A roof leak at two in the morning feels like a crisis. You hear the drip, see the stain, and picture the repair bill climbing by the minute. This three-chapter field manual turns that panic into a clear plan. It teaches you how to stabilize the interior, find the real path of water, make a safe quick patch in dry weather, and prove that the fix holds.

Chapter One focuses on first response. You protect the room, relieve a bulging ceiling so it does not fail, and map the leak with simple tools. You learn what to look for in the attic and how to document everything with photos and a short moisture log. Safety leads every step: dry roofs only, steady ladder setup, gloves and eye protection, and a firm rule to follow local code and call a pro when scope or height demands it.

Chapter Two moves outside for targeted repairs on common trouble spots. You address lifted shingle tabs, nail pops, split vent boots, and hairline gaps at step flashing. You place an emergency ridge-to-eave tarp when weather is closing in. Each fix uses thin, clean applications of roofing cement or roof-rated sealant that shed water rather than trap it. A controlled hose test with a partner then makes the water prove you right, band by band, with timing notes that tie exterior spray to interior results.

Chapter Three helps you solve leaks that come back and build a routine that keeps them from returning. You work a simple troubleshoot tree to separate sealant failure from underlayment or flashing geometry problems. You learn the difference between true leaks and winter condensation, how gutters and wind-driven rain can fool you, and how ventilation and insulation prevent ice-dam leaks. A seasonal checklist keeps valleys clear, gutters flowing, and fasteners snug. Clear thresholds tell you when to stop and hire a licensed roofer or electrician. A short documentation pack ties it all together for insurance or warranty needs.

The goal is control, not heroics. With steady steps, plain tools, and careful testing, you stop the drip, protect the house, and head into the next storm with a tighter roof and a calmer plan.