A roof that is dry in a shower and leaks in a Central Florida thunderstorm is telling you something specific: the failure is at a spot that only fails under volume or wind. That narrows the search. Here are the usual causes and what to do about them.
What to Do While It Is Raining
- Put a container under the drip and move furniture and electronics.
- If the ceiling is bulging, poke a small hole at the low point to drain it before the drywall gives way.
- Do not go on the roof in rain or wind.
- Call (561) 650-1355 if water is pouring in; 24/7 tarping is available across Central Florida.
- Note where the water appears and how long after the rain started. That helps the inspector.
Why It Only Leaks in Heavy Rain
- Wind-driven rain. Sideways rain gets under shingles whose seal strips have failed, and behind flashing at walls and chimneys. Calm rain does not.
- Overwhelmed valleys. A valley carries water from two slopes. Worn shingles or a debris dam sends water over the edge and under the shingles.
- Clogged gutters. Water backs up behind the drip edge and into the fascia and decking. Common on homes with oaks.
- Failed flashing. A small gap at a chimney or skylight passes little water in light rain and a stream in a downpour.
- Ponding on flat sections. Water pools, finds a seam, and stays there long enough to get through.
- Attic condensation. Not a leak at all: a poorly ventilated attic in a humid storm can drip. The inspection rules this in or out.
How the Repair Works
The inspector starts in the attic during or just after rain when possible, traces the water uphill to the entry point, and then repairs the source: reseals or replaces lifted shingles, rebuilds the valley, reflashes the wall or chimney, clears and realigns gutters, or repairs the flat-section seam. Details on the roof leak repair page.
Is It a Claim?
If the leak started after a windstorm lifted shingles, it may be a covered loss subject to your deductible. If it is worn flashing or an old valley, it is maintenance. The free inspection report states the cause. See insurance claim assistance.
Preventing the Next One
- A free inspection before hurricane season, focused on seals, flashing and valleys
- Gutter cleaning and, where oaks overhang, gutter guards
- Ventilation check to rule out condensation
- Tarping and repair, not sealant, for anything found
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix a heavy-rain leak with roof sealant?
Sealant on the outside of a leak rarely holds through a Florida summer and often hides the entry point. The source needs a proper repair.
Why does it leak in some storms and not others?
Wind direction. A leak at a west-facing wall flashing shows up in storms with west wind and stays dry otherwise.
Is a leak that only happens in heavy rain serious?
Yes. Each event wets decking and insulation, and rot follows. Fixing it after the first occurrence is far cheaper than after the fifth.
Talk to Sunny Roofing
Sunny Roofing is a veteran-owned, BBB A+ accredited, Florida-certified roofing contractor (CCC1333142) serving Orlando and Central Florida since 2018. Every job gets a dedicated project manager, a 15-year workmanship warranty and a cleanup guarantee. Book a free inspection online or call (561) 650-1355.