Updated October 1, 2026 · By Alvaro "Big Al" Hernandez
Late September brought round after round of heavy rain to Miami-Dade and Broward, with flash flooding and king tides on top of it. Rain like that finds every weak spot in a roof. If you've noticed a new ceiling stain or a drip, here's what to do and what usually causes it.
1. Protect the inside first
- Put a bucket under the drip and move furniture, rugs and electronics away.
- If the ceiling is sagging with water, keep people out from under it.
- If water is near a light fixture or outlet, turn that circuit off at the breaker.
2. Document everything
Take photos and video of the stain, the drip, the attic if you can safely look, and the outside of the roof from the ground. Note the date. This helps your roofer find the source faster and gives you a record for your insurance company.
3. Don't go up on the roof
Wet tile and metal are slippery, and falls from roofs cause serious injuries every storm season. Let a licensed roofer inspect it.
Why roofs leak after days of heavy rain
- Old underlayment on tile roofs. The tiles shed most water, but the underlayment beneath is what keeps it out. Long, wind-driven rain exposes underlayment that's past its life.
- Flashing at walls, chimneys, skylights and valleys.
- Cracked pipe boots, a small part that causes a lot of leaks.
- Flat roofs with ponding water, open seams or clogged drains.
Repair or replace?
One leak doesn't automatically mean a new roof. If the rest of the roof is sound, a repair is usually the right call. If the roof is older or leaking in several places, it may be time to compare the cost of a replacement. Our instant roof quote gives you a rough number in about a minute.
Weather background: CBS Miami, