Does Your Roof Leak in Heavy Rain? Causes, Risks 3 Steps & What to Do Next.

Does your roof leak in heavy rain? If your roof leaks only during heavy rain, it’s a clear sign of hidden roof damage. These leaks usually don’t appear during light rain and worsen when wind-driven water is forced into weak points.

This guide explains why roof leak in heavy rain, how serious it is, and what homeowners should do immediately.

Why Roofs Leak Only During Heavy Rain

Heavy-rain leaks usually indicate specific failure points, not total roof failure. Common causes:

1. Damaged or Lifted Shingles: High winds lift shingles, allowing water underneath.

2. Flashing Failures: Chimneys, vents, skylights, and valleys are common leak sources.

3. Clogged or Overflowing Gutters: Blocked gutters force water under shingles during downpours.

4. Aging Roofing Materials: Older roofs lose waterproofing effectiveness.

Why Heavy-Rain Roof Leaks Are Serious

Even occasional leaks can cause:

• Interior ceiling and wall damage
• Mold and mildew growth
• Rotting roof decking
• Electrical hazards
• Increased repair costs

Heavy-rain leaks always worsen if ignored.

How to Fix a Roof Leak in Heavy Rain

Step 1: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection: Leaks during heavy rain are rarely visible during dry conditions.

 Schedule a Free Roof Leak Inspection

Step 2: Identify the True Entry Point: Water travels along rafters and decking the visible leak is rarely the source.

Step 3: Repair Early to Avoid Replacement: Early repairs may include:

• Shingle replacement
• Flashing resealing or replacement
• Valley repair
• Gutter correction

Prompt action prevents major damage.

Can Insurance Cover Roof Leaks From Heavy Rain?

Insurance may help if:

• The leak was caused by storm damage
• Damage was sudden and accidental
• The roof was properly maintained

Insurance usually does not cover leaks caused by aging or neglect.

Check If Your Leak May Be Covered

How Big of a Problem is a Leaking Roof? 

What happens if you don’t repair your leaking roof?

First of all, the water can damage the attic or rooms on the highest floor and all the items in these rooms. This is especially devastating since these are the spaces where you typically store valuable items or family keepsakes.

A leaking roof can also lead to mold and mildew if left unattended to. These may cause serious health problems, especially to people with respiratory problems such as asthma and nasal congestion. Mold spores might also trigger allergic reactions, which can lead to severe health ailments. Even if you and the rest of the household have no health problems, you can’t say the same about future guests in your house. 

Aside from damage and mold, there’s also fire hazard involved. A leaky roof may lead to a fire threat from shorted wires. This can be the most devastating side effect of a roof leak and is one reason roof leaks should be taken very seriously.

The most common problem caused by a leaking roof is damaged rafters and wall framing. This may sound trivial and even an easy fix to some people, however, this is a problem that gets worse and worse – and more costly – the longer it lingers.

While it may take time for a leaking roof to lead to such consequences, you don’t want things to escalate. The costs will only increase over time if you don’t do anything about the issue. 

Can I Fix a Roof Leak Myself? 

We never recommend that a property owner attempt to fix a roof leak themselves. Not only is it dangerous to go up on your roof, but your attempted repairs could end up causing additional damage that can void your insurance claim.

Damage caused by the property owner is typically not covered by your home owner’s insurance policy. For this reason, it’s best to seek the help of a roofing professional.

We need to examine the extent of the damage and document it as an independent 3rd party to make sure you have the greatest chance of filing a successful insurance claim. We can also advise you on whether it’s best to do a roof repair vs a roof replacement.

If you feel confident in your abilities and have experience working on roofs, here are some steps you can take to fix a roof leak:

1. Identify the source of the leak: The first step in fixing a roof leak is to identify where the water is coming from. Look for any signs of water damage or mold on the ceiling or walls, and trace the water stains back to their source on the roof.
2. Clean the area: Once you have identified the source of the leak, clean the area around it. Remove any debris, dirt, or leaves that may be obstructing the flow of water.
3. Apply roofing cement: Use roofing cement to seal the leak. Apply a thick layer of roofing cement over the area where the leak is located, making sure to cover the entire damaged area.
4. Use a patch: If the leak is in a larger area or if there is a hole in the roof, you may need to use a patch to cover the damaged area. Cut a piece of metal flashing or another sturdy material to fit over the damaged area, and use roofing cement to secure it in place.
5. Check your work: After you have completed the repair, check your work to ensure that the leak has been fixed. Wait for a rainy day to test your repair, and check for any signs of water entering the building.

FAQs Roof Leak in Heavy Rain

1. Why does my roof leak in heavy rain?
   Wind-driven rain enters weak points that don’t leak in light rain.
2. Is a heavy-rain roof leak serious?
   Yes. It often leads to structural damage and mold.
3. Can clogged gutters cause roof leaks?
   Yes. Overflowing gutters push water under shingles.
4. Does insurance cover heavy-rain roof leaks?
   Only if storm damage caused the leak.
5. How fast should I fix a roof leak?
   Immediately delays increase damage and cost.
6. Can flushing cause leaks only in storms?
   Yes. Flashing failures are common storm leak sources.
7. Will heavy-rain leaks get worse?
   Yes. They never fix themselves.
8. Can small leaks lead to mold?
   Yes. Moisture buildup creates ideal mold conditions.
9. Should I repair or replace a leaking roof?
   A professional inspection determines the best option.
10. How can I prevent future heavy-rain leaks?
    Maintain gutters, repair shingles, inspect after storms.

The Bottom Line

If your roof leak in heavy rain, don’t wait for the damage to get worse.

Schedule a free inspection with us. We’ll make sure you’re well taken care of so you can get back to living your life.