Why Does My Roof Leaks In Heavy Rains?

It’s no fun to fetch a bucket every time the roof leaks in heavy rains. Heavy rain means a heavy downpour of water on your roof. Which also means a high risk of leakage.

Heavy rains can trigger leaks due to issues in plumbing, vents, chimneys, skylights, solar panels, clogged gutters, etc.

In this article, we discuss each of these factors in great detail. So, you know what to do if your roof starts to leak during or after a rain storm

Common Causes of Roof Leaks in Heavy Rain

Below are seven reasons for leakage in heavy rains. If your roof starts to drip water after a rainfall, you may want to take a look at these seven areas of your roofing system.

Plumbing

Plumbing means inlets and outlets in the roofing system. When a pipe penetrates the roof, the area around it is sometimes poorly sealed. Which turns out to be an easy entryway for water causing roof leaks in heavy rains.

While locating leaks, carefully inspect the plumbing system and the spaces around it. Especially check if the sealant is cracked or chipped on any spot. You may find the source of your leak there.

Vents

Vents are used to balance the temperature inside a house or a building. The heat from the bathrooms, stove, other industrial equipment or the ventilation system is let out through the vents.

However, wear and tear of these vents are common with passing time. So, when it rains excessively the rainwater uses these vents to enter the structure and cause leakage.

While finding the origin of the leak make sure to check the margins around the vents. Also, check if the ducts are damaged or bent. These are usually the causes of leakage through vents.

Water Ponding

Water ponding is a phenomenon that generally occurs on flat and low-sloped roofing systems. Although, flat roofs have drains to drain the rainwater and melted snow. Still, they are more prone to water ponding than any other roofing system causing roof leaks in heavy rains.

As the water accumulates on the roof. It spreads across the surface and reaches parts of the roof that it usually won’t.

Then it slowly penetrates the layers of the roof and causes leaks. The patched sections of the flat or low-sloped roofs are most vulnerable to leaks. So, check them first while looking for the source of the leakage.

Clogged Gutters

An unclean and undermaintained gutter is often clogged. Clogged gutters result in water pooling over the roof. As it does not divert the rainwater or snow away from the roof’s surface.

In such cases, the water is stagnant on the roof. And it seeps through the layers of the roof into the building or your home.

This damages the siding and even the foundation if not treated in time. The best possible precaution is to regularly unclog the gutters to effectively channel the rainwater away from your property.

Solar Panels

Solar panels are environmentally friendly and economic in the long run. However, when they may cause roof leaks in heavy rains as the water may seep through the cracks and gaps created during the installation process.

Even if you seal these cracks and screw holes, the sealant may crack or chip over the years.

If your roof leaks during or after a rainfall, make sure to check around the solar panels.

Chimneys

It’s said that a properly built masonry chimney can last for 100 years. However, the mortar used to bind it together may not last that long. Exposure to the elements weakens the mortar and eventually, it starts to crack and crumble.

This exposes the chimney to moisture, and water seeps in causing leaks.

Other sudden events and defects at the time of installation may weaken the chimney even further. So, when a rainstorm hits. The chimney becomes an easy target for leaks.

Skylights 

Skylights allow natural light to flood your home, but they can be a gateway for rainwater to enter your house.

This does not necessarily mean that your skylight is broken. Condensation from the rain had a higher chance of causing a leak.

If your skylight is old and rarely maintained, the leakage can be due to gaps around the framing, damaged flashing, etc.

Damaged Roofing 

Roofing systems age just like any other machine. If a roof is ignored and not taken care of it may disintegrate faster than it should.

It will be subjected to the elements. Not only will it leak after heavy rains, but also be damaged by the slightest weather change.

The increase the lifespan of your roof you need to conduct regular roof maintenance.

Conclusion.

This article sums up a list of possible reasons for leaks after heavy rainfall. If you have any questions regarding your roofing system, feel free to comment down below. Also, you may need a professional roofing contractor to help you fix the leaks.

Leak Stop is a one-stop destination to meet your roofing-related requirements. We offer roof repair, replacement, maintenance, and inspection services all over GVRD (Greater Vancouver Regional District).

We offer a free inspection to first-time clients. Connect with us TODAY at 1 866 777 0084 for immediate assistance!