There’s nothing quite like that sinking feeling—you glance up and see water stains on the ceiling, a drip forming in the corner of your room, or a streak running down your wall. Your roof is leaking.
If you live in DuPage, Lake, or northern Cook County, you’re not alone. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we get dozens of urgent calls every month that start the same way:
“My roof is leaking—please help!”
While roof leaks are common, they’re also a major threat to your home’s integrity. The water damage from even a small leak can lead to mold, rot, and thousands in repair costs. And if left untreated, what started as a tiny drip can grow into structural damage that compromises your entire roofing system.
Before the damage spreads, it’s crucial to understand why the leak is happening in the first place. Below, we break down the most common roof leak causes, what warning signs to watch for, and what to do immediately if you suspect your roof is compromised.
☔️ What Causes a Roof to Leak?
Roof leaks don’t happen by chance. They’re almost always caused by one (or more) of the following factors:
🧓 1. An Old or Worn-Out Roof
Roofs have a lifespan—and when yours is past its prime, trouble is inevitable. In many of the older homes in Glenview, Wilmette, Evanston, and surrounding areas, we see roof materials that are decades old. Even well-maintained roofs deteriorate with age.
🚩 Warning Signs:
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Curling, cracked, or missing shingles
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Visible wear near chimneys, vents, or valleys
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Water stains on ceilings during or after rain
Most asphalt shingle roofs last 20–25 years, while other materials (like metal or slate) can last longer. Once past their service life, shingles become brittle and lose their protective granules, which allows water to penetrate the surface.
Pro Tip: Have your roof inspected every 5 years, or after any major storm, to spot aging before leaks form.
🌫️ 2. Poor Attic or Room Ventilation
Did you know that your ceiling and your roof work as a team? If your attic or high-moisture rooms (like bathrooms or sunrooms) aren’t properly ventilated, warm, moist air can condense under your roof and lead to interior leaks over time.
🚩 Common Culprits:
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No exhaust fans in bathrooms
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Steam buildup in kitchens
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Improper attic insulation or venting
This excess moisture often mimics the signs of a roof leak—but it’s actually forming inside. Over time, it damages wood framing, weakens drywall, and creates the perfect environment for mold.
Solution: Always use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Make sure attics have ridge and soffit vents to allow for proper airflow.
🌪️ 3. Storm Damage or Falling Debris
Storms in the North Shore and suburban Chicago area can be brutal. Hail, heavy wind, and falling tree limbs are some of the leading causes of sudden roof leaks in DuPage and Lake Counties.
🚩 How It Happens:
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A branch punctures the roof during a storm
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Hail cracks or dents shingles
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Loose flashing or vents become water entry points
Even if the damage isn’t visible from the ground, these events often compromise waterproof barriers, allowing water to seep into your attic or ceiling cavities.
Tip: After a storm, schedule a roof inspection even if you don’t immediately see leaks. Small breaches now turn into big problems later.
🧱 4. Clogged Gutters and Obstructed Water Flow
If your gutters are full of leaves, debris, or ice dams, water can’t properly drain off your roof. This causes it to pool, especially near valleys, skylights, or flashing.
Eventually, pooled water breaks through weak spots and leaks into the home.
🚩 How to Know:
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Water running down the siding
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Overflowing gutters during rain
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Icy buildup at the edge of the roof in winter
Keep gutters clean year-round. Consider installing leaf guards or heat cables if winter ice dams are common in your area.
🛑 The Risks of Ignoring a Roof Leak
Even a slow drip can have serious consequences if you don’t act fast.
🧨 Potential Hazards Include:
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Mold growth within 48 hours
(https://www.cdc.gov/mold/dampness_facts.htm) -
Rotting support beams and framing
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Ruined drywall and insulation
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Electrical hazards from wet wiring
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Insurance denials due to lack of mitigation
🚨 What To Do Immediately If You Discover a Leak
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Contain the water: Place a bucket under drips. Use towels to prevent spread.
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Don’t poke holes in the ceiling—it might release a larger surge.
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Document everything: Take photos of the stains, drips, and any visible damage.
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Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons immediately for professional water damage mitigation:
📞 847-316-9145
👉 https://www.servicemaster-rbs.com/water-damage-restoration/
🛠️ How ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Can Help
When water enters your home, time is critical. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we provide:
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💧 Water Damage Restoration
https://www.servicemaster-rbs.com/water-damage-restoration/ -
🔥 Fire & Smoke Restoration
https://www.servicemaster-rbs.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration/ -
🦠 Mold Remediation
https://www.servicemaster-rbs.com/mold-remediation/ -
🧽 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
https://www.servicemaster-rbs.com/upholstery-cleaning/
We serve homeowners and businesses across DuPage County, Lake County, and northern Cook County—from Glenview to Naperville and everything in between.
📚 About the Authors
This blog was written by Sam Simon, IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer and co-author of:
RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home as Your Most Valuable Asset
👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952779529