Heavy rain doesn’t really “cause” a leak – it reveals an existing vulnerability. Rain propelled by wind drives water in places you probably wouldn’t think to look during the gentle showers. So, what are the usual suspects, and the standard cures?
Slippery, broken or lost tiles
If one tile gets damaged, it can result in water seeping through onto the felt and battens below. That moisture can evaporate quickly in a rain storm and saturate the lofts.
Fix/Replace the fractured tiles and look at any movement or nail fatigue.
Flashing failed around chimneys and walls
The elements can punish lead flashing (and the mortar pointing that contains it). If water is able to penetrate into the joint when it lifts, cracks or pulls away – rain will go straight in there!
Solution: Refix or change flashing plus any re-pointing necessary. For Roofers Bristol, visit https://www.mogfordprescott.co.uk/roofers-bristol
Blocked or overflowing gutters
Heavy rain can cause a blocked up and overflowing gutter full of leaves to flow back behind the fascia, wetting the edge or even running in through into your property.
Remedy: Check gutters and downpipes are unblocked then look for inadequate falls or leaks at joints.
Valley and ridge issues
Valleys (where two roof slopes meet) receive a large volume of water. Water can be forced into valleys when mortar along ridges is cracked or valley lining has gaps.
Solution: Repair or re-line valleys; bed ridge tiles with mortar again if appropriate.
Condensation
Warm, damp loft space can result from poor ventilation not a roof fault.
Solution: Increase ventilation and insulation and have your roof inspected to ensure that its cause.
Needless to say if you have seen staining, dripping or wet patches after heavy rain; it is always much better and cheaper to get everything checked out for such issues before they become bigger repairs.
