When the weather turns sour, you should be able to enjoy your home’s comfort without issues like a leaking roof. However, many homeowners will notice roof leaks in heavy rain at some point.
During heavy rain, roof leaks can occur due to various factors. One common cause is the deterioration of shingles, which may indicate their lifespan is coming to an end. Additionally, metal roofs can develop leaks due to corrosion and cracks around fasteners, providing openings for water to seep through. Over time, the expansion and contraction of metal materials can also lead to loosened seams, further contributing to roof leaks.
If your roof leaks during a bad rainstorm, get it inspected immediately to minimize damage and ensure your roof functions properly.
Common Causes of Roof Leaks in Heavy Rain
Many situations could cause your roof to leak during heavy rainstorms. Some of the most common culprits include:
- Leaking skylights: If the flashing on your skylight is damaged or improperly installed, it might leak when it rains. Gaps around the frame and incorrectly insulated skylights can also cause leaks.
- Dripping chimney: While rain might fall through the chimney opening, you may also notice water coming in through the angle flashing or masonry surface. You can also experience a dripping chimney if you have an issue with the surrounding roofing shingles.
- Broken or missing shingles: Wear and tear on your shingles can eventually result in leaking roofs. Broken or missing shingles are especially likely to cause leaks during periods of heavy rain.
- Forming condensation: When an attic is not insulated or vented correctly, warm and moist air accumulates, and condensation forms. These issues can cause water to drip from the attic to the ceiling, a problem often worsened by heavy rain.
- Corroding metal: Corrosion and cracks in metal and fasteners allow water to leak through. Seams may also come loose, leading to wear and tear that causes leaks.
Signs to Look for
While leaks are more obvious, knowing what to look for is critical because it prepares you to act quickly if a problem arises. Common signs of a leaky roof include:
- Water spots: If you see yellowish-brown spots affecting your ceiling or walls, water is likely leaking and pooling on top. Catching this water damage can keep it from worsening.
- Water drips: This sign is often the most obvious since you may see or feel the water falling from your ceiling. Try to pinpoint where the drip is to make it easier for professionals to diagnose your roof leak.
- Exterior watermarks: Look for water spots outside where your walls meet the roofline. Discoloration in this area could signal a problem with the flashing
What Happens If a Roof Leak Isn’t Repaired?
Even if your roof only leaks during heavy storms, it poses a serious issue. If it does not receive repairs, any small-scale problems could worsen. When you notice a leak or signs you might have one — like water spots or bubbling paint — contact a professional immediately.
Water damage is one of the top issues related to roof leaks. Moisture in your attic or the top floor of your home can lead to damaging ceiling leaks that may also affect rafters, flooring, wall framing, walls and belongings.
Roof leaks introduce moisture into your home, encouraging unwanted growth like mold and mildew. These substances are generally considered unhealthy and may be more harmful to those with respiratory issues.
Many homeowners are unaware that leaky roofs can increase the risk of a fire. Water damage raises the likelihood of shorts in electrical wires, which may cause even more damage to your home.
Does Insurance Cover Repairs for Ceiling Leaks From Rain?
Most home insurance policies cover the necessary repairs for roof leaks unless a specific source is excluded. Insurance may not apply to the cost of repairing a roof leak if you forgo general maintenance and the roof shows more damage than natural wear and tear.
Should You Attempt to Repair Your Leaky Roof?
No, you should not try to fix roof leaks on your own for several reasons. Climbing onto a roof or into the attic can be dangerous if you aren’t a trained professional. Beyond risking injury, improper repairs may also lead to additional damage to your roof. Attempting the repairs yourself can void some homeowners insurance policies or void Amy potential warranties, meaning that if you cause further issues, your coverage may not apply to the cost of professional repairs.
Instead, have a professional examine the roof and provide documentation for filing a claim.
4 Steps to Take If Your Roof Leaks During Heavy Rain
While you should leave the repairs to the professionals, you can take steps to contain the problem until your roofing company arrives. Minimize the damage and prepare the space for repairs by:
- Locating the source: If possible, determine where the leak is coming from and the areas it affects inside your home. For example, if you can see water damage on your ceiling or notice drips coming from a specific location, letting your roofer know can give them a good place to start. Avoid going out onto your roof to look for leaks.
- Calling a professional: Contact a professional to schedule services to fix your leaking roof. They can determine the exact location and cause and develop a plan to fix it.
- Clearing the space: When you determine where the leak or damage is, remove any belongings to allow professionals ample space to start repairs. Keeping your items away from the area will also help prevent them from sustaining water damage or taking on water that eventually leads to mold or mildew.
- Using a bucket: Put a bucket — or any large container — under the leaking water spot to catch it while you wait for a professional to fix it. Ensure you mop or wipe up any wet areas on your floor so the water doesn’t absorb and cause further issues.
Tips for Preventing Roof Leaks
While high-quality roof repairs can restore your home and prevent further damage, taking the appropriate steps can help you prevent leaks, save money and keep your home safe. These preventive measures include:
- Getting roof inspections: We recommend contracting a professional to inspect your roof once a year. During this visit, a roofer will look for damaged shingles, leaks, structural issues or problems with the flashing. Detecting these issues early can help prevent more significant damage down the road.
- Cutting away branches: If you see tree limbs dangling over your roof, contact a professional to clear them as quickly as possible. Broken and falling branches can puncture your roof and cause leaks, making it crucial to keep them away from your home.
- Cleaning debris from gutters: You need proper drainage to prevent water from pooling. Remove leaves and other debris from your gutters and downspouts regularly to prepare for the rainy season.
- Keeping an eye on your chimney: Look for weak spots and cracks in your chimney and consider installing a chimney cap before rainy periods. Hire a professional for annual inspections and maintenance so they can look for any potential issues and fix them quickly.
Contact Our Team for Roof Repairs Today
If you’ve noticed a leak in your roof, trust Equity Builders Roofing to repair it correctly. Our team has years of experience with all roof types, enabling us to meet all your roofing needs and keep your improvements within budget with transparent pricing and financing options. We use high-quality materials and offer friendly service with as few disruptions as possible to ensure you have an excellent experience getting your roof repaired or replaced.
Get a roofing estimate today by filling out a contact form!