A row of houses in a neighborhood with storm clouds that will bring strong rain and roof leaks behind it.

Reasons Why a Roof Leaks

Updated May 4, 2022 . AmFam Team

Wondering why your roof is leaking? Take a look at our list of reasons why it might be happening and get some tips for fixing the problem and insight on how your home insurance can help protect your roof from the unexpected.

You’re admiring the rain from the comfort of your home when you notice a sound — the unmistakable drip of water dropping onto your floor. The first and hardest step is figuring out why your roof is leaking. And with these tips, you’ll find the culprit in no time!

Here’s Why Your Roof Is Leaking

The list of reasons why your roof is leaking may seem long, but don’t worry — when it comes to finding the leak and fixing it, the finding is the hardest part. And the good thing about these problems? They can all be fixed. Check out the list and see what’s troubling your roof:

Your roof is old

Roofs don’t last forever. Protecting your home and everything inside it from the elements comes with a cost. And with all that rain, snow, ice, wind and even sunlight wearing down your roof, it becomes more susceptible to leaks. Every roof will eventually need to be replaced, so learn more about how long your roof should last based on what it’s made of.


There’s debris on your roof

When things like sticks, leaves and other material collect on your roof, they can scrape against it and cause damage. And if they’re holding in moisture, they can gather mold and wreak even more havoc. Always check your roof after significant weather events, including strong winds, to make sure it’s clear of foreign material and if any shingles have been lifted or are missing.

Your gutters and downspouts aren’t working correctly

When that debris makes its way into your gutters, it can clog them up and make their jobs harder. And when they can’t carry water from the roof down to the ground, water can pool up in the gutters near the edge of your roof and cause some of the same moisture problems. In the fall and winter, it can create ice dams once it freezes, which can be even more dangerous to your roof and home.

There are holes in your shingles and roof

Whether from severe weather, animals or accessories you’ve had attached to your roof, a hole in a shingle, or lifted and missing shingles, can lead to a roof leak. That damage will likely cause your roof to hang on to a small amount of water which can weaken its structure.

Your roof vents are loose

Roof vents allow air in and out of your attic and other parts of your home. When they become loose or slightly detached from the roof, moisture can make its way under the vent’s edges and into your home.

Your roof flashing has come unattached

Roof flashing is metal that covers the joints between your roof and things like skylights, chimneys and vent pipes. Like your roof vents, the flashing connecting these things to your roof can loosen and let water in.

The roof’s valley(s) are wearing down

A roof valley is where the slopes of your roof meet — and since your roof isn’t all one piece, wind, snow and ice accumulation can damage the valleys and their flashings on your roof. Look for missing or worn shingles near a valley, as they can be great indicators of how much weathering it’s taken.

Your attic is too humid

While not technically a roof leak, condensation in your attic can lead to leaks in your ceiling and give the appearance that there is something wrong with your roof. And even though it’s not a roof issue, you should still take time to check it out — too much moisture in your attic can cause mold, deterioration of wood and insulation. Proper ventilation in the attic is critical to prolonging the life of your roof, as well as the health and safety of all those who call your house home.

Whether you were able to figure out why your roof is leaking or not, your next step should be to call a professional. Roof leaks must be fixed at the source — and unless you’re a professional roofer, you should never attempt to get on your roof. Additionally, if you’re trying to investigate your leak further, do not get in your attic. Simply look in with a flashlight and try to spot the source — a professional roofer will handle the rest.

Your American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab) can help you prepare for the unexpected. Ask them about roof insurance or other home insurance options and get the peace of mind you deserve.

This article is for informational purposes only and includes information widely available through different sources.

*Homeowners premiums are based on a variety of factors including roof age, roof material and more, which impacts the rate you are quoted and that you will pay.

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    Homeowners Insurance & Temporary Housing

    Consider this — your home or apartment is damaged from a small kitchen fire and, not only does your kitchen need repairs, but your home has smoke damage as well. Would you be able to continue comfortably living there while repairs are being made? Probably not.

    That’s where insurance for temporary housing comes into play.

    Temporary living expense coverage, also known as loss of use coverage or Coverage D, is reimbursement for living expenses when loss of or damage to your home by a covered event forces you to maintain temporary residence elsewhere.

