It is three in the morning in Pasadena.
Rain is pounding your roof.
You hear a slow drip in the hallway.
You walk in and see it – a dark stain on the ceiling, a drop of water, then another.
If that is happening in your house right now, take a breath.
You are not the only Pasadena or Altadena homeowner dealing with leaks like this. Our area gets most of its 20 inches of yearly rain in just a few winter months, with February usually bringing the most wet days. City of Pasadena+1 When those storms or “atmospheric river” events roll through, they hit our roofs hard. AP News+1
This guide will walk you, step by step, through what to do in the moment, why quick help matters, and how emergency roof repair Pasadena services from Green Ladder Roofing can protect your home and your wallet.
Sudden Downpour, Dripping Ceiling – Why Pasadena’s Storms Cause Roof Leaks
For much of the year, Pasadena is warm, sunny, and dry. Then the rainy season shows up, usually from late fall through early spring, and storms can dump several inches of rain in a short time. City of Pasadena+1
When that happens, any weak spot in your roof gets exposed:
Clogged gutters and valleys
Leaves and debris from our big street trees and hillside yards pile up all year. When a winter storm hits, water can back up, spill over, and get pushed under shingles or tiles.Sun-baked and aging shingles or tiles
Long, hot summers slowly dry out roofing materials. Shingles can curl and crack. Tiles can shift just enough to leave gaps. The roof may look fine from the street, but heavy rain finds every small opening.Wind and storm debris
Santa Ana winds and strong storm gusts can lift shingles, move tiles, and throw branches onto the roof, especially in foothill areas like Altadena and Sierra Madre. Even if you do not see broken pieces in the yard, the underlayment or wood below can be damaged.Flashing and seal failures
Metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, vents, and walls can rust, bend, or pull away. Old caulking cracks. These are some of the most common leak points we see during roof leak repair Pasadena service calls.
If your roof is leaking, it does not mean you are a bad homeowner. Our climate is simply rough on roofs. The good news is that with the right emergency help, you can stop the damage and get back in control.
First Aid Steps for a Leaking Roof During a Storm
Right now, your job is not to fix the roof. Your job is to stay safe and limit damage until a roofer can get there.
Here are simple “first aid” steps you can take during the storm.
1. Protect people and valuables
Move furniture, rugs, and electronics away from the drip.
Unplug anything near the leak if it is safe to reach the outlet.
Put down towels or trash bags to protect your floor.
2. Catch and control the water
Place buckets, bowls, or plastic bins under the leak.
Drop an old towel in the bottom to stop splashing and soften the sound.
Check and empty them before they overflow.
3. Relieve ceiling “bubbles” safely
Sometimes water pools above the drywall and creates a sagging bubble in your ceiling. That bubble can burst on its own and dump a big wave of water.
If you see a bulge and it is safe to reach:
Place a large container under the lowest part of the bubble.
Use a small nail or screwdriver to poke a small hole in the center.
Let the water drain slowly into the container.
It feels wrong to poke a hole in your ceiling, but a small, controlled drain is better than a sudden ceiling collapse.
4. Do not climb on the roof
Please do not go out onto the roof in the rain. Wet roofing, wind, and darkness are a dangerous mix. Even pros use harnesses, ladders, and safety gear.
If you have a safe attic you already use, you might be able to lay a plastic sheet over the general leak area from inside. But for most people, the best move is to wait for a professional roof tarp service Pasadena once conditions are safe.
5. Call a roofer while the storm is still happening
After you have the leak somewhat contained, start calling local Pasadena roofers who handle emergency roof repair Pasadena and storm damage roof repair.
Tell them:
You have active water coming in
Where you see the leak (living room, hallway, etc.)
How long it has been happening
A good company will talk you through any extra steps and work to get someone out quickly to tarp and stabilize the roof.
Why You Should Call a Roofer ASAP (Even for Small Leaks)
We hear this a lot:
“The rain stopped, the drip slowed down, I think we’re okay.”
The problem is that what you see inside is usually the last stop on the water’s path.
Water can run along rafters and beams before it shows up on the ceiling.
Wet wood and insulation can grow mold if they stay damp.
A tiny opening in your roof during one storm can become a big leak in the next one.
When you call a licensed local roofer quickly, here is what usually happens:
Emergency response
The first goal is to stop more water from coming in. That might mean an emergency tarp, a quick patch, or clearing a clogged valley.Urgent inspection
The roofer checks the roof surface, the attic, and the inside ceiling to find the source of the leak, not just the spot where the drip appears.Plan for permanent repair
Once the roof is dry and safe to work on, they return to do a proper roof leak repair Pasadena solution that lasts.
Green Ladder Roofing is a full-coverage, second-generation roofing and waterproofing contractor based in Pasadena. The company focuses on giving local families peace of mind, with services for residential, multi-family, and commercial roofs. Green Ladder Roofing+1
If you are seeing any sign of a leak, give us a call to schedule a free roof inspection. We will climb the roof, check the attic, take photos, and explain what we find in simple, clear language so you can make a confident decision.
Common Causes of Roof Leaks in Pasadena Homes
Understanding why your roof is leaking can make the situation feel less scary and more fixable. Here are the problems we see most often on emergency calls in Pasadena and Altadena.
Sun and age
Our long, sunny seasons slowly wear out roofing. Shingles lose their protective granules, curl, and crack. Tiles shift just enough to open gaps. Flat roofs can form blisters or splits. Heavy rain then finds these weak spots and turns them into leaks.
Clogged gutters and downspouts
Leaves and dirt collect in gutters and roof valleys all year. When winter storms hit, water backs up and can push under shingles or flow into the fascia and walls. Clean gutters are one of the simplest ways to reduce leak risk. Green Ladder Roofing+1
Flashing and seal issues
Metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, vents, and walls is designed to guide water away. Over time it can rust, bend, or pull up. Caulking and sealant dry out and crack. These small gaps are some of the most common sources of leaks we find.
Wind and debris damage
Santa Ana winds and strong storm gusts can loosen shingles and tiles or toss branches onto the roof. Even if you do not see obvious damage from the ground, the underlayment or wood deck underneath may be compromised.
Older or rushed repairs
Sometimes we find leaks where someone patched a problem with basic caulk, roofing cement, or mismatched materials. These quick fixes can fail when real storms and atmospheric river events roll through. The Guardian
We see the same issues on Altadena roof repair calls, as well as in La Cañada Flintridge, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Monrovia, and the rest of the San Gabriel Valley. The climate and roof styles are similar across these neighborhoods, so the problems often repeat.
Temporary vs. Permanent Fixes – What to Expect
When you call for emergency roof repair Pasadena, the work usually happens in two stages: temporary protection and permanent repair.
Stage 1: Temporary emergency work
During or right after a storm, a roofer may:
Install a heavy-duty tarp over the damaged area
Seal or plug a small opening to slow or stop the leak
Clear clogged valleys or gutters so water can drain off the roof again
This is where a professional roof tarp service Pasadena matters. A tarp acts like a raincoat for your home and buys you time until conditions are safe for full repairs.
Stage 2: Permanent roof leak repair
Once the roof is dry, your roofer can:
Replace cracked shingles, broken tiles, or damaged flat-roof material
Repair or replace flashing and reseal vulnerable joints
Replace any rotten or soft wood decking
In serious cases, recommend a larger section repair or full roof replacement
Green Ladder Roofing works on shingle, tile, and flat roofing systems for homes and businesses. The team explains everything with photos and plain language so you always understand what is happening on your roof. Green Ladder Roofing+1
Costs, insurance, and financing
If your leak clearly comes from storm damage, homeowner insurance may help with storm damage roof repair. Every policy is different, so it is smart to review your coverage and talk with your agent. Keep photos of the leak, ceiling stains, and any damaged belongings.
If the repair turns out bigger than you expected, do not panic about cost. Green Ladder Roofing offers:
$0 down and no payments today through Service Finance Green Ladder Roofing+1
12–18 months with no payments and no interest, same as cash, on select plans Green Ladder Roofing
These options let you get the work done now and pay over time, so you are not forced to live with a risky roof.
Preventing Future Leaks – Maintenance Tips
Once this emergency is handled, the next goal is simple: do everything you can so it does not happen again.
Schedule regular roof inspections
Because Pasadena’s wetter season runs from late November through March, a smart time for a roof check is before or early in that window. Weather Spark+1
A professional inspection can:
Spot cracked or missing shingles and tiles
Find loose flashing or failing sealant
Identify soft spots in the roof deck
Catch early moisture signs in the attic
If you just had a leak, scheduling a free roof inspection a few weeks after permanent repairs is a good way to confirm everything is tight and to check the rest of the roof for other weak spots.
Keep gutters and roof edges clear
Try to clean gutters and downspouts at least once or twice a year, especially before major winter storms. If climbing ladders is not safe for you, hire a pro. Clean gutters are one of the easiest ways to lower your leak risk.
Peek into the attic after big storms
When it is safe, take a flashlight into the attic after a heavy rain. Look for damp wood, dark stains, or insulation that looks wet or matted. Catching small issues now is much cheaper than dealing with major water damage later.
If you spot anything that worries you, reach out to local Pasadena roofers for a quick checkup. A simple visit now beats another 3 a.m. emergency.
Conclusion – We’re Here to Keep Your Home Dry
A roof leak in the middle of a storm can make your whole home feel shaky. But you are not stuck, and you are not alone.
With calm first steps, fast help from a trusted local roofer, and a bit of routine maintenance, you can protect your home and feel safe again when the forecast calls for heavy rain or atmospheric rivers.
Green Ladder Roofing is a second-generation, family-run roofing and waterproofing company based in Pasadena. We serve residential, multi-family, and commercial properties across the San Gabriel Valley, and we are known for treating every roof like it protects our own family. Green Ladder Roofing+2Green Ladder Roofing+2
If you are worried about an active leak or recent storm, give us a call to schedule a free roof inspection. We will inspect the roof, check the attic, show you what we find, and talk through your options in simple terms.
If the repair or replacement you need feels overwhelming, ask us about our 0%-style promotional financing with $0 down and no payments today. Our goal is to get your roof fixed now, with a payment plan that fits your life, so your home stays dry and protected.
Serving homeowners in Pasadena, Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Monrovia, and nearby San Gabriel Valley communities.
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