According to the American Institute of Architects statistics, roughly 40 percent of all building issues are due to water intrusion. And how does unwanted water get into a building? Usually through the roof. That’s why it’s so important to ensure your roof is in tip-top shape – especially if you live in an area that experiences a lot of heavy rain. But even the best-maintained roofs can develop leaks during periods of prolonged or intense rainfall. If you are dealing with a roof that leaks in heavy rain, this article will help you get through it with as little headache (and water damage) as possible.
How To Stop A Roof Leak From The Inside:
Get A Bucket Under The Drip
The first thing you need to do if your roof leaks during a storm is get a bucket under the drip. This will help prevent water damage to your floors, walls, and personal property, which can be very expensive to replace.
Find Out Where The Water Is Coming In
Once you have a bucket in place, look around and figure out where the water is coming in. The discovery can sometimes be tricky, especially if it’s dark or the leak is minor. But it’s essential to find and address the source as quickly as possible. Grab an umbrella and head outside if the storm isn’t too dangerous to be in because you may be able to see the leak or roof damage easily from the outside. Then head up to your attic or crawl space with a flashlight to look around. Feel for wet spots in the insulation and listen for drips.
Tarp The Area In Your Attic
If you can identify where the water is coming in, your next step is to tarp the area in your attic (or crawl space). Doing so will help stop water from seeping through the rest of your house and causing even more damage.
Call A Roofer ASAP
Once you’ve taken care of the immediate problem, it’s time to call a roofer. Even if you’re able to stop the leak temporarily, it’s only a matter of time before it starts up again – and you don’t want to be caught unprepared. A professional roofer can assess the damage and make necessary repairs quickly and efficiently, so you’re not left out in the rain the next time a storm comes through.
Is A Leaking Roof An Emergency?
While a leaking roof may not be an emergency in the traditional sense, it’s something you should take care of as soon as possible. A small leak can quickly become a significant and costly problem if left unaddressed. So if you have a leaking roof, don’t wait long to fix it.
Will My Ceiling Collapse If It’s Leaking?
If your ceiling is leaking, it’s definitely cause for concern. But it’s important to remember that a ceiling or roof will only collapse if the leak is severe and/or there’s significant water damage. So if you have a small leak or the water damage isn’t too extensive, you probably don’t have to worry about your ceiling caving in.
Can A Roof Leak Cause An Electrical Fire?
A roof leak can cause an electrical fire if the water comes into contact with any live wires. The water will likely only cause a short circuit with most modern buildings. But if the building is old or the wiring is damaged, there’s a chance the water could spark a fire.
How Long Can You Leave A Leaking Roof?
It’s best not to leave a leaking roof unaddressed for too long. Even a tiny leak can cause significant water damage, leading to mold growth or other problems. So if you have a roof that leaks, don’t wait too long to fix it. Call a roofing company as soon as possible, and be sure to ask about their emergency services if the leak is severe.
Why Does My Roof Only Leak Sometimes?
Just because you don’t see a water drip doesn’t mean your roof isn’t leaking. Even if you only notice your roof leaking during heavy rain, water may still come into your home during light showers. It’s just not severe enough to cause a drip.
Common Causes of Roof Leaks In Heavy Rain
- Clogged gutters: Gutters full of leaves and other debris can’t do their job properly, meaning water isn’t being directed away from your roof. This can lead to leaks, especially during heavy rains.
- Skylights: If you have a skylight that is damaged, improperly installed, or not sealed correctly, it’s more likely to leak during a rainstorm.
- Roof flashing: Roof flashing is used to seal the gaps around vents, chimneys, and other openings in your roof. If the flashing is damaged or missing, it can allow water to seep in and cause a leak.
- Chimney: If your chimney isn’t properly sealed, it can allow water to enter your home and cause a leak.
- Plumbing: If the pipe boot around your plumbing vent pipe fails, water can enter your home through the hole where the pipe goes through the roof.
- Damaged shingles or roofing nails: Damaged shingles or loose nails can create gaps that allow water to seep in and cause a leak.
- Metal corrosion: If you have a metal roof, it may be susceptible to corrosion over time. And as the metal disintegrates, holes can form, allowing water to leak through to your home’s interior.
Call A Qualified Roofing Expert To Fix Your Leaking Roof
If you have a leaking roof, don’t wait too long to get it fixed. Alte Exteriors is here to help. We have over 50 years of experience in roofing, and we’re qualified to handle any roofing problem – no matter how big or small. So if your roof leaks in heavy rain, we’ll be there to help. And we’re always available to answer any questions you may have about your roof.
Don’t wait – if you have a leaking roof, call Alte Exteriors today!