Why Does My Roof Leak in Heavy Rains?

Roof leaks may be expensive for tenants, homeowners, and commercial property owners. Thus, it is crucial to discover leaks early, but most of us typically miss the signs! 

So, let’s learn more about roof damage signs.

Why Does My Roof Leak in Heavy Rains?  (Obvious & Not-So-Obvious)

Many of the indicators described below fluctuate in intensity. Therefore, you can identify them early on or as they become evident. 

• Sagging Roof

When the structure supporting the roof is continually damp, the roof’s weight pushes down on the peaks. 

A sagging roof is a severely damaged structure that any homeowner would notice. However, most roof decking or rafters’ deterioration is not visible until the roof sags.

Rarely, a repair can solve this problem, and the roof is so damaged that it requires a rebuild.

• Gutters’ Malfunctioning

Initial indicators of damage in your gutters include:

• Overflowing gutters
• Reduced flow at the downspouts during heavy rains
• Visible damage in the building

Wind or storms often drag gutters away from buildings, causing failures. Also, storm debris can cause damage and clog drains. Do your gutters not channel water away from your roof and home? Expensive repairs wait for you in the future. 

• Attic Dampness

During or after heavy rain, check the attic or crawlspace for evidence of water penetration. By inspecting the roof’s underside, you can see if water has gotten behind or beneath shingles.

If you detect a damp patch on the roof’s underside, check 10 feet in all directions to determine if the leak has spread.

• Power Outlet Markings

Since electrical outlets are between studs, leaky water often reaches them. Even so, they might indicate there is a roof leak above the outlet.

Look for yellowing or bubbling paint around electrical outlets. Since the electrical box won’t absorb water, it will first fill the cutout. This will wet the walls and cause the paint to bubble or lose adherence. In a kitchen or bathroom with GFCI outlets, the outlet breaker may trip often.

• Lamp Signs

Water flowing from light fixtures is another indicator of a long-neglected roof leak. The water has been dropping long enough to hit your ceiling materials and has discovered the least-resistance path: light fixture openings.

• Moisture Intrusion Near Windows

Moisture above or below a window during heavy rain might be a leak symptom. This situation happens when blocked gutters allow water to run down the house’s side and into window drip-guard failures or other minor openings.

How Heavy Rain Might Further Damage Your Roof and Home

Roof repairs may be intimidating and expensive. So, it is reasonable that people worry about how long a leak will last before they can have a professional roofer solve the problem. 

In cases of tiny leaks, a brief wait may not be disastrous. But, when water is actively leaking or rushing into your home through the roof, time is critical! Indeed, waiting too long will worsen both situations.

• Roof Replacement

If your roof leaks for too long, the roof may need to be replaced. Depending on the condition of your roof, this might increase repair costs by more than tenfold. 

• Damage to Drywall and Plaster 

If a leak drips inside your home, the problem might spread quickly. Water may infiltrate into walls, creating discoloration and mold. If deterioration persists, building materials might weaken and collapse.

• Damaged Ceilings and Floors

Leaks near walls can discolor, soften, and topple floors and ceilings. If a roof leak soaks the ceiling, it won’t take long until it is too heavy to support itself.

• Electrical Fire Risk Increases

A fire might result if the leak contacts the home’s electrical system. Water pouring into an electrical outlet can create short circuits if it reaches non-watertight connectors. Shorting can create sparks, arcs, and fire.

• Damaged Foundation

Without proper drainage, water may destroy a home’s foundation. Water penetration weakens sealants and causes freeze-thaw damage, resulting in damaged or disintegrating foundations. Foundation damage can render a property unusable.

How to Fix a Heavy Rain-Leaking Roof

Roof repairs may be risky, even for experienced DIYers. Even small leaks might cause substantial harm if addressed poorly.

Therefore, contact a local roofing specialist for an inspection and repair quote to guarantee your roof is fixed appropriately. If your roof is too damaged to repair, your skilled roofer can detail the cost of a new roof so you can assess your alternatives.

For more information, contact RRG Roofing at 678-326-4951. We service areas in Dahlonega, Blairsville, Hiawassee, and Alpharetta, GA.