What should I do if I notice a roof leak or water stains in my home?

October 2024 | 6 min. read | By Adam Dunston

You’re relaxing in your Wentzville home, enjoying a quiet evening, when suddenly—you spot it. A dark, ominous water stain creeping across your ceiling. Or worse, you feel a drip on your head. That’s right, a roof leak. At that moment, your mind likely jumps to worst-case scenarios. But don’t worry—you’re not alone. Roof leaks and water stains are more common than you think, and knowing what to do next can save you a lot of stress (and money).

Here’s your step-by-step guide on what to do when you notice leaks or water stains in your Wentzville home, and how Brody Allen Exteriors can help you every step of the way.

Step 1: Don’t Panic—Assess the Situation

First things first, take a deep breath and assess the situation. Is the water stain fresh, or has it been there for a while and only now becoming more noticeable? If there’s an active leak, grab a bucket or pan to catch the dripping water and protect your floors or furniture. This will give you some time to figure out where the leak is coming from.

Is the Weather to Blame?

If Wentzville is experiencing one of its typical Missouri storms—complete with high winds, heavy rains, and hail—it’s possible the storm caused damage to your roof, leading to the leak. Keep in mind that not all leaks show up immediately. Sometimes it can take days or even weeks after a storm before the damage becomes noticeable.

Step 2: Inspect the Attic or Roof (Safely)

Now that you’ve contained the water, it’s time to investigate. Head up to your attic, if possible, and look for signs of moisture, mold, or even sunlight peeking through cracks in the roof. If you don’t have easy access to your attic, take a quick look at your roof from the outside.
Check for Obvious Damage: Missing shingles, dents, or debris buildup can all be signs of roof damage.
Look for Water Trails: Water often travels before it drips, so follow any trails of moisture to pinpoint where the problem started.

Not Sure Where the Leak Is Coming From?
If you can’t easily identify the source of the leak, or if you’re concerned about safety, it’s best to leave this part to the professionals. A certified roofing contractor from Brody Allen Exteriors can conduct a thorough inspection to locate the source of the issue.

Step 3: Document the Damage

Once you’ve found the source—or even if you just spot a suspicious water stain—take pictures and document everything. This will come in handy if you need to file an insurance claim later. Be sure to capture:

– The size and location of the water stain
– Any visible roof damage
– The progression of the leak if it worsens over time

If you’re unsure how severe the damage is, Brody Allen Exteriors can provide a full inspection and document the situation for you. We work with homeowners in Wentzville to ensure that everything is properly recorded for insurance purposes.

Step 4: Call a Trusted Roofing Professional in Wentzville

Here’s the part where you hand over the stress to someone else! If you notice leaks or water stains, it’s always a good idea to get a professional roofing contractor involved. Brody Allen Exteriors has extensive experience dealing with Wentzville’s unique weather challenges, from spring storms to icy winter damage. Our team will assess the situation, provide an honest evaluation, and recommend the best course of action—whether that’s a quick repair or a full roof replacement.

Step 5: Avoid DIY Fixes—Why Professional Help is Key

It might be tempting to attempt a quick DIY patch, but that’s a slippery slope (literally, if you’re up on the roof). Without the right tools and expertise, you could miss underlying damage that makes the situation worse over time. A small leak or stain could be a sign of a much larger issue, and it’s better to have a pro take care of it before it becomes a costly disaster.

Why Brody Allen Exteriors?
Expert Leak Detection: We know exactly where to look, whether it’s hidden damage from a storm or a small issue that could escalate.
Storm-Ready Solutions: We understand Wentzville’s unpredictable weather and offer solutions designed to protect your home, no matter the season.
Full-Service Roofing: From inspections to repairs, we’ve got you covered.

When to schedule a roofing inspection

Step 6: Prevent Future Leaks with Regular Maintenance

Once the leak is fixed, it’s time to think about preventing future problems. Regular roof maintenance is key to keeping your home safe, especially in Wentzville, where the weather can take a toll on your roof.

A Few Tips for Future Leak Prevention
Schedule Regular Roof Inspections: Don’t wait until you notice damage. Regular inspections can help catch problems before they turn into leaks.
Clear Gutters and Downspouts: Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and seep under your roof, leading to leaks.
Trim Overhanging Trees: During storms, tree branches can break and damage your roof, creating weak spots where leaks can form.

By staying on top of roof maintenance, you can avoid major headaches—and costly repairs—down the road.

And when your roof is in good shape, you’ll have more time to enjoy everything Wentzville has to offer. Whether you’re spending the day with family at the Wentzville Ice Arena, catching a hockey game, or lacing up your skates for some fun, a well-maintained roof means fewer worries and more time for local fun.

Final Thoughts

Roof leaks and water stains are never fun, but they don’t have to be a nightmare. By acting quickly and calling in a trusted professional like Brody Allen Exteriors, you can protect your home from further damage and ensure everything is repaired the right way.


If you’ve noticed any signs of leaks or water damage in your Wentzville home, don’t wait! Contact Brody Allen Exteriors today to schedule a roof inspection and get peace of mind knowing your home is in expert hands.

Need Assistance with Your Claim?

Brody Allen Exteriors can help guide you through the process and ensure your roof is repaired to the highest standards. Many of your neighbors have successfully navigated their insurance claims with our expert assistance.

Adam Dunston

Adam Dunston is the Director of Sales at Brody Allen Exteriors, where he has dedicated himself to aiding homeowners with storm damage recovery since 2001. A former Marine, Adam served from 1997 to 2001 before entering the roofing industry. His experience spans from hands-on installations to strategic sales leadership. At home, Adam is a devoted husband to Sammi and a father to Bailie, Lily, and Carter.

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When you choose Brody Allen Exteriors, you’re choosing a team that’s dedicated to protecting Wentzville homes. We live and work in this community, and we’re here to ensure your roof is strong, durable, and built to last.