WIND DRIVEN RAIN ROOF LEAKS – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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WIND DRIVEN RAIN ROOF LEAKS

A wind-driven rain roof leak is among the common roofing system leaks.  As much as they’re inconvenient, they aren’t signs of bigger issues.  For example, if you’ve got a leaking roof from high winds and heavy rain:

  • It doesn’t mean you have missing shingles/damaged roof shingles.

  • Or the roof vents are unsealed.

What is Wind-Driven Rain?

Wind-driven rain happens when the wind pushes rain, sleet, ice, or snow into a building.  All that occurs suddenly, but it’s only temporary.  The wind moves the water into buildings, although it won’t cause exterior damage.  Most property insurance policies never cover wind-driven water leaks.  Unfortunately, this puts homeowners prone to these leaks vulnerable.  That’s because some presume they’re protected against wind-driven rain.

Roof shingles and the roof itself has been specifically designed to redirect the flow of rainwater and snow vertically.  This means that shingles are designed to move water from one layer to another while keeping the inner layer dry.   If rain is blowing at a horizontal angle, rainwater can find itself stuck in between the would-be dry parts of the shingles.  This can cause unwanted soaking and rotting on a home’s framework and roofing system.

Common Causes for Wind Driven Roof Leak

Cracked Tiles

Cracks in a roofing system don’t have to cause significant leaks.  However, hairline cracks or splits sometimes cause a roof leak too.  Wind-driven rainwater batters your roofing system, letting water penetrate through cracks.  To make matters worse, that happens even if the cracks are too tiny.  The trouble is that it’s challenging to locate the cracked tiles without climbing up a ladder.

Degraded Lead Valley

Lead works degrade over time, particularly on your roof valley.  The roof valley is the point where your roof planes intersect.  It’s prone to water leaks during heavy rain.  Thus, it’ll need replacement or repair when it causes roof leaks.  Ideally, a homeowner must replace their current lead work by installing a new lead. They can also install a GRP fiberglass valley since they’re extra durable.  Although labor is somewhat extensive, you can contact your contractor to repair it.  That’s because you must first remove the roof tiles to reach the roof valley.

Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters often cause water overflow, which soaks the vertical wall.  For that reason, they’re the common cause of water leakages.  The water can penetrate your walls for some time, causing water ingress.  Fortunately, unclogging or clearing gutters involves climbing ladders.  But it would help to call your roofer if you aren’t a fan of heights.  Roofers will charge homeowners some small amounts to unclog the gutters.

Common Areas of Roof Leaks During Rain and their Possible Solutions

Skylight Leaks

Skylights leak when there’s heavy rain, causing roof leaks.  Further, each skylight creates a deep hole in otherwise uniform roofing surfaces.  That’s so during their installation.  Skylights can still leak during heavy rain even if the installation is proper.  Especially when your house ages.  A skylight’s upper edge is flat, thus letting water flow during hard drains.  All that happens, although it needs to shed water.  Also, the skylight holds ice or snow and catches twigs, debris, or leaves.  Over time, seals and flashing wear out, causing a leak around the skylight.

Chimney Leaks

You may have several problems if your chimney leaks during heavy rains.  It could be that the chimney is wrecked or isn’t working correctly.  Also, its crown may have leaks or cracks.

Vent Pipe Leaks

Vent pipes (bathroom vent or plumbing vent) penetrate through your roof.  Each of them needs regular maintenance.   Apart from vent pipes, other roof penetrations are of importance.  Seal your pipe flashing using a metal storm collar.

Roof Vent Leaks

Roof vents will always play a critical role in all roofing systems.  They let air circulate under the roof.  Further, they also allow air within or without the attic to circulate together.  Most air vent styles prevent direct intrusion of water.  But some roof air vents sit fairly flat to the roof, with a mushroom style hood and unprotected sides.  On occasion a hard driving rain with whipping wind will cause roof vents to leak water.  If your roof vent leaks during heavy rain, the rain may be blowing up under the hood and into the vent.

Damaged Shingle Leaks

Often, you’ll see some water pools on your ceiling when it rains.  That happens when you’ve got missing shingles or if they’re damaged.

Roof Valley Leaks

Two roof planes intersect at the roof valley.  The intersection forms a V-shaped valley that goes down the roof’s slope.

How to Spot Wind Damage?

Most roof coverings use the principle of gravity to operate.  Fortunately, that helps big time when locating leak sources.  However, in some instances, horizontal roof boards trick people.  Although some leaks are easy to locate, others need detective work.  In worst cases, you’ll need an inside spotter and a garden hose.

Roof Leaks

Spotting roof leaks always seem to be straightforward.  So, if you notice water dripping or wet spots from your ceiling, there’s roof damage.  Peeling paint, discoloration, or wet spots also signify a leaking roof.

White Spots on the Ceilings or Walls

You’ll notice white spots forming on your house’s flat ceiling or wall when there’s a leak.  These white spots form when salts from your shingles deposit under the roof shingles.  Damp walls also signify damage from wind-driven rain.

Dark Streaks Leaking from Under the Roofing Shingles

Black streaks forming under roof shingles are a common water damage sign.  The black streaks form water stains on ceilings and walls during wind-driven rain.

The Gutter and the Chimney Flashing

Locate the shingle granules within your gutter.  If you find one, your roof has some damage from harsh weather.  So it’s crucial and sensible to contact your roofer to examine and repair the roof.

Damaged Fascia or Soffit

Fascia and soffits are tasked to protect roofs from water damage, just like roof shingles. When the two roof parts get damaged, stray critters and water find an entry.

Ensuring a long life for your roof

Looking after your roof is vital to ensuring it’s long-term survival.  Fix any damage as soon as it shows itself and make sure that the repairs are done properly.  You should also ensure that you have an annual maintenance check to find out any damage that may have been done but is yet to manifest itself.  Through these maintenance checks and quick action when you notice any damages you can ensure that you get the longest life possible out of your roof and suffer from as few leaks as possible.