What Are Some Causes Of Intermittent Roof Leaks

No homeowner wants to have to run to the kitchen to get a pot or bucket every time a roof starts to drip and make a mess.

Even a sporadic leaky roof is often a sign of a bigger problem.

If you can figure out where the roof leaks are coming from yourself, you could save a lot of money and find that the problem doesn't need a roofing professional.

But finding the source and location of a leaky roof is pretty difficult because various issues could have caused the problem.

A professional roofing technician is trained to look for weak spots and other signs of a leak to find out where it's coming from.

They will be able to tell you how to keep your roof in good shape and what to do if your roof starts to leak.

Why a Roof Leaks Sometimes & Not Others

Roofs are made to keep you and your family safe from rain, snow, and the elements.

Roofs should be made to withstand rough conditions, but over time most roofs will wear out and start to leak.

Sometimes issues can be so severe that every time it rains, the roof leaks. 

Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that an intermittent leak isn't a big deal.

But even small intermittent leaks are a very big problem. Water that gets into your home can cause significant damage even if you can't see it every time it rains.

Water that leaks into your home, no matter how often or how much, is still an issue that leaves you open to problems with mold.

And the damage will continue to worsen until the issue is fixed.

When you first notice a leak, the best thing to do is call a qualified roofer immediately and set up a free roof inspection.  

Possible Causes of a Sporadic Roof Leak

Horizontal Rainfall

If it's been raining for a few days with no issue, and then suddenly your roof starts to leak, it could be because of the way the rain is coming down.

Horizontal rain happens when strong rain and heavy winds come together.

This makes it easier for water to get under your asphalt shingles than on a day when it just rains without any wind gusts.

Shingles are engineered to let the water hit them at a 90-degree angle.

That allows the water to run down the side, preventing water from finding its way in and causing roof leaks.

But if the rainwater hits it at just the right angle, rain can get through cracks you might not have seen before.

Heavy Rainfall

Rainwater is meant to run off the side of your roof and into the gutter so it can be guided away from your house.

But sometimes, the amount of water it has to carry can be too much for it.

If a storm is especially bad and produces heavy rain, your gutters might not be able to keep up and could overflow, letting water sit on your roof long enough to leak through.

If this happens, the rain will likely find weak spots and start to get inside.

General Wear

Whether your roof is two years old or 20 years old, if a spot on it has worn down because of the weather, it could cause numerous problems.

Leaks are more likely to happen on older roofs because the weak spots have had more time to form.

A roofer can help you find them and give you the best advice based on their condition and what might have caused them.

Sometimes the leaks just keep coming back because the roof is old and has too many cracks to fix.

This could mean that a total roof replacement could be your best bet to stop more water from damaging the inside of the house.

If you live in an area with a lot of heavy rain or strong winds, heavy tile shingles might be a better way to protect your home from the weather than asphalt shingles.

Skylights, Plumbing, And Chimneys

If your roof has a skylight, there's a greater chance you'll have a leaky roof.

Leaks might not show up during light rain, but it could be a different story during a heavy storm.

Skylights or light fixtures could cause a sporadic roof leak and so could the plumbing.

Chimneys could also cause the problem.

Water can leak into the chimney, but the outside foundation is usually good at keeping water out.

If the plumber or inspector in your area can't figure out what's wrong, you should call a professional roofer before more water damage is done.

What to Do About Intermittent Roof Leaks

To prevent roof damage, you must act immediately when you notice a leak.

Get The Leak Checked Out

A leak that comes and goes is still a serious problem that needs your immediate attention.

Call a local roofing contractor immediately if you notice any roof leak or water damage.

No one regrets calling a roofer to check a leak too early.

They only regret waiting to call and having to repair more water damage.

Play it safe and have the number of a licensed roofer on hand for emergency roof leak repairs.

Find The Source Of The Leak

Finding the source of a sporadic roof leak can be challenging.

Your best bet is to call a roof repair technician the moment you notice the leak so they can identify the source while the leak is active.

Your roofing technician will look for watermarks, stains, dampness, and other telltale signs of damage and leaks, even if they can't get to your home while the leak is active.

Consider Replacing Your Roof

If your sporadic roof leaks quickly turn into constant leaks, it might be time to replace your roof.

If you live in an area with frequent heavy rainfall and high winds quite often, you should be mindful of the type of shingle you use for your new roof.

It might be in your best interest to install tile shingles instead of asphalt shingles for optimum protection against the elements.

What Can Happen if a Roof Leak Isn't Fixed

Even if you're only dealing with sporadic roof leaks, you still shouldn't ignore them.

Here are some common things that happen when a roof leak is not fixed:

1. Damaged roof structure
2. Musky odor
3. Wood rot
4. Discolored ceilings and walls
5. Plaster and sheetrock damage
6. Accelerated aging of the roof
7. Ruined insulation
8. Mold growth

Leaks in the roof that aren't fixed can cause a lot of trouble. So it's better to have a professional roof inspection before it's too late. 

Local Leak Repair Experts

You can take preventative measures to prevent leaks so you don't have to fix them as often, but it's important to know why you have a leaky roof.

That way, when they occur, you can avoid further damage and stop the problem from worsening.

A roofing professional can help you with this.

If you have a sporadic leak, a trusted roofer will diagnose the problem and determine how to fix the leak.

Even if you don't notice any intermittent leaks, a yearly roof inspection is recommended to help catch regular roof repairs before they become big problems.

If you're ready for the help of an experienced roofing contractor, contact the residential roofers at TK Roofing and Gutters.

They have repaired countless leaks and replaced entire roofs when necessary, and they are ready to help you today.

But don't let a minor leak turn into a complete replacement.

Click the button below for a Free Estimate with TK Roofing and Gutters.