First steps inside
These steps do not fix the leak. They protect the home until the roof repair itself.
- Put a bucket or bin under the drip, with a cloth in the bottom to cut the noise and splashing.
- Move furniture, rugs and electronics. Cover anything that cannot move with a plastic sheet.
- If water is running near a light fixture or an outlet, shut off that circuit at the electrical panel, if you can reach the panel with dry feet. Do not touch the fixture or outlet again.
- If the ceiling forms a pocket swollen with water, step away. Soaked drywall can give way all at once.
- Write down the time, the weather and the exact spot. Take photos.
Then write to us through the form and notify your insurer. We will want to know, just like the insurer, when the leak started and under what conditions.
The most common causes
A roof rarely leaks in the middle of a sound surface. Water usually gets in at a joint, a penetration or an edge.
- Flashing. The metal around a chimney, a skylight or at the base of a wall comes loose, rusts or loses its sealant.
- Penetrations. Every plumbing vent, ventilation outlet or mast goes through the roofing. The seal around it ages faster than the roof.
- Missing or broken shingles. Wind tears them off and leaves the layer underneath exposed.
- A membrane at the end of its life. On a flat roof, seams open, the surface cracks or blisters burst.
- A clogged drain. Water pools on the flat roof, rises higher than planned and spills over a flashing upstand.
- Ice dams. Ice at the roof edge holds back meltwater, which backs up under the shingles.
When it is not a roof leak
A ceiling stain does not always come from the roof. In winter, warm and humid air from the house rises into the attic. The moisture in that air freezes under the decking, then melts at the first thaw. The water drips onto the insulation and stains the ceiling, with no rain at all.
A plumbing pipe, a poorly connected bathroom fan duct or an air conditioner can also leave water in the same spot. We consider these possibilities before touching the roofing.
Why the leak shows up at certain times
When the water appears is a valuable clue. Note it for our visit.
- Only in rain with strong wind. Water is being pushed under flashing, under a shingle or into a wall.
- With every rain, even light. The opening is clear and direct.
- During a winter thaw, with no rain. Think of ice at the roof edge or frost in the attic.
- A day or two after the rain. The water travelled a long time through the insulation before coming out, which is common on a flat roof.
Frequently asked questions
Should I puncture the water bubble in my ceiling?
No, do not puncture the water bubble in the ceiling. An electrical wire may run at that spot, and soaked drywall can give way all at once. Step away, clear the room of what you can and let a professional handle it.
The leak stopped. Do I still need a visit?
Yes, ask for a visit even if the leak has stopped. The opening is still there, only the conditions have changed. A recent leak is easier for us to find while the water marks in the attic are still fresh.
Who is responsible for a leak in a plex?
In general, roof maintenance is the building owner's responsibility. If you are a tenant, notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible, with photos, and reread your lease. In a condo, the roof is most often a common portion. Check your declaration of co-ownership and contact your syndicate.
Who fixes a roof leak?
A roofer fixes a roof leak. We first find where the water gets in, then we restore the seal at that spot. Ask us for our RBQ licence number and check it in the public register of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec, as with any contractor. If the stain comes from a pipe or attic frost instead, we refer you to another professional.
How do you stop a roof leak?
A roof leak is stopped from the top of the roof, and that is a roofer's job. In the meantime, stay off the roof and limit the damage inside. Put a bucket under the drip, move or cover the furniture and take photos. If the permanent repair cannot be done right away, ask us for temporary protection.