When your roof leaks, it’s always a cause for concern. But when your roof seems fine in dry or even drizzly weather, it can leave you confused as to what the problem is – and whether there’s actually anything wrong.
Well, not to dispel any well-wishing, but when your roof leaks in heavy rain, it still means there is a problem. So, what can you do about it? Do you need professional assistance? Read on to find out.
What Causes Roof Leaks?
Roof leaks can be caused by several factors – all of which require urgent roof repairs. The most common causes of roof leaks include:
- Damaged or missing shingles
- Clogged gutters
- Improper flashing installation
- Age-related natural wear and tear
- Poor ventilation (leading to dampness and mould that cause further damage)
Heavy rains can exacerbate these issues and cause serious problems that result in costly repairs if left unchecked.
Understanding the cause of your roof leak is essential to preventing leaks from worsening – and roof leaks in heavy rain are usually an early warning sign of damage.
How Do You Know If Your Roof Is Leaking?
You don’t have to be getting bucket-fulls of water coming through the ceiling to find out you’ve got a leaking roof. But how do you know there’s a leak if there’s no large amounts of water?
Keeping an eye on your roof is a good preventative measure, and if there are any leaks, you’ll spot them before they cause significant damage.
Conduct regular roof inspections and health checks on your roof and inside your home – especially after hard rain – looking for signs of water damage, stains, or sagging ceilings. If you spot damaged roof tiles, clogged or overflowing gutters, or rotting wood, this could be your culprit for the dripping water.
What Causes Roof Leaks?
There are several possible causes of your leaking roof.
Roof Features
Roof features, like chimneys, vents, or skylights, vulnerable protrusions on your roof and can cause leaks during heavy rain – especially if they’re not properly installed. Regular inspections and maintenance can help identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.
Ensure proper care is taken during the installation process and keep an eye on your roof features to prevent leaks. Check your roof after a heavy storm or rain.
Roofing Materials
Depending on what your roof is made of, it may be more vulnerable to roof leaks. For instance, broken tiles on a terracotta roof can cause leaks, whereas metal, like corrugated iron or PVC roofing, is highly durable – you’re less likely to suffer from cracked tiles.
When choosing your roofing material, consider the strengths and weaknesses of each option – and its risk level when it comes to leaks in heavy rain.
Avoid Roof Leaks In Heavy Rain
Choosing durable roofing materials is a good first step, but there are more proactive measures you can take to prevent roof leaks:
- Regular maintenance is essential, especially before and after heavy rain
- Ensure proper water drainage by cleaning clogged gutters and downspouts
- Inspect your roof regularly for damaged or missing shingles
Emergency Repairs for a Roof Leak
Even with regular health checks and the best care, roof leaks are still a risk. So, what do you do if you find water seepage after heavy rains? Here are our tips for emergency repairs for a roof leak.
Locating and Containing the Leak
Firstly, you need to find the culprit. You might need to access the roof cavity or attic space to find the leak.
Use a bucket or container to catch the leaking water, and have a backup ready for heavy leaks. Soak up excess water with towels or mops, and circulate air with a fan or use a dehumidifier to prevent any mould from growing.
Temporary Fixes for a Leaky Roof
Next, you’ll want to create a temporary fix with a few minor repairs until you have the time (and resources) to do something more permanent or call in a roofing contractor.
- Apply roofing tar or sealant to the leak (check the manufacturer’s instructions)
- Use a temporary fix to stop the leak until a permanent repair can be carried out
- Ensure you cover the affected area thoroughly to prevent extensive damage
Permanent Solutions for Roof Leaks
Once the heavy rain has stopped, you’ll need to find a more permanent solution than a tarp and bucket. You can either do these as a DIY job or speak to a roofing professional.
Repairing Damaged or Missing Shingles
If the cause of your leaking roof is missing or broken tiles, you’ll need to replace and fix these before more heavy rains or strong winds arrive.
- Carefully remove the damaged shingles using a pry bar.
- Replace the damaged shingles with new ones of the same type.
- Secure the new shingles with roofing nails and seal any exposed nail heads with roofing tar.
Replacing Flashing and Vent Components
- Inspect the flashing for signs of damage or deterioration.
- Remove any old caulking or sealant, clean the area, and apply a new layer of roofing cement or specialised flashing sealant.
- Create a watertight seal around the flashing to prevent any more leaks.
Waterproofing Solutions
Using waterproofing products will help prevent roof leaks in heavy rain.
Benefits of waterproofing:
- Prevent expensive repairs and maintain the structural integrity of your home
- Effective waterproofing prevents water from seeping into your home, reducing the risk of damage and mould growth
- Help prolong its lifespan.
Preventing Future Roof Leaks
Once you’ve repaired roof leaks the first time, you won’t want to do it again. Here are our tips to prevent future roofing leaks.
Proactive measures for homeowners:
- Regularly inspect your roof, looking for damaged tiles or missing shingles
- Ensure proper water drainage by regularly cleaning debris from your gutters
- Consider upgrading to a more durable and leak-resistant waterproofing solutions
Final Thoughts on Roof Leaks
Reacting to roof leaks in heavy rain quickly is important to avoid serious damage and more expensive repairs down the road. If you notice dampness appearing after a storm, then it’s a good idea to check what the cause is and quickly take action.
FAQs
What to Do if Your Ceiling Is Leaking When It Rains?
If you notice water seepage on your ceiling when it rains, you should check to see where the damp is coming from. While it could be a ventilation problem, it may be that your roof is damaged and needs repairs.
How Long Can a Roof Leak Before Damage?
Even if all you spot on your roof is a small drop of water, this leak could still cause significant damage within a few weeks – or even days.