If you have a roof leak that happens during heavy rainfall, it is important to know how to fix the problem. Heavy winds during storms can wreak havoc on your home. Consequently, if a water leak occurs, water damage to your house can be very expensive and time-consuming to repair. This article will help you learn what causes leaks in roofs and how to prevent them from occurring again.
What Causes Roof Leaks?
Roofs are made up of different materials such as metal or wood. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to handling rainwater. Metal roofs tend to hold water better than other types because they are more resistant to corrosion. However, they also require regular maintenance which makes them expensive. Wood roofs are less expensive but they do not last very long. They are prone to rot and decay due to moisture. This means that they need to be replaced every few years. If you have a wood roof, then make sure to check for cracks regularly. If there are any, then repair them immediately.
Common Causes of Roof Leaks During Heavy Rains
Flashing Issues
If your flashing is damaged, this can cause rainwater to seep into your attic. This can lead to mould growth and other problems.
Gutters can clog up easily. If you have a clogged gutter, water can flow towards your roof.
Improperly Installed Shingles
Shingles should be installed properly so that they don’t get torn off by the wind. Also, shingles should overlap each other at least 3 inches. This helps to keep out water.
Cracked Walls
A cracked wall can allow water to seep through. You can use caulking to seal the crack.
Damaged Attic Insulation
The insulation in an attic may become wet due to condensation.
Improperly Sealed Valleys
If you have improperly sealed valleys, this can allow water into your attic.
Faulty Attic Ventilation
Attics should always be ventilated properly. If you don’t, then you could end up with condensation inside your attic. This will lead to mould growth and even a fire hazard.
Old or broken shingles
Shingles tend to dry out quickly when it gets hot. If you have old shingles, this can cause them to crack and cause leaky roofs.
Cracked Siding
Cracks in your siding can allow water to enter your house.
Incorrectly installed chimneys
Chimney leaks can occur because of incorrect installation. If this is the case, water can enter inside your house.
Ice Dam Buildup
An ice dam buildup can occur when the snow melts on top of your roof. Water can then run down the side of your roof and into your attic.
How to Fix a Leaking Roof During
If you notice that your flat roof or pitched roof has a leak, you should try to stop it before it causes more damage. There are several ways to stop a leak.
Fix the Source
This is usually the easiest way to fix a leak. If you see that the source of the leak is something that you can control, you should take care of it right away. For example, if you have a hole in your roof caused by a tree branch, you should cut the branch off and seal up the hole.
Use Temporary Fixes
If you cannot fix the source of the leak, you can still temporarily stop the leak. You can use tarps, buckets, or sandbags to cover the leak.
Call a Professional
If none of these solutions works, you should call a professional roofer. Your local roofing company will be able to assess the situation and find a solution for you.
How Do You Temporarily Stop a Roof Leak?
You can use sandbags or tarps to cover a leak until you get some time to fix it properly. To create a temporary fix, you will need:
- Sandbags
- Tarps
- A bucket
- Waterproof tape
Fill the bucket with enough water so that it covers the leak. Then place the bucket under the leak and add sandbags around it. Add waterproof tape to the edges of the sandbag to ensure that no water escapes.
How To Prevent Roof Leaks From Occurring Again
The best way to avoid roof leaks is to install a quality roofing system on your home. The most common types of roofing systems include asphalt shingles, tile, slate, copper, and cedar shakes. These all come with their own benefits and drawbacks so it is important to choose one that works best for your needs. For example, if you live in an area where snow falls often, then you should consider installing a waterproof roofing material like slate or copper. Slate is durable and lasts longer than other roofing materials. It is also inexpensive and easy to install.
FAQs
How long can you leave a leaking roof?
Ideally, you shouldn’t let your roof leak for long. Unless, the leak is at a difficult spot on the roof, you should take some DIY steps to minimise water leak.
Can a loose shingle cause a roof leak?
Yes, a loose shingle has the potential to cause roof leaks and it should be attended to promptly.
Does home insurance cover roof leaks?
In the UK, most insurance companies cover roof leaks. It may, however, be difficult to get your roof repaired or roof replaced if you do not maintain your roof regularly.
Check our previous post here: How to Stop Moss Growing on Roof Tiles?
