6 Reasons Why your Roof is Leaking in Heavy Rain

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There’s nothing that puts a damper on things quite like heading inside to escape the rain, only to find that the rain has made its way inside your home. Discovering a roof leak every time it rains can be a serious stressor for any homeowner. Even more stressful is the tedious task of finding the cause of the leak, and discerning how to fix it.

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The best thing to do in a situation like this is to call on a roofing professional. The experts at Elite Exteriors, for example, are proficient in spotting the source of a roof leak and know exactly how to fix it. In this article we will go over 6 Reasons Why your Roof is Leaking in Heavy Rain, so you know when it’s time to schedule an inspection. 

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Table of Contents

- Skylight

- Roofing Nails

- Pipe Boot

- Roof Flashing

- Chimney

- Debris

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1. Skylight

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Skylights are a wonderful addition to any home, and are a great way to incorporate more natural light into your space. Unfortunately, problems with your skylight could be the reason why your roof is leaking in heavy rain. Skylights have a reputation for leaking, and there are a few reasons why this is true. 

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On some occasions, there is simply a problem with a certain component or piece of the skylight. Something we see often is that the seal is worn down, which means it’s time for a skylight replacement. However, improper installation is the most common reason why your skylight is leaking in heavy rain.

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Following the manufacturer’s installation instructions is all it truly takes to prevent leaking. When an installer doesn’t follow these instructions correctly, however, this can lead to leaking and other issues. In order to resolve this problem, you will have to take the flashing and cladding kit off, install ice and water shield around it, and re-install the flashing kit to create a watertight seal.

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2. Roofing Nails

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The second reason your roof is leaking in heavy rain is due to improperly driven roofing nails. If a roofing nail is driven in sideways, or not driven in far enough, the head of the nail will start to work its way back up through the shingle. When this happens, the rain catches the lifted nail, and follows the nail inside your home. 

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And this isn’t something we only see when it comes to roofing nails in shingles. We also see this happen sometimes with decking nails. This is why choosing a vetted contractor for your residential roofing needs is so important, because as long as the nail is driven into good wood properly and securely, then there shouldn’t be any leaking. 

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3. Pipe Boot

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Another common cause of roof leaking in heavy rain is when a boot around a plumbing pipe or another penetration fails. A pipe boot goes around the base of roof pipes, and its job is to ensure that water doesn’t follow the penetration into your home. It’s important to note that pipe boots are made out of neoprene, a synthetic rubber.  

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Because of the material that it’s made from, prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays breaks down the neoprene, causing the pipe boot to eventually crack. Once it cracks or has pieces that break off, rain water runs down the pipe and into your home. A standard pipe boot typically lasts around 10 years or so, and this can vary depending on your location, the weather, the amount of sun your home gets, and the animals that come into contact with it. 

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With that being said, pipe boots are not made to last for the full lifespan of your roof. This is why regular roof maintenance is so important, so you can catch this issue before it starts leaking into your home. Check out our recent blog titled, “How to Make your Roof Last Longer [6 Ways to Extend your Roof’s Lifespan],” for even more common signs of roof damage and ways to spot them. 

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4. Roof Flashing

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Roof flashing that is rusted, cracked, missing or improperly installed is another possible reason your roof is leaking in heavy rain. Roof flashing is installed in important areas of your roof, and is designed to direct water away from critical areas. You will typically see roof flashing around features such as vents, chimneys and skylights. 

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Obvious signs of failing roof flashing are seen in the form of cracks or holes caused by the metal rusting. Unfortunately, we have also seen roof leaks caused by poor installation of said roof flashing. There have even been instances where roof flashing has been left off of a roof completely, which is another reason why choosing an experienced and knowledgeable roofing contractor, like Elite Exteriors, is vitally important.  

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5. Chimney

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Even though this isn’t necessarily a roofing issue, chimney leaks are often reported during storms and heavy rain. There are quite a few reasons why a chimney would leak during heavy rain, like the integrity of the roof flashing surrounding the chimney could be compromised, for example. As previously mentioned, roof flashing is vital in directing rain flow. 

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If your chimney is made from brick, then the leak could be a result of rain saturation in the mortar joints. Prolonged periods of rain can cause the mortar joints to soak in so much moisture that water starts to infiltrate the interior of your home. It could also be something as simple as water coming in through the top of the chimney itself. 

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For masonry chase tops, cracking can occur from being wet and freezing. If you have a chase metal top, leaking can happen when rusting occurs, or when the fasteners become loose. It’s important to mention that a roofing contractor will be able to take care of most chimney problems that have to do with the roof itself, like the flashing, for example, but if there is a problem with the chimney top or the spark arrestor, you will more than likely need to hire a chimney company to resolve the issue. 

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6. Debris

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Whether it's from storm damage to your roof, or from lack of proper maintenance, debris buildup on your roof can cause your roof to leak in heavy rain. When this debris builds up for too long, it essentially creates a dam of leaves, sticks, and branches. This can stop water from flowing down as it should, causing a pool of water to form on your roof. 

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When this happens, the water naturally wants to flow, and will usually take the path of least resistance. So, instead of flowing down and out through your gutter system, it will usually exit through an improperly installed roofing nail, or maybe even get under your shingles. This is why routine roof maintenance is so important, as it can prevent your roof from leaking in heavy rain. 

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As you can see, there are many reasons why your roof is leaking in heavy rain. And while there are a few preventative measures you can take to ensure your roof holds up to rain and severe weather, once the leaking has begun, it’s best to call in a professional. This is a sure-fire way to make sure any and all issues are found and fixed properly. 

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Whether you need roof repairs or a full roof replacement, the experts at Elite Exteriors are highly knowledgeable and skilled when it comes to your roofing needs. Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premiere residential and commercial resource for superior service, craftsmanship, and quality, all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty. Give us a call today at 470-350-3024, or fill out this online form, to schedule your NO-COST initial consultation and inspection.

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