Why Is My Roof Leaking During Heavy Rain?

You know that sound — that faint drip, drip, drip when the rain’s really coming down outside. You grab a flashlight, peek into the attic, and there it is: a small wet spot or a dark stain spreading across the ceiling. The roof looked fine last week, so what happened?

In Tacoma, heavy rain has a way of finding every weak spot your roof’s got. It doesn’t matter if it’s brand new or twenty years old — once the water finds a path, it keeps coming back. At Robb’s Roofing, we see this all the time after long rainstorms. Leaks don’t usually start big. They sneak in slowly, building up over months until one bad storm pushes them through.

Why Roofs Leak So Easily During Tacoma Storms

If you’ve lived here a while, you already know — our weather doesn’t play nice. Here’s what usually causes leaks when the rain won’t stop:

• Worn flashing: The metal around vents and chimneys can rust or lift, leaving gaps for water to sneak through.
• Missing or cracked shingles: Strong gusts pull them loose, exposing the wood underneath.
• Clogged gutters or valleys: Tacoma’s tall trees drop needles and leaves that trap water instead of letting it drain.
• Old sealant: Around skylights or roof edges, dried or cracked caulking lets in just enough water to start trouble.

Quick Guide

Quick answer: Worn flashing, damaged shingles, or clogged valleys.

Try this: Clear gutters, check your attic for wet insulation, and cover any problem area with a tarp until help arrives.

Stop signs: Ceiling sagging, water near electrical outlets, or multiple leaks — call Robb’s Roofing right away.

Typical cost: Repairs usually range $350–$1,000; storm-related fixes can reach $1,200–$5,000+.

How to Tell It’s Really a Roof Leak

• A musty smell that shows up after a storm
• Paint starting to bubble or peel near the ceiling
• Damp attic insulation or soft wood beams
• Stains that grow darker or wider every time it rains

If that’s what you’re seeing, it’s time to call a professional. Tacoma’s constant moisture turns a small leak into a big one faster than you’d think.

How to Keep It From Happening Again

You can’t stop the rain, but you can stay ahead of it:

• Clean your gutters often. Make sure water has a way out.
• Look inside the attic now and then. A flashlight can spot problems early.
• Trim nearby trees. Branches scrape shingles and drop debris that clogs valleys.
• Schedule a roof inspection before winter. A quick check in dry weather saves headaches later.

A few small habits make a huge difference when the rain comes back — and in Tacoma, it always comes back.

Final Thoughts

If your roof’s dripping or your ceiling’s spotted, don’t wait until it gets worse. Water damage moves fast once it finds a way in.

Call Robb’s Roofing at (253) 820-2163 for trusted roof repair in Tacoma. We’ll find out exactly where the water’s getting in, fix it right, and make sure your home stays dry no matter how hard it pours. With Robb’s Roofing, you can finally relax when you hear that next storm rolling in.