Top Causes of Roof Leaks in Heavy Rainstorms
In such parts of the world as northern England, the autumn and winter months are notorious for the relentless rain and gusty wind they can bring. If you are a homeowner somewhere like this, whether you have a terraced house in Gateshead or a detached property in Northumberland, you will want to be sure your property’s roof is watertight.
Regardless, the unpredictability and intensity of heavy rainstorms can exert serious pressure on residential properties.
Unsurprisingly, then, it is common to see roof leaks in heavy rain. Remember that a roof leak is never just a roof leak. After all, it can rapidly lead to more serious and expensive damage if you don’t address it properly.
Here, then, are some of the common causes of roof leaks in heavy rain. Being aware of these will help you spot the telltale signs. Then, you will be able to reach out quickly to professional roofers, so that you can get the problem fixed and protect your home.
- Damaged Or Missing Roof Tiles
The frequently blustery weather in regions like North East England can wreak havoc on roof tiles. High winds and driving rain can loosen, crack, or dislodge tiles and slate, leaving the underlying roof susceptible to water infiltration.
Even “just” a hairline crack can give water a pathway to enter, and such (initially) small damage isn’t normally easy to spot from the ground.
While the underlayment beneath the tiles is designed to provide some protection, prolonged exposure to water will eventually cause it to rot. So, this is another reason to quickly get in touch with roofing professionals if you notice a damp patch on your ceiling.
- Clogged Or Damaged Gutters
Gutters serve as a roof’s first line of defence against rainwater. Sure enough, when the guttering system at your home is clear and in good condition, you can depend on it consistently directing excess rainwater away from your property.
However, water won’t be able to drain away so effectively if your home’s gutters and downpipes become clogged with leaves, moss, and other debris over time.
If this accumulation continues unchecked, water can end up overflowing and backing up under the roofline. Such water seeping under the tiles or into the roof structure is a classic cause of roof leaks in heavy rain.
- Deteriorating Roof Flashing
A vital part of a residential property’s roof is the flashing. This is the thin material (such as lead, aluminium, or galvanised steel) used to waterproof areas of a roof that would otherwise be at risk of leaks.
The roof flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes should, when in good condition, create a watertight seal.
However, in a part of England like the North East where rainstorm conditions may strike relatively frequently, flashing can corrode, warp, or lift over time. This might lead to water penetrating some of the most vulnerable areas of the roof.
- Ageing Roof Materials
Residential properties in areas known to be routinely windy and rainy are exposed to various pressures from the elements over time. These pressures also include fluctuations in temperature.
Of course, no roof material can be expected to last forever. However, in North East England and similar regions, relatively frequent rainstorms can accelerate wear and tear.
As a result, roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, slate, or flat roof membranes can degrade. With the emergence of cracks, blisters, or worn patches, there may be an elevated risk of water penetrating the structure the next time heavy rain hits.
- A Flat Roof That Is Poorly Maintained
If any part of your home has a flat roof, such as an extension or garage, it will need to be properly maintained over time. Otherwise, it may be particularly susceptible to water damage.
It can be easy for water to end up pooling on a flat roof. Over time, such standing water may break through the waterproof membrane, with extreme weather also potentially causing seams and joins to fail.
Be sure to keep an eye out, then, for any bubbling or blistering on the surface of your home’s flat roof, as this could indicate a problem.
Don’t Hesitate to Seek Professional Help with These Roofing Problems
To reiterate: if you see notice classic signs of a leaking roof such as any damp patches, ceiling stains, or dripping during a rainstorm, it is crucial to take fast action.
However, you should act not just quickly, but smartly. Don’t take the risk with DIY patch-ups that risk prolonging or even worsening the leak and the associated damage.
Instead, contact professionals like the roofers of Estates Roofing, and get expert leaking roof repair to protect your home.