    You can use insurance for temporary accommodation in instances such as:

    • Your home becomes uninhabitable after a fire
    • A wind storm caused a tree to crush your roof
    • If a covered event, like a lightning strike, causes your air conditioner to break down
    • If an emergency, mandatory evacuation required you to relocate temporarily
    • A vehicle collided with your home
    • An explosion causes your home to become unlivable
  • Roof and gutter covered in ice.
    Roof and gutter covered in ice.
    Protect Your Roof: How to Prevent & Remove Dams

    Icicles may give your home a quaint look in winter, but they’re symptomatic of a bigger problem — ice dams. Ice dams can damage your home because they prevent melting snow and ice from draining properly. Ice dams can lead to mold, rot and water leaking into your attic and nearby ceiling. But don’t panic just yet. We’ve highlighted how to prevent and remove ice dams and ways to mitigate damage to your home from ice dams.

    Red house in the snow.

    What is an ice dam?

    What causes ice dams? Ice dams form when attic air becomes warm enough to heat the underside of the roof, which in turn causes the snow on top of the roof to thaw. The melting snow runs down the roof until it hits an eave or roof edge that is below the freezing point. The melted snow refreezes and creates a ridge of ice — an ice dam — which blocks further runoff. As snow continues to melt, it has nowhere to go but up, where it starts seeping under the shingles and into the house.

    Ice dams typically form near the edge of the roof when water runs off the warmed roof and then freezes again at the eaves, but this isn’t the only place you’ll find them. They can also form on gutters that don’t drain completely and around skylights because of the less-insulated design.

    Icicles hanging from roof's gutter.

    Why are ice dams bad?

    Ice dams can cause big problems for your home. The weight of these heavy icicles has been known to rip gutters from roofs and cause damage to the shingles on your home. But the damage doesn’t stop there. Damaged drywall and plaster, water-stained ceilings and peeling paint are also the result of ice dam damage.

    Ice dams increase the chance of water seeping into your attic and soaking your insulation. This significantly brings down its R-value or its heat-retaining/insulating capacity — and worse yet — it can cause structural damage if left unchecked. Over the years, the effects of ice dams can lead to blistering of the interior and exterior paint. It can also spur the growth of mold and mildew, as well as weaken structural beams and rafters. Take into account the high-cost contractors will likely charge to fix the problem and you’ll begin to understand why it’s wise to take a proactive approach to managing ice dams.

    Person inspecting roof for damage. 

    How to Identify Ice Dam Damage to Your Home

    If you suspect that your home has an ice dam, it’s important to first detect signs of ice dam leaks and assess the extent of the damage. It may be necessary to bring in a contractor for an estimate in order to have a solid understanding of how extensive the damage is. In the meantime, here are some DIY ideas to try out:

    Snap some photos

    From the exterior of your home, take a few photos that you can use as a reference to look for signs of water damage on the interior. Look for stains on your ceilings and walls near the position of the ice dam.

    Check your attic

    Get into the attic and look for water dripping or staining on the rafters and roofing underlayment. It can be helpful to flag these areas so that you’ll be able to locate them later.

    Inspect your chimney

    See if you can find evidence of ice forming around the base of the chimney, where it meets your roof. If the flashing has come loose or isn’t sealed well, this can be another place where ice and meltwater can do some damage. From inside the attic, review the way heat escapes from around the perimeter of your chimney. If you can see daylight through that seal, take action to seal it up as soon as possible.

    Snow and ice on a roof and gutters.

    How to Prevent Ice Dams

    The basic principle of preventing ice damns is keeping your roof cold. If your roof is cold, snow won’t melt as fast and an ice ridge will be less likely to form. Keeping your roof cold isn’t always as easy as it sounds, so we’ve got ice dam prevention tips for you.

    Ice dams are usually created when the attic is warmer than the air outside. Ideally, the insulation keeps warm air in your home and out of your attic. The venting system in your attic helps keep it cool and hopefully close to the temperature outside. Together, this clever combination keeps snow on the roof from melting — and if the snow doesn’t melt, then ice dams shouldn’t form.

    The key to preventing ice dams on roofs and in roof valleys involves increasing ventilation in your attic, adding insulation and sealing air leaks. This is not a quick fix but a permanent correction, so it requires some effort and, most likely, professional assistance. However, the long-run benefits include a roof free of ice dams and a more energy-efficient home. We’d call that a win-win.

    Worker insulating an attic.

    Follow these 10 steps to avoid ice dams:

    1. Increase ventilation. Keeping cold air moving under the roof is the first step toward preventing ice dams. The ridge and soffit vents are designed to do this, but they might require a professional inspection and baffles to improve the flow and provide a clear path for the air.

    2. Cap the attic hatch. If you have an unsealed attic hatch, a weather-stripping cap will keep the heat in your home and prevent it from creeping into the attic. Remember, you don’t want warm air coming up into the attic and melting snow on the roof, causing freezing and ice dams.

    3. Examine exhaust systems. Most homes have exhaust ducts in the bathrooms, kitchen and laundry room. These vents should all lead outdoors through the roof or walls. If they’re vented to the soffit, you’ll need to have that changed for permanent ice dam remediation.

    4. Check the insulation. Check to see if your attic floor needs more insulation. Maintaining this protective barrier at optimum depth helps your home stay warmer and more energy efficient while keeping the cool air in the attic.

    Worker fixing a chimney.

    5. Install chimney flashing. Do you have flashing, a metal strip that prevents water penetration, between your chimney and the house? If not, it’s time to add it and seal any gaps where ice, water and cold wind can sneak in. Remember, you’re working around the chimney, so using fire-safe products is essential.

    6. Caulk leaks. Anywhere electrical cables, vent pipes, satellite dishes and other penetrations occur in the roof, you stand the risk of having gaps and air leaks. Caulk these areas with a fire-stop sealant to keep them as air-tight as possible.

    7. Check the ducts. Make sure all ductwork through the attic is properly sealed and insulated. If you have an older home, it pays to check your heating ducts to make sure they’re not bringing excess heat into the attic.

    Worker fixing a light in the ceiling.

    8. Look at the lights. If you have can lights or other light fixtures in your ceiling that are not sealed, you’re releasing heat into the attic. You might also be putting your home at risk for a fire. For increased safety, change these lights to an IC-rated fixture, which allows for direct contact with insulation and insulate over the lights.

    9. Add an ice-and-water barrier. If you’re reroofing, it’s time to add an ice-and-water barrier. This is a great layer of protection. While many regions now require it, it wasn’t always mandated, so your home may not have one. An ice-and-water barrier needs to be added under a roof, so it’s cost-prohibitive if you’re not reroofing — but if you are, it’s the perfect time to add it.

    10. Keep your roof in good shape. One of the best answers to prevent ice dams is to maintain your roof well and ensure you have enough insulation to keep warm air from getting through. Installing a metal roof with a steep pitch can minimize your risk of leaks caused by ice dams.

    Person on a ladder fixing his gutters.

    Quick Fixes to Get Rid of Ice Dams

    While your goal is to permanently stop ice dams, you might need to use a few quick fixes in the meantime. These tips help you stay on top of ice dams and prevent damage to your home.

    Use a snow rake. After a heavy snowfall, give your roof a break by raking the snow off. This inexpensive tool pulls down the snow so it can’t melt and refreeze into an ice dam. Only use a snow rake from the ground or your deck, never from a ladder. And be careful not to break shingles, which can be brittle in bitter cold temperatures.

    Try calcium chloride. Avoid using rock salt as it can damage paint and metal on your home. But calcium chloride can help melt ice and get water flowing again.

    Install heat cables. Mount heat cables along the edge of your roof and through the downspout. That enables snow to melt and run down the proper channels.

    Steam it off. If you have an ice dam already and you can see that there is a leak coming into your home, you’ll want to remedy it as soon as possible. Check with local roofing companies to see if they have a steamer that can melt the ice off the roof without damaging your shingles. If it’s too big a job for just you, hire a roofing professional to steam off ice dams.

    Not having to worry about ice dams can be a huge relief in the winter months. You instantly free yourself from the immediate issues of a damaged roof and leaks. In addition, your home becomes more energy efficient and comfortable as the air quality improves if moisture isn’t sneaking in and forming mold and mildew.

    Person on a roof holding hail in their hand.

    Does insurance cover ice dams?

    If an ice dam damages your roof, don’t fret. It’s common for homeowners insurance to cover ice dam damage. American Family’s standard homeowner’s policy covers sudden and accidental damage from leaking roofs and damage from the weight of ice, snow or sleet.

    If you have more concerns about your roof insurance coverage or you’d like to learn how your homeowners insurance protects your roof and everything under it, connect with your American Family Insurance agent — they’ve got the answers you need.

     

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    Row of colorful new townhouses.
    Do I Need Homeowners Insurance for a Townhouse?

    Whether your townhouse is a rental, in a condo association or one that you own, you’ll need insurance for it. While homeowners insurance for a townhouse might seem appropriate, there are a few factors to consider before purchasing insurance. If you’re the owner of the townhome and aren’t part of a condo association, homeowners insurance is right for you — but if you’re part of a condo association, you’ll want to look at condo insurance. And finally, if you rent your townhome, go for renters insurance.

    New townhouse on a sunny day.

    What is the difference between a condo and a townhouse?

    Condos and townhomes may seem similar, but they have a few key differences. A condominium is typically a living space, either a townhome or apartment-style space, that is owned by a condo association and has shared common space among residents that their condo association fees pay for. If a townhome isn’t owned by a condo association, it’s not a condo.

    Townhomes are typically multi-story buildings that share at least one wall with another townhouse. They look a bit like row houses without easements between the buildings. They can be owned by a condo association, rented from a landlord or owned by individual homeowners.

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    What is covered under townhouse insurance?

    There generally isn’t such a thing as “townhouse insurance,” so to understand what’s covered, you’ll need to consider your living situation. If you’re living in a townhome that isn’t owned by a condo association, you’ll want to look into renters or homeowners insurance.

    If you own your townhouse:

    If your townhouse is solely yours and not part of a condo association, you’ll need a homeowners insurance policy to help protect your property. Home insurance for townhouses covers the same things that it would for a regular house, including:

    • Damage from fire, smoke, wind and other disasters or hazards
    • Damage to your home’s structure
    • Theft of or damage to your personal belongings
    • Liability protection if someone is injured on your property

    You can add other coverages to supplement your homeowners policy that can help cover expenses associated with appliance breakdown, flooding or even identity theft. Learn more about what homeowners insurance can help protect.

    For rent sign on townhouse.

    If you rent your townhouse:

    If your townhouse isn’t part of a condo association and you’re renting it, renters insurance can help you protect your personal property in the event of an accident or theft. Renters insurance for a townhouse can help cover things like:

    • Damage to your personal property from a fire
    • Replacing your personal property after theft
    • Liability protection if someone is injured in your townhome

    Even when you’re away from home, your renters insurance follows you wherever you go.

    People around a table, having a meeting.

    If your townhouse property belongs to a condo association:

    Condo association policies typically only cover common areas and the exterior of the building you live in, although some will cover the interior — but only in its original state. To be sure your personal property and any updates to the interior you’ve made are protected, like granite countertops to replace the original vinyl, you’ll want to get your own condo insurance policy.

    Condo insurance coverage helps protect the things not covered by your condo association’s insurance policy. This includes personal property and personal liability coverage, which can help cover expenses if someone is injured on your property. Even if your condo association insurance policy covers some things that a condo insurance policy might, you should consider condo insurance to take care of any gaps in coverage.

    New townhouse living room.

    Get the Townhouse Insurance Coverage You Need

    If you need help assessing your townhome to understand the right type and amount of protection you need, connect with your American Family Insurance agent. They can help you figure out if you need condo, renters or homeowners insurance and what kind of additional coverages you need to protect what matters most.

  • finished basement
    finished basement
    What Is the Ideal Humidity for a Basement?

    The humidity levels in your basement can impact your home and everyone living inside. It can also affect your valuables, electronics and appliances. In this article, we'll discuss ideal basement humidity levels. We'll also give tips to help you address, monitor and manage moisture in your basement.

    Father and son smiling in living room

    Normal Basement Humidity Levels

    Ideal basement moisture levels are between 30 - 50%. Anything below 30% is too low and can lead to structural changes in your home, causing gaps between windows and doors. Aside from health issues, insufficient moisture levels can also cause wood floors to creak and damage your belongings.

    Moisture levels above 50% can lead to mildew, mold and bacteria growth. That environment can cause serious health issues. Excessive moisture can also damage walls and carpets, causing your home and belongings to rot.

    Locating Your Basement Humidity Source

    One of the best ways to address basement humidity levels is to manage the moisture at its source. While consulting with a professional is always helpful, you can start your search using the following methods.

    Seal Off Drafts

    Gaps and cracks in windows, doorways and walls can cause excess moisture to collect in your basement. Sealants like caulking and weatherstripping can help close the gaps and fix the issue.

    Maintain Your Sump Pump and Vents

    If your sump pits and drains are not airtight, the excess moisture from the pipes can create a humid environment. Maintaining your basement's vents and sump pump can help you manage moisture levels. Consider getting it checked by a professional once every three to four months for optimal performance. 

    Repair Leaks

    Leaking pipes, washing machines and water heaters can affect your basement's humidity. They can also cause other issues, such as a spike in your utility bills.

    To spot them, look for wet spots, rust or condensation around these areas. Beyond helping you maintain healthy basement humidity levels, it helps you catch costly leaks early.

    Clean Gutters

    Clogged gutters can pool rainwater and melting snow around your home’s foundation. Consider positioning gutter spouts to draw water away from your home. Additional outside water can saturate your basement floors and walls, increasing moisture levels.

    woman in living room with cat and dehumidifier

    Managing Your Basement Humidity Levels

    Some humidity issues are more severe than others. However, there are several accessible tools you can use to maintain appropriate moisture levels in your basement and home. Consider the following tips.

    Dehumidifiers

    Several dehumidifier types, such as refrigerant, desiccant and whole-house ventilation systems, are available. They can help you manage moisture levels in your entire home, a single room or a crawlspace. All serve one purpose: To remove excess moisture from the area.   

    Before purchasing yours, consult an expert. They can help you find a suitable model and size that best addresses the humidity in your basement.

    Exhaust Fan

    Another excellent way to manage your basement's humidity levels is to keep it well-ventilated. Installing an exhaust fan is a great option if you can't accomplish that naturally.

    An exhaust fan should be installed in a window or exterior-facing wall to draw the moist air away from your basement. As a bonus, exhaust fans can circulate the air, which helps control unwanted odors.

    Chemical Absorbents

    If you need a fast-acting, inexpensive, moisture-removing option, chemical absorbers, such as silica gel, may be able to help. They're typically sold in home improvement stores and can be placed in other parts of your home as well.

    Humidity Monitor

    A humidity monitor can help you track your basement's humidity levels. Some dehumidifiers and exhaust fans come with them built in. You can also buy a stand-alone model that hangs on your wall.

    Water Leak Detector

    Water leak detectors help you catch leaks early and boast a variety of capabilities, such as sending real-time alerts to your phone.

    You can install them on sinks, appliances and water heaters. Getting one may also qualify you for our smart home discount.

    father and daughter doing laundry

    How American Family Insurance Can Help Protect Your Home

    Our standard home insurance may help protect you from sudden, accidental water damage. Qualifying events may include burst pipes or broken-down appliances.**

    If you want more protection from unexpected losses, talk to your American Family agent about the following coverages:

    • Hidden Water coverageProvides a broader net of protection for leaks you can’t see within the walls, floors, ceilings, cabinets or anywhere else that isn’t visible in your home.***
    • Inland Flood coverage: Helps you recover after a flash flood or other qualifying event.*** 
    • Flood insurance: With the National Flood Insurance Program, we offer flood damage protection for your home and possessions.†
    • Water back-up coverage: Helps mitigate the cost of repairs caused by water coming back into a home due to a backed-up drain or an overflowing sump.* 

    mother and daughter putting toys away

    *Coverage provided by adding the Inland Flood optional endorsement. This endorsement does not satisfy mandatory flood insurance coverage should it be required by your federally regulated lender for your home mortgage or loan. This insurance product is not affiliated with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Please check with your agent and read the policy and endorsements for exact details on coverage limits and exclusions. Coverage applies after the property deductible has been met.

    *This information represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Exclusions may apply to policies, endorsements, or riders. Coverage may vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Please read your policy and contact your agent for

    **Hidden Water Damage coverage is an optional coverage. May not be available in all states. Some restrictions apply to seasonal homes and manufactured homes. The leak must occur from within a plumbing, heating, A/C, fire sprinkler or a home appliance. Refer to your policy documents for coverage limit details. Coverage applies after the property deductible has been met. Mold damage limited to coverage limits provided by your homeowners policy.

    †American Family Insurance is a participating company in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). NFIP is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Flood insurance is a separate policy underwritten by NFIP.