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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

Why Flat Roofs and Other Roofs Leak in Heavy Rain

Flat roofs are a popular roofing choice used in many homes. They offer a classic look and are easier to build and maintain than many other roofing options.  However, flat roofs aren’t perfect.  One of their main issues is that their flat shape lacks the slope needed to naturally control rainwater. This can cause leaks when heavy rains occur.

Flat roof leaks in heavy rain are generally caused by poor construction, degraded shingles, plumbing, or skylights.  The only way to identify where the leak is coming from if to go on to the roof itself.  To fix the leakage, begin by adding gutters and downspouts, or cleaning them if they are already installed.  

Why Do Flat Roofs Leak?

Although flat roofs are common, they’re also more likely to leak than almost every other kind of roof.  The reason for this is simple. Flat roofs are incapable of shedding water as efficiently as other roofs.  That being said, flat roofs are generally built with this issue in mind.  They’re supposed to be sloped at least a few degrees to ensure that puddles don’t sit on the roof.

The reason why flat roofs leak often comes down to poor construction.  When a roofer makes even a small mistake, it can seriously interfere with your roof’s ability to shed excess water.  The margin for error is much smaller with flat roofs than it is on other kinds of roofs.  Still, if your flat roof is leaking it isn’t necessarily because of poor construction or some inherent issue with flat roofs.  These roofs are susceptible to the same issues that affect other kinds of roofs. Your leak could also be tied to one of these issues.

Why Roofs Leak in Heavy Rain

Your leak could be entirely unrelated to the fact that your roof is flat.  For that reason, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the following reasons why any roof could leak during heavy rain.

Skylights

First, your flat roof could be leaking during the heavy rain because of a problem with a skylight.  Common causes of this are damage, improperly installed flashing, and gaps around the framing of the skylight.  If your leak is mostly near a skylight, then make sure to check that before getting started on any intensive roof repairs.

Plumbing

Plumbing can also be an issue during heavy rain.  For example, your home may have a ventilation fan duct that allows a leak to occur.  These issues may only come up when enough rain falls to make them obvious.

Degraded Shingles

Roofing shingles last for a long time.  However, they don’t last forever.  Eventually, yours will start to dry out.  When this happens, they won’t be able to keep water out of your home any longer.  If your roof leaks only during heavy rain, then it could be a sign that you need to replace old roofing materials.

Metal Corrosion

It’s also possible that cracks in metal and corrosion around fasteners are causing your roof to leak.  Expansion and contraction can even loosen the seams in a metal roof over time.  Be sure to check these issues before committing to expensive roof repairs.

Natural Damage

Heavy rain often comes with heavy wind.  It’s possible that a tree or branch has fallen on your roof and caused some damage.  This can also cause leaks, which may only become apparent during heavy rain.

Fixing a Flat Roof that Leaks Only During Heavy Rain

The first step in fixing a leaking flat roof is to identify the source of the leak.  Use the information provided in the previous sections to narrow down your problem.  Start with issues that have easier fixes and then work towards the more serious issues until you identify the problem.  Ultimately, it’s likely that you’ll want to increase your roof’s ability to shed excess water.  This is best done by installing gutters and downspouts.  Call a professional for a full roof inspection.

Can a Leaking Roof Collapse?

If your flat roof is leaking, then you may have already begun worrying about how that might be affecting the integrity of your roof. You should know that untreated leaks can eventually cause a roof to collapse. Roofs may collapse when their components become saturated with rainwater. Water weakens your roof. Over time, this can cause the components to break entirely and fall into your home.

How to Stop a Roof Leak in Heavy Rain

Try to Locate the Source of the Water Leaks

Check your roof first to ensure no other problems besides rain leaks.  Clogged gutters and heating and cooling system issues are some additional potential sources for leaks.  Try to begin doing this where you first saw the water dripping.  Check for areas with a clear water leak path left after leaking. Your understanding of the leak’s source will improve.  Examine the drywall and tiles on your ceiling for water damage.  Leaks happen if there is a lack of alignment.  Once it stops raining, you can access the roof outside from an attic to check for a roof leak.

Enter the Attic

You can see the leak and the water entering the house differently from the attic.  Doing so might help prevent roof leaks from spreading.  You must, however, protect yourself.  For example, avoid climbing to the attic if your ladder is shaky or the flooring above is hazardous and slick.  Leaks are typically found in the attic, so avoid placing the bucket there directly.  Clear the insulation from the wet drywall and should clean up any puddles. Place a bucket on plywood across the joists to collect the water.

Call a professional to come out and inspect your roof for leaks!