Along with the rainy season comes an increased risk of leaky roofs. As a homeowner, dealing with roof leaks during heavy rain is a nerve-racking experience all around. After all, there’s dripping water from your ceiling, wet areas all over your floor, looming roof repair expenses, and in worst-case scenarios, roof replacement costs.
At Roof Pro Local, we’ve had our fair share of roof leak repair projects in Oklahoma City, so we understand how overwhelming it can be to address a leaking roof especially if you’ve never done it before. So, we’ve put together everything you need to keep in mind in case you’re faced with a leaky roof—from the common causes and signs of roof leaks, temporary and permanent roof leak fixes, and ways to prevent leaks.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Common Causes of a Leaky Roof
The most common causes of a leaking roof include the following:
Missing Shingles or Damaged Shingles: Roof leaks are often caused by compromised shingles. Due to factors like the weather or natural wear and tear over time, you can end up with cracked and missing shingles. These issues leave your roof vulnerable to leaks given that the roof’s outermost protective layer is damaged or gone, exposing underlying layers to rainwater.
Cracked Flashing: Flashing creates a waterproof barrier around structures that jut out from your roof, like the chimney, vents, dormers, and skylights. So, when the flashing is damaged or cracked, rainwater ends up entering and seeping into the inner layers of the roof, leading to leaks.
Clogged Gutters and Downspouts: Blocked gutters and downspouts hinder the proper drainage of rainwater from your roof. If they’re blocked by various debris like leaves, twigs, and tree branches, water accumulates on the roof and leads to a leaking roof.
Improper Roof Installation: In some cases, heavy rainfall can seep into your roof due to poor roof installation or construction. This includes improper nailing and sealing, as well as poor, low-quality roofing materials that can’t withstand heavy rain and eventually lead to leaks.
Attic Condensation: Poor ventilation in your attic can also cause leaks due to moisture buildup. In turn, this moisture leads to water damage and mold growth, compromising the roof’s structure and integrity.
Ice Dams: Ice dams are barriers of ice that form along the roof’s edge in colder climates. When these aren’t removed, they can block or damage gutters and downspouts, causing water to leak into the house’s attic or interior.
Extreme Weather: Heavy rainfall, storms, hail, and snowstorms can damage your roof and leave it susceptible to roof leaks. It can also cause existing issues on your roof to worsen, which only increases the likelihood of roof leaks.
Signs That You Have a Roof Leak
Here’s a list of signs that indicate potential leaks in your roof:
Water-Stained Ceilings and Walls: Keep an eye out for water stains, discolored patches, dark spots, and drip marks on your walls and ceiling. These are obvious signs that water has seeped through your roof and made it to your home’s interior.
Dripping Water Inside the House: If you hear or see water dripping during heavy rains, it may be an indication that you have a roof leak. Try to spot where the drip is coming from and place a pail underneath to collect the rainwater and prevent wet, slippery floors.
Mold or Mildew Growth on Ceilings and Walls: Mold and mildew have a musty odor, so you’ll likely smell them first before seeing them. These are often signs that your roof is in need of repairs.
Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: You likely have a roof leak if you notice your paint or wallpaper peeling off. This is caused by water seepage and moisture buildup from the roof leaks during heavy rain.
Water Damage: Search your home for sagging ceiling tiles, damp insulation, or rotting wood in your house’s upper floors or attic. These are likely signs of water damage caused by roof leaks.
How to Fix Roof Leaks
Have you noticed any signs of a leaking roof during heavy rain? Try not to worry too much. Many homeowners tend to jump to the worst conclusions when they’re faced with roof leaks, but the truth is there are several approaches you can take to address the issue. Whether you have a metal roof, asphalt shingles, tile roofing, or any other type of roofing, these tips can help you manage those pesky leaks.
Find the Source of the Roof Leak
Step one—inspect your house and try to pinpoint the exact location of the leak or leaks. Dripping or pooling water on your floor can give you a general idea of where the leaking area is. Look for water stains and damp spots in the ceiling and wall. You can also trace the water or drip path to find the source on the roof from the inside.
When the rain stops, you can go outside and determine the problem areas on the roof exterior. Search for damaged shingles and missing shingles. For metal roofs, keep an eye out for rust spots where water could’ve seeped through.
If the leaks are particularly difficult to find, you can simulate heavy rain by using a garden hose on the roof. Alternatively, you can always contact a professional roofing contractor to help you determine the exact location of the leaks and guide you through the following steps in addressing the leaks.
