Roof only leaks in heavy rain and not in ordinary rain
Does it only leak during a heavy downpour or storm? Note the wind direction and call 070 783 0224.
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A leak that only occurs in heavy rain or strong wind is tricky: when we come to look, it's dry and everything seems fine. Yet there is almost always a clear cause. It's rarely a hole, but water that finds a route in heavy rain or wind that it doesn't normally take.
Short answer
If a roof only leaks during heavy rain, the cause is usually a gutter or roof drain that cannot cope with the volume of water, or wind driving rain under tiles, past lead flashing or through a ventilation opening. During the next downpour, note the wind direction and the time: this will help us find the spot much more quickly.
- Overflowing gutter or blocked emergency overflow
- Wind blowing rain under tiles or ridge tiles
- Lead flashing around chimney or dormer that leaks when water backs up
Call me back
Leave your name and number and we'll call you. Prefer immediate contact? Call 070 783 0224 or message us.
The 7 causes we find most often
- The gutter overflows. In a short, heavy downpour a gutter or downpipe with leaves in it cannot drain the water. The water then overflows over the back of the gutter into the wall or the roof base. In normal rain it just about manages.
- Flat roof with an undersized or blocked drain. The water pools, rises above the upstand or the roof penetration, and runs inside. An emergency overflow that is missing or blocked makes this worse.
- Driving rain under the tiles. Strong wind blows rain up the slope and under the tiles. If the membrane underneath is old or damaged, that water gets in.
- Loose or poorly connected ridge tiles. The tiles on top of the roof catch the most wind. A loosened ridge tile lets water through during storms, but not in calm weather.
- Lead flashing around chimney or dormer. A cracked or curled lead sheet will stop an ordinary shower, but not water that backs up against the chimney in heavy rain.
- Ventilation openings and roof penetrations. A vent pipe or mechanical ventilation on the roof without a proper cowl lets water in when rain falls at an angle.
- Wall and window frames, not the roof. Driving rain against a wall can enter through joints or along a window frame. From inside, that looks like a roof leak.
How you can help us find the spot
- Wind direction. Does it only leak in south-westerly wind? Then we search on that side. Note it during the downpour or check it later in the weather reports.
- Timing. Does it start immediately with the first heavy rain (gutter, drain) or only after hours (saturated brickwork, insulation that's full)?
- Location and shape of the stain. A stain near an external wall is more likely to point to the gutter or façade, a stain in the middle of the ceiling more likely to the roof itself.
- Photos during the downpour. Especially of the gutter and downpipe: is it overflowing or is nothing coming out?
If we cannot find the spot when it is dry, we can partially wet the roof (spray test) or use a dye. Then we can see inside where the water ends up. Leak detection with a thermal imaging camera also helps to see damp spots in insulation.
Storm damage: what now?
After a storm we more often see blown-off tiles, ridge tiles and roof trim. First look from the street or garden to see if anything is missing or hanging loose; do not go onto the roof yourself while it's windy. Take photos and note the date. Storm damage is more often covered by buildings insurance than wear and tear, but this varies by policy: contact your insurer before the final repair is carried out. A temporary seal to prevent further damage is usually sensible.
What does it cost?
| Item | Excl. VAT | Incl. 21% VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect roof leak, including quote for the repair | € 140 | € 169,40 |
| Leak inspection inside (ceiling, loft, moisture measurement) | € 220 | € 266,20 |
| Leak detection including report (if the source is not visible) | € 350 | € 423,50 |
| Written technical assessment report (for example for the insurer) | € 60 | € 72,60 |
| Repair of the roof itself | price after inspection | in writing in advance |
Guide prices from the PandFix price list (October 2026). Call-out charge is additional: €35 excl. VAT (€42.35 incl.), emergency €65 excl. VAT (€78.65 incl.). Evening or weekend: surcharge €80 excl. VAT (€96.80 incl.). Materials and extra hours only by agreement. You will always hear the price before we start.
Questions about leaks during heavy rain
Why does my roof only leak in a storm?
Because strong wind forces water under tiles, past lead and through ventilation openings. In normal rain the water simply falls over it. Usually it's at the ridge, the chimney or a dormer.
You can't find anything when it's dry. What then?
We then wet the roof in a targeted way or use a dye, so we can see inside where the water is coming out. With the wind direction and photos from during the downpour, this goes much faster.
Can a blocked gutter really cause leaks inside?
Yes. An overflowing gutter lets water run over the back into the wall or the roof base. Inside it looks like a roof leak. Emptying the gutter and flushing through the downpipe often solves it.
Does insurance cover storm damage to the roof?
Often yes, but it depends on your policy. Wear and tear is usually excluded. Take photos, note the date and contact your insurer.
What does an inspection cost?
Inspecting roof leak with quote costs € 140 excl. VAT (€ 169.40 incl.). If leak detection is required, that costs € 350 excl. VAT (€ 423.50 incl.).
