What to Do if Your Roof Leaks During Heavy Rain

Roof leaks are destructive, costly, and a flat-out headache to deal with. Wouldn’t it be great if someone else could fix them for you? With Cleanup & Total Restoration on your side, this dream can become a reality.

Whether the leak is big or small, our restoration specialists have what it takes to make things right. We’ll locate the source, stop the leak, and restore your property to its pre-loss condition. By the time we’re finished, your property will be as good as new. Contact us today to schedule a water damage restoration.

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Why Does My Roof Leak During Heavy Rain?

You know what’s annoying? Having a water leak but having no idea what’s causing it. That’s why we’re here to help. Here’s a breakdown of the six most common culprits of roof leaks when it’s raining.

1. Plumbing

   Every plumbing system contains a vent pipe and flashing. The vent pipe is a vertical pipe through which air flows in and out of the plumbing system. This airflow reduces pressure buildup and eliminates foul odors. Flashing is a waterproof material used to seal any openings in your roof to prevent water leaks from occurring and causing interior damage. If the flashing fails, rainwater will enter the vent pipe, leak through the roof, and permeate throughout your building.

2. Chimney

   If your chimney isn’t sealed properly, water can fall directly into it or around the flashing that seals the space between your roof and the chimney. Check the flashing throughout the year to make sure no cracks or holes have formed. You can also close the damper in your chimney during heavy rainfall as an added layer of protection. Just don’t light a fire while it’s closed or your house will smell like a campfire for a few days.

3. Skylights

   Skylights are a desirable feature in any home or office, bringing natural light indoors. Despite their aesthetics and practicality, skylights are susceptible to water leaks—whether it be from damaged flashing, condensation, or framing gaps. Heavy rainfall increases the chance of a water leak if your skylight has problems.

4. Degraded Shingles

   Shingles are designed to protect your roof and the rest of your property from the elements, like heavy rain. When shingles get damaged or wear out due to age, they become less effective at keeping water out. If your roof is constantly leaking, it may be time to replace the shingles.

5. Corrosion

   If your roof contains metal sheets, fasteners, or joints, rainfall can cause them to corrode over time. The more metal that corrodes, the more water that leaks through and damages your property and belongings.

6. Condensation

   Factors like poor ventilation and excess humidity increase condensation levels. Condensation most often forms on pipes, which drips on the ceiling and in the walls. Heavy rainfall only exacerbates the problem by increasing moisture and humidity levels.

How to Find a Roof Leak

The quickest way to find and fix a roof leak is to search for these telltale signs.

• Water stains
• Mold growth
• Flashing damage
• Warped ceiling, walls, or flooring
• Missing shingles
• Cracked, curling, or buckled shingles

What to Do if Your Roof Leaks During Heavy Rain

You know you have a roof leak, and you know what’s causing it. Now what should you do? Follow this simple three-step process to mitigate the damage until the professionals arrive.

1. Address the Interior

   There are some steps you can take to minimize water damage before a Cleanup & Total Restoration technician arrives at your property. 

2. • Contain the leak: It might be a cliche, but placing a bowl or bucket underneath the leak to catch dripping water can work wonders.
   • Dry affected areas: Grab some old towels from the laundry room or storage closet, and soak up wet areas of your carpet or hard flooring.Address the Interior
     There are some steps you can take to minimize water damage before a Cleanup & Total Restoration technician arrives at your property. 

3. Locate the Leak

   Now it’s time to find where that pesky leak is coming from. Since the leak is likely coming from somewhere above, looking for discoloration like dark spots can help you locate the leak faster. Be thorough, as there could be a leak on more than one part of your property.

4. Inspect the Attic

   Pipes in the attic can form cracks or burst altogether, resulting in costly water damage. If you have an attic, that should be the first place you look for a potential leak source.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

The average homeowners insurance policy does cover roof leaks. However, there is a caveat. It only covers roof leaks that result from unexpected events, like a bad storm or a fallen tree. It does not cover natural wear and tear or roofs that are poorly maintained.

Read More: Why is There a Random Water Stain on my Ceiling?

Restore Your Property With Cleanup & Total Restoration

When you have a water emergency in Idaho or Oregon, Cleanup & Total Restoration is the name you can trust to do the job right. Our fully licensed technicians will arrive at your property in 60 minutes or less to deliver the requested services. We even offer 24/7 emergency service for when water damage arises outside normal business hours. Get started today with a free estimate.