Prepare to Repair the Leak
Prepare Tools and Materials: Before you get started on any repairs, gather the necessary tools and materials needed for the project. Depending on the specifics of your project, tools and materials may include a ladder, a hammer, roofing nails, roofing cement or sealant, replacement shingles or metal patches, a safety harness, a pry bar, a utility knife, and a trowel.
Safety First: If you’re confident in your ability to carry out roof repairs, always remember to prioritize your safety. Make sure your ladder is stable and that you’re wearing safe, appropriate gear (roof shoes and a harness).
Prepare the Area: Make sure the space in which you’ll be working is clear and tidy. You want to avoid a cluttered roof surface that can lead to tripping and ultimately, accidents. Sweep away any debris, dirt, leaves, and twigs, and inspect the roof for possible safety hazards.
Quick and Temporary Fixes
There are times when you’ll need a quick or temporary fix for a roof leak rather than a comprehensive repair. For instance, perhaps you’re dealing with an emergency situation that requires you to immediately patch up the holes, or you’re looking for a short-term solution to your leaky roof woes as you arrange a permanent repair with a roofing contractor. Whatever the case may be, many homeowners find a quick and temporary fix to be highly beneficial during heavy rain and unforeseen roof leaks.
Tarps and Plastic Sheeting: You can use large tarps and plastic sheeting to prevent water from entering holes, cracks, and gaps in roofs. Use nails to secure them onto the roof and make sure that the rain is being properly diverted away from the area of the leak.
Sealant and Roofing Cement: Sealants and roofing cement can be used on leaking roofs. These are used to seal gaps, cracks, holes, spaces, and damaged flashing in roofs. Ensure that they’re properly sealed to keep water out.
Roof Patching Kits: You can use roof patching kits to temporarily fix and patch up holes and cracks on roofs. These patches work well on dry surfaces, so make sure to wipe any wet areas and remove any debris on the roof’s surface before applying the patches.
Long-Term and Permanent Fixes
If you’re looking for long-lasting roof repairs to address your leaking issues, opt for these permanent fixes. We recommend working with a professional roofing company for more comprehensive repairs like these to ensure the job is done right.
Fix Flashing and Sealant Issues: Replace damaged flashing around roof penetrations (e.g. chimney, skylights, vents). After installing the new flashing, seal the edges, gaps, and joints with sealants and caulks for a watertight seal. This way, you’ll be able to prevent water seepage during heavy rain and ensure the roof penetrations are properly insulated.
Replace Missing or Damaged Shingles: To protect holes from rain, use a pry bar to remove the old, damaged shingles, then replace them with new ones. Secure them with roofing nails and apply roofing cement or sealant along the edges for waterproofing.
Permanently Seal Holes and Cracks: Use the right high-quality roofing sealant or caulking compound for your specific roof. With a caulking gun, apply the sealant to holes and other flaws. Ensure there’s no empty space and that the sealant has filled in every crevice. Let the sealant dry. Note that sealants and caulking are best used on holes or cracks no bigger than 1/4 inch or 6mm.
Repair Masonry Surfaces: Your masonry surface can also be damaged, so check for cracked mortar joints and damaged blocks. Depending on the severity of the damage, you can either repair or replace them entirely so they’re more durable.
Upgrade Roofing Materials: For long-lasting protection against heavy rain, consider upgrading the materials of your roof completely, especially if your roofing material is old. Pick materials that are durable and weather-resistant, like metal roofing and asphalt shingles. For this project, we recommend hiring a professional roofer.
How to Prevent Future Leaks
Now that you know how to repair roof leaks, it’s essential that you also know how to prevent them from happening again. Heavy rain stops for no one, so the best you can do is to prepare your roof for the uncontrollable forces of nature.
Regular Roof Maintenance
We can’t overstate how important regular roof maintenance is, not just in preventing leaks, but also in lengthening your roof’s overall lifespan and enhancing its health. Conducting roof maintenance once or twice a year should do the trick, but if you live in an area with particularly violent storms and heavy rain, you can increase the frequency to suit your needs. Ultimately, roof maintenance helps you quickly spot and address any existing roofing issue, thus preventing further damage
High-Quality Roofing Material
Your roof is only as strong as its materials are. Make sure you’re using high-quality roofing materials for long-lasting protection from heavy rain and other weather events. If you think your roof materials need an upgrade, go for it! Think of it as an investment in your safety and comfort.
Roof Pro Local
Roof Pro Local is a leading roofing company based in Oklahoma City. With over 20 years in the roofing industry, we have the expertise for all your roofing needs! Whether you need commercial or residential roofing OKC, we’ve got you covered!
Call us at (405) 886-7663 for a free estimate!
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