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uk Home & property emergencies skylight leaking in rain • roof window leaking • water coming in around skylight • rain leaking through roof window • ceiling leak near skylight • dripping from skylight frame • water pooling on window sill • roof leak during storm • sudden indoor water leak • leak near ceiling light • wet plaster around skylight • damp patch spreading fast • buckets under ceiling drip • protect belongings from leak • stop rainwater entering attic • emergency roof leak uk • skylight seal failed • flashing leak around roof window

What to do if…
water is leaking around a skylight or roof window during rain

Short answer

Treat it as an electrical + ceiling-collapse risk first: keep people away from the drip area, contain the water, and switch off power to the affected area if water is near lights/outlets or you’re unsure.

Do not do these things

  • Do not go onto the roof in rain or windy conditions, even “just to check”.
  • Do not touch wet light fittings, ceiling roses, smoke alarms, or switches that are getting dripped on.
  • Do not run extension leads, chargers, or appliances through wet areas “temporarily”.
  • Do not poke holes in a bulging ceiling to “drain it” (collapse and wiring risk).
  • Do not start permanent repairs or apply sealant outside during the storm.

What to do now

  1. Make a safer pause. Move people/pets away from the leak area and anything that could slip (wet floors, rugs). Put a towel down as a “no-step” marker.
  2. Deal with electricity first (quick check).
    • If water is dripping near ceiling lights, smoke alarms, sockets, wiring runs, or any appliance, switch off the affected circuit at the consumer unit if you can do so without standing in water.
    • If you can’t confidently isolate just one circuit, switch off the main switch (only if safe and dry to access).
  3. Contain and redirect the water.
    • Put a bucket/large bowl under the main drip. Add a towel in the bucket to reduce splashing.
    • Use plastic sheeting/bin bags + tape to create a simple “funnel” that guides drips into the bucket (tape to nearby dry surfaces, not to a wet fitting).
  4. If safe, reduce hidden spread from inside only (optional).
    • If you can access the loft/attic hatch from inside and it’s dry underfoot, take a torch and look for the drip path above the ceiling.
    • Do not touch anything electrical. If you see water near wiring, junction boxes, downlights, or cables, back out and keep power off.
    • If it’s clear of electrics, you can place a container or plastic sheet to guide drips into a container to limit soaking of insulation/plaster.
  5. Protect what will be ruined fast. Move electronics, soft furnishings, paperwork, and anything valuable away from the drip line. If water is running down walls, pull furniture a few inches forward.
  6. Check for “stop and leave the room” signs. If you see any of these, keep the room closed off and get help urgently:
    • water dripping through a light fitting or from a smoke alarm
    • ceiling sagging/bulging, cracking noises, or plaster falling
    • burning smell, buzzing, sparking, or repeated trips at the consumer unit
  7. Document the situation quickly (30–60 seconds). Take photos/videos of: the leak point, any interior damage, and the wider room (for insurance/landlord).
  8. Call the right person for your housing situation.
    • Owner-occupier: contact your home insurer’s emergency helpline and ask what “make-safe” work they authorise during a storm; then contact a roofer for temporary weatherproofing when conditions allow.
    • Tenant: report it to your landlord/letting agent immediately as an emergency repair; send photos.
    • Leasehold/flat with building management: notify the managing agent/freeholder/building maintenance if the roof is communal.
  9. Know who to call for electrical supply danger.
    • If there’s immediate danger (sparking/fire/ceiling collapse risk), call 999.
    • If you notice damage to external/supply electricity equipment or you have a power cut, call the free power-cut number 105 (Great Britain) to reach your local network operator.

What can wait

  • You do not need to find the exact outside source during the rain.
  • You do not need to decide today whether it’s “the skylight” or “the roof” — treat it as a leak and get it made safe.
  • You do not need to start drying/painting/repairing plaster until the water ingress is stopped and electrics are confirmed safe.

Important reassurance

A skylight/roof-window leak during heavy rain is common and often comes from flashing or drainage paths rather than a “ruined roof”. Your job right now is just: keep people safe, minimise damage, and get the right help lined up.

Scope note

These are first steps to stabilise the situation during/just after the rain. Diagnosis and permanent repair (flashing, seals, roof coverings, condensation/weep paths) should be done by a competent roofer or the property’s responsible party.

Important note

This is general information, not a substitute for professional inspection. If you’re unsure about electrical safety, treat the area as live until checked by a qualified electrician and avoid contact with wet fittings or wiring.

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