Roof leaks are always concerning. But if your leak goes away when the weather is dry or just a bit drizzly, it can leave you unsure what’s actually wrong. In this post, we’ll provide some answers why roofs might only be leaking in heavy rain.
What’s actually happening
First of all, it’s worth clarifying what’s really happening when roofs ‘only leak in heavy rain’. In most cases, they’re actually letting water in whenever the heavens open. However, it’s only in heavy rain that the leak becomes visible.
When the rain is spitting or drizzling, water will still be getting in. That could be through a small break in your flashing or the gap from a cracked tile, for instance. With light rain, that small amount of water can seep into your ceiling, walls or roofing timbers without creating a visible leak.
Crank up the precipitation, and the leak will show. When it settles down, you’ll go back to ‘normal’. Misinterpreting that as a roof that only leaks in heavy rain can be problematic, as discussed below.
And why…
The reason your roof only appears to be leaking in heavy rain is probably as you expected. The damage isn’t quite as bad as a roof that is constantly dripping. Before you ask, no that doesn’t mean it can be left untreated.
Even the smallest roof leak will eventually develop into a constant drip or flow of water if it’s left ignored. Once water penetrates your roof, however little, it can weaken the materials holding everything in place. Invariably the damage gets worse, and more water will get in.
Another possibility is that you have a very particular break in your roof’s covering that isn’t impacted as much by rain coming straight down. Loose flashing around your chimney, for example, may only be penetrated by wind-driven rain (blowing horizontally). In this case, water would only get through in stormy conditions. But again, it’s not something to ignore as the problem could get worse.
What to do
Having a roof leak that’s only noticeable in heavy rain is actually a bit of a benefit. It gives you an early warning that your roof needs to be inspected and repaired. As with any roofing problem, the best course of action is to contact a local, trusted roofer to take a closer look.
There are some things you can do to get a better idea of what’s wrong. Looking up from ground level or within your roof space might reveal where the water is getting in. At the very least, that allows you to put a bucket and some towels underneath it to minimise the damage it causes.
However, do not attempt to access your roof for a closer look. Doing so is dangerous to yourself and your property.
Leave it to the experts
Whether your roof has been leaking intermittently or you’ve just noticed a drip during a storm, get in touch with the team at DPR Roofing in Wakefield. With 30 years of roofing experience, we’re best placed to identify what’s wrong with your roof and provide long-lasting repairs.
Don’t delay – call us on 01924 255 677 as soon as you spot a leak.