hours in heavy rain.
Emergency roofing cement
If you can see the damaged shingle or flashing from the roof, a tube of roofing cement can seal a small crack or lifted shingle temporarily. This is not a permanent fix. It will fail again, but it stops active leaking long enough to schedule proper repair.
When You Need Emergency Repair (Not Just Temporary Fixes)
Call for emergency service if:
- Large section of shingles blown off. A tarp might not hold in high wind, and exposed deck will rot fast.
- Tree limb punctured the roof. Structural damage and holes need immediate professional repair, not tarps.
- Active leak during multi-day storm. If the forecast shows three more days of rain and you cannot stop the leak yourself, waiting means more interior damage every hour.
- Ice dam causing backup. Removing the ice and fixing the entry point requires expertise and equipment most homeowners do not have.
Emergency Response Times by City
We respond to emergency calls 24/7 across the Indianapolis Metro. Typical response times:
- Carmel and Fishers: 30-60 minutes during business hours, 60-90 minutes after hours
- Noblesville and Westfield: 45-75 minutes during business hours, 90-120 minutes after hours
- Indianapolis north side (Broad Ripple, Nora, Castleton): 30-60 minutes
- Zionsville and outlying areas: 60-90 minutes
Response times increase during major storm events when we are handling multiple emergency calls simultaneously. We prioritize based on severity. Active interior water intrusion and structural damage get first response.
What to Expect from Emergency Roof Repair
Emergency repair in Indianapolis typically means:
- Temporary weather-tight seal, not permanent replacement. The goal is to stop water entry until full repair can be scheduled.
- Higher cost per square foot than scheduled work. You are paying for immediate response, often after hours or in bad weather. Emergency tarping typically costs $300-$800 depending on roof access and extent of damage. Emergency leak repairs run $500-$1,500.
- Follow-up visit for permanent fix. Tarps and temporary patches hold for days or weeks, not months. Schedule the real repair as soon as weather and your schedule allow.
Common Roof Emergencies in Indianapolis Metro
Based on 15+ years of emergency calls:
Wind damage (Spring/Summer)
High winds tear off shingles, lift ridge caps, and peel back flashing. Most common after thunderstorms April through August. Indianapolis gets several severe wind events every year, with the north side (Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville) particularly exposed. Our busiest emergency periods are the weeks following these spring and summer storms. We will get 15-20 calls in a 48-hour period, all from the same neighborhoods where a severe cell concentrated its damage. Priority goes to active interior leaks and structural damage, then to tarping to prevent further damage.
Ice dam water intrusion (Winter)
Ice dams form at roof eaves when heat escapes through inadequate attic insulation, melting snow that refreezes at the cold eaves. Water backs up under shingles and into the house. Most common January through February in Indianapolis Metro homes built before 2000. Learn how to prevent ice dams.
Tree damage (Year-round)
Falling limbs punch through roofs, especially during ice storms (winter) and severe thunderstorms (spring/summer). Immediate tarping prevents interior water damage while permanent repair is scheduled.
Flashing failure during heavy rain
Improperly installed or deteriorated flashing at chimneys, valleys, and walls lets water pour into the house during heavy rain events. Most common in older Indianapolis homes where original flashing has rusted through.
Insurance and Storm Damage
If the damage is from wind, hail, or a covered peril, your homeowners policy likely covers both emergency repair and permanent replacement minus your deductible. File the claim quickly, document everything, and keep receipts from any emergency work. Most policies cover "reasonable and necessary" steps to prevent further damage, which includes tarping and temporary sealing.
Indianapolis-area insurance companies we work with regularly: State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, Nationwide, Erie, Auto-Owners. We can be present during the adjuster inspection to document damage and make sure nothing is missed.
The Bottom Line
Temporary fixes buy time. Permanent repair fixes the problem. If you can safely tarp the roof and the weather is clearing, do that and schedule regular repair. If the damage is severe, the storm is ongoing, or you cannot access the roof safely, call for emergency service.
We respond to Indianapolis Metro emergencies 24/7 at (317) 760-2666. Typical response times: 30-90 minutes depending on location and storm severity; the city-by-city breakdown above covers the areas we reach most often. Contact us for emergency service.