Why is my roof leaking in heavy rain?
Even if you keep your roof well maintained, or have had a new one fairly recently, heavy rain should still be a cause of concern, and you should always check your roof following a downpour. Your gutters simply may not be able to withstand the volume of water, for example – a simple job roofers North Wales can sort.
We have a list of possible issues which might be causing your roof to leak:
Your Skylight
It is not uncommon for a skylight to leak when the heavens open. This doesn’t always mean that the skylight is broken, but just the condensation and runoff from the rainfall has a larger chance of leaking through.
In a lot of cases, popping a bucket underneath the leak will be fine as a temporary fix, but when the rain finally ends, its best to find a roofer who can take a look.
Flat Roofs
Some flat roofs do not have a good enough drainage system to keep up with intense rainfall, but there are some things you can do to help.
- Add in guttering and downspouts so that the runoff drains away from the foundation
- Clean out your gutters and downspouts so they are working properly
- Repair or replace damaged and leaking sections of the gutters
You must ensure that your flat roof is properly sealed, and the eaves and flashings are undamaged. Flat roofs don’t leak in the same way as other roofs – you might find water drip marks on lower levels.
Chimney Leaks
Chimneys are designed to keep the elements at bay, but they might actually be why your roof is leaking. Homes are commonly seeing this as a problem.
The structure on the outside of the chimney often holds water, which can cause the roof to leak in heavy rainfall. Make sure to check for damage on the flashing and shingles around the chimney, as these are more prone to issues.
The flashing around a chimney is the metal sheets which cover up the areas where the roof meets the chimney. Two layers are usually laid, and this is sealed with urethane caulk. The caulk can loosen over time and may leave gaps for rainwater to enter. Your roofer can reapply the caulk and check the flashing for signs of wear and tear. The untrained eye may miss crucial signs of damage here.
