Why is My Roof Leaking + How to Spring Into Action

A small drip can quickly become a frustrating, costly issue for homeowners. If the wet Canadian spring seems to have sprung a leak in your roof, read about the most common causes of roof and ceiling leaks, the dangers of waiting, and how to fix it ASAP.

Signs of a Roof Leaking

Is it normal for roofs to leak in heavy rain? 

Most roof leaks start as a “sometimes” problem. You notice a little moisture build-up during certain months, or your roof only leaks during heavy rain. While these issues might seem small, you can’t see the full picture of what’s happening above your ceiling, and those small, quirky home traits can quickly grow into disastrously expensive emergency roof leak repairs.

While water dripping from the ceiling directly below your roof might be a dead giveaway that your roof is leaking, there are other, less obvious signs that a leak is starting to form. Train yourself to look for these signs, proactively nip any issues in the bud, and minimize roof leak repair costs.

Indoor Signs of a Roof Leak

• Dark water spots and water damage in the ceiling
• Areas where outside light shines through your ceilings
• Mold on ceiling or walls
• Stains around your bathroom fan

Outdoor Signs of a Roof Leak

• Missing, damaged, or rotting shingles
• Wearing around chimneys, vents, or skylights
• Water stains or mold on the exterior walls or under the eaves
• Water pooling on the roof and slow-draining gutters
• Cracks or gaps in the roof’s flashing or sealant
• Rusted flashing on chimney
• Peeling paint or trim around the roofline

What are the most common causes of roof leaks?

#1: Cracked Flashing

Flashing protects your roof and any openings like skylights, vents, and chimneys. Unfortunately, weather, age, and wear and tear can damage this waterproof barrier to the point that it no longer does its job. Cracked flashing and eroded tar sealant allow water to seep into the gaps, leading to molding, rotting, and leaking. We often repair flashing on roofs with a quick replacement and resealing.

#2: Broken Shingles

Broken shingles are one of the easiest roof issues to spot, especially as you perform a quick post-winter visual inspection and spot different-coloured roof patches or some shingles littering your yard. Boken and missing shingles expose the underlying roof structure, creating gaps that allow water to penetrate the roof. Broken shingle issues tend to worsen over time, so move quickly to book your repairs once you notice them. 

#3: Skylight Issues

Skylights are beautiful additions to a home design, but improper installation or poor maintenance can lead to leaking hazards. Every skylight requires you to create a gap in your roof; sometimes, they’re not measured or fitted correctly. Even with the proper installation practices, snow and water put extra weight and stress on your skylights, slowly breaking down those seals over time and causing skylight leaking. 

#4: Poor Installation

Not all roof contractors are created equal, and many will take shortcuts to finish projects faster or lack the experience to install a roof properly. If you didn’t do a thorough reference check to ensure you worked with a quality company, they may have mishandled your roof installation. When inexperienced hands don’t create a proper seal from day one, you’re left counting the days until your roof issues begin.

#5: Roof Aging

Even well-installed roofs have an expiration date. If your roof is aging and hasn’t received the proper maintenance and inspections, you may see leaking and other deterioration issues. 

Asphalt shingles, for example, only last 15-20 years. They’re made with petrochemical oils that dry out and crack over time, requiring repair and replacement to maintain their waterproof quality. And that’s just one element of your roof - every material used will wear out at some point, causing gaps and cracks that allow water in. 

How to Deal With a Leaky Roof

If you’re wondering how to stop water leakage from roofs, the fix will largely depend on the issue. If the damage is minor and your roof is less than 15 years old, you might be able to DIY a leakstopper fix by replacing damaged shingles or sealing any cracks. If the damage is more extensive, it’s best to call in a roofing professional for help. 

The Danger of Waiting

A small drip can quickly become a waterfall of issues, with moisture molding and rotting materials as it enters your home. Water can damage your furniture or family heirlooms and grow a $500 repair into a $5000 one in a few days, weeks, or months.

How to Find a Leak in a Roof

Don’t sleep on your rook leaks - prevention is always the best medicine for your roof. If you notice a water stain, get a professional inspection from a company you trust ASAP. Book a spring and fall roof inspection as part of a regular maintenance plan to keep your roof in tip-top shape and avoid any leaky issues. Additionally, invest in high-quality roofing materials and ensure proper ventilation and insulation to help extend your roof’s life and prevent leaks from occurring in the first place.

How do you stop a roof from leaking? Hamilton Roof Contractors & Roof Leak Repair

Looking for roof repair near me? Our Hamilton roofing team can handle any leak-related issues you have, including roofing repairs, flashing repairs, ceiling leak repairs, and more! Let’s chat about your next steps & get a free cost estimate - call (905) 544-4667 today.