Why Does My Roof Only Leak Sometimes?

This article is written by Brian Wedding and published by Roof Claim

Sporadic roof leaks are very frustrating. You probably figured the leak wasn’t an issue if you saw a leak once and it didn’t happen again during the next storm.

But roof leaks don’t fix themselves. Instead, a single leak is an indication that you are going to have bigger problems in the future. Now that you’ve realized this is an ongoing problem, you’ll want to know why the problem persists.

In this article, you’ll learn about the causes of intermittent roof leaks and how to fix them.

Why a Roof Leaks Sometimes & Not Others

Roofs are designed to protect you and your family from rain and the elements. They’re designed to hold up in harsh conditions, but they can’t withstand everything and they do break down over time, leading to leaks.

Sometimes issues are big enough that the roof leaks every time it rains. Other issues are smaller, so the issues aren’t apparent during lighter storms.

The big mistake many homeowners make is thinking that if a leak only happens occasionally, it’s not really an issue. This is false. Minor leaks that you don’t notice all the time are still a very serious issue. Water is still getting in, even when you can’t directly see it. It’s still doing damage. It’s still opening you up to potential mold issues. And it will certainly get worse and worse until the damage is far more extensive.

When you notice a leak for the first time, the best course of action is to immediately schedule a free roof inspection with a qualified roofer. The sooner you address the issue, the better.

Common Causes of Roof Leaks

It takes a close inspection to figure out why your roof is leaking, but here are some reasons why it might be happening at random:

• Improper roof installation or construction
• Cracked shingles, lifted shingles, or blown-off shingles
• Hail damage
• Wind damage
• Issues with flashing
• General wear and tear

How to Find and Fix the Source of Intermittent Roof Leaks

Sometimes, it is difficult to locate the source of a sporadic roof leak. Leaks might not be visible until days after a heavy storm, or may not occur under similar conditions.

Call a roofer as soon as you notice the leak so they can pinpoint the source while it’s still active. Furthermore, the roofing technician should be able to spot watermarks, stains, dampness, and other indicators of a leak, even when the roof is not actively leaking.

Fixing A Roof Leak: What You Shouldn’t Do

Unfortunately, sometimes prevention is impossible, and the damage is already done. Where do we go from here? The temptation to just do all of this yourself can be strong if you’re an active homeowner who enjoys DIYing most things around the house.

Why not fill the holes with tape and hardware covers to avoid leaks? “What could possibly go wrong?” you may be thinking. Well, many things.

There is a good chance you may not know what you’re doing, or worse, you don’t know how to climb up to a roof properly. You don’t want to hurt yourself, and you don’t need to go through that risk.

You should consult a professional roofer when diagnosing and repairing your roof.

What Can Happen if a Roof Leak Isn’t Fixed

Roof leaks shouldn’t be ignored, even if they only happen sometimes. Here are common consequences of not repairing a roof leak:

• Discolored ceilings and walls
• Plaster and sheetrock damage
• Mold growth
• Musky odor
• Wood rot
• Ruined insulation
• Damaged roof structure
• Accelerated aging of the roof

Unattended roof leaks can cause major problems. There may not be a need to file a claim for small leaks, especially if the cost of the repair is less than the deductible. However, if a covered peril or hazard leads to your roof leaking and you cannot afford to repair it yourself, then filing an insurance claim is the best idea.