If your roof leaks every time it rains, that’s an obvious problem. But what about occasional leaks? Should you be worried if your roof only leaks sometimes? Are inconsistent roof leaks normal? Read on to learn how to handle your infrequent roof leaks.

Why Your Roof Only Leaks Sometimes

There are several reasons why your roof may only leak some of the time. Understanding the source can help you find the ideal solution. Here are some common reasons for inconsistent roof leaking:

• Your roof only leaks with wind-driven rain – The wind pushes the rain under your shingles or flashing at the right angle to get into your house. The raindrops are coming in horizontally instead of vertically.
• Your roof only leaks around the edges – This may be the result of clogged gutters, melting ice dams, or improper installation.
• Your roof leaks when it rains heavily – Some element of your roof system is not stable enough to support a heavy volume of rain. This is likely an indication that you need roof repair or roof replacement.
• Your roof leaks in corners – This may be an indicator of faulty flashing around your chimney or where the roof peak shifts. Skylights, ridge vents, and vent pipes are other problem areas to watch out for.
• Your roof leaks under a tree – This indicates that your roof may be damaged in that area, and the water slowly dripping off the tree is making its way into your home long after the storm has passed.
• You don’t see every roof leak that happens – You may only notice the roof leak part of the time because that’s when you’re in the home or when the leak is bad enough to cause noticeable damage. It’s possible that your roof leaks every time it rains, but you’re unaware of certain instances.

Are Inconsistent Roof Leaks a Big Deal?

Any roof leak is a potential cause for concern. It does not matter if the roof leaks for every storm or just the intense ones – it needs to be checked out. Roof leaks do not go away on their own; they only get worse with time. A small repair now could turn into thousands of dollars in damage later on.

Should I Get a Roof Inspection or Roof Repair?

A roof inspection will be the first step in getting your intermittent roof leaks fixed. You can use temporary solutions like placing a bucket under the leak, but that should be a truly temporary option. Get a licensed roof inspector out to assess the source of the damage and what you’ll need to do to repair it. Then schedule your roof repair at your earliest convenience.

McLean Roofing and Siding offers fair and honest advice for roof repairs. We’re not going to tell you to get a whole new roof when you only need a minor repair. Our goal is to equip you with information so that you can make an informed decision about your house. Contact us at (248) 524-1111 to schedule a quote for roof leak repair in Southeast Michigan.