Why Is My Roof Leaking? 3 Common Reasons + What to Do About It

Nasutsa Mabwa

July 9, 2025

If you’ve discovered a wet ceiling, don’t panic. This guide breaks down the three most common causes of roof leaks in Chicagoland—and how to stop water damage before it spreads.

Water dripping from the ceiling. Discoloration on your walls. A musty odor that wasn’t there last week.

A leaking roof is one of the most stressful home maintenance emergencies a homeowner can face. It disrupts daily life, causes costly damage, and often comes out of nowhere. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we receive dozens of calls each month from frantic Chicago-area homeowners asking: “Why is my roof leaking?”

We’re here to help. Below are the top 3 causes of roof leaks we see in Chicago, Skokie, Evanston, and across the North Shore—and how to protect your home from water damage.

1. Old Roofing Materials

If your home is older or hasn’t had a roof replacement in 20+ years, worn-out shingles or degraded underlayment may be to blame. This is especially common in historic homes in Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park, and Wilmette.

Signs of an aging roof include:

Curling or cracked shingles
Bald spots where granules are missing
Rusted flashing or roof vents

As shingles deteriorate, they lose their ability to repel water. Eventually, water will find a path of least resistance straight into your attic and ceiling.

What to do:

Schedule a roof inspection if your roof is over 15 years old
Repair or replace compromised materials before the next storm hits

2. Poor Ventilation in Moisture-Prone Rooms

Your roof and your ceiling are a connected system. In bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and sunrooms, hot water and steam can create condensation buildup in the attic if not properly ventilated. Over time, this trapped moisture can rot the underside of your roof.

Common causes include:

No exhaust fans in bathrooms
Blocked attic vents
Improper insulation trapping warm air

What to do:

Ensure all moisture-heavy rooms have functioning exhaust systems
Add ridge or soffit vents to improve airflow in the attic

3. Physical Damage or Blocked Water Flow

Storms, falling debris, or animal activity can puncture the roof or create obstructions that trap water. These issues are especially common during spring and summer in the Midwest.

Common triggers include:

Tree branches, hail, or strong winds
Satellite dish mounts or antennas
Squirrels, raccoons, or birds damaging shingles

Even if your shingles are intact, clogged gutters or valleys can force water to back up and pool in areas it shouldn't.

What to do:

Inspect your roof after any storm event
Clear gutters and downspouts regularly
Remove debris that may be trapping moisture

When to Call the Professionals

If your roof is actively leaking or if you notice signs of water damage on ceilings, walls, or floors, time is critical. Moisture trapped inside the structure can lead to mold growth, structural deterioration, and major insurance headaches.

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons uses industry-leading tools to:

Track moisture with infrared imaging
Extract water from building materials
Prevent mold using HEPA air scrubbers
Work directly with your insurance provider

We’re available 24/7 for emergency water damage cleanup in Chicago, Skokie, Evanston, Oak Park, and the surrounding suburbs.

Why Homeowners Choose Us

For over 40 years, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has been Chicagoland’s trusted name for water damage restoration. We’re proud to be:

IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorers
MBE/WBE Certified
BBB Torch Award honorees
Members of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
Family-owned and locally operated

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if my roof is leaking?

Look for discoloration on your ceiling, peeling paint, water stains, or musty odors. In active leaks, you may notice dripping water or wet patches during or after rainfall.

Will my homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?

Most policies cover sudden and accidental damage, such as from storms or falling branches. Gradual wear and tear is usually excluded. We work with your insurance to guide the process.

Is a roof leak considered an emergency?

Yes. A roof leak can damage insulation, drywall, flooring, and can lead to mold. Prompt action can save thousands in repairs.

Can I fix a roof leak myself?

We don’t recommend DIY repairs unless the problem is extremely minor. Climbing on the roof can be dangerous and improper patching could void insurance coverage.

What’s the first thing I should do if my roof is leaking?

Contain the water using buckets or towels, move valuables out of harm’s way, and call a licensed water damage restoration company like ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons.

Learn More About Protecting Your Home

Want to go deeper? Check out our Amazon-published book:

RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset — written by our co-owner Sam Simon, IICRC Master Restorer.

Need Help With a Leaking Roof or Water Damage?

Call us 24/7 at (773) 376-1110 or request immediate service at: https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com

Services We Offer:

Proudly Serving: Chicago, Skokie, Evanston, Oak Park, Wilmette, Northbrook, Glenview, Deerfield, Glencoe, Lake Forest, Highland Park, and more across Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties.

Nasutsa Mabwa is the CEO and co-owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE firm proudly serving Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties in Illinois. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Chicagoland’s most trusted providers of disaster restoration services, including water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage cleanup, and mold remediation for residential and commercial clients.

A recognized civic and business leader, Nasutsa is a recipient of the 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger C-Suite Award, a Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 honoree, and a 2018 ServiceMaster® Achiever Award recipient. She currently serves as a Civic Federation Board Member, an Advisory Board Member, and is the Past President of the Executive Committee for the Evanston Chamber of Commerce. She is a proud member of the WPO - Women's President Organization.

Nasutsa holds IICRC certifications in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT), bringing both strategic leadership and technical expertise to every project.

She is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset from Water and Fire Disasters — a practical, accessible book for homeowners based on real-world experience in the restoration industry.

Subscribe now for expert tips, rapid-response insights, and restoration guidance delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you’re recovering from fire, water, or mold damage, stay prepared with advice from the trusted pros at ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons.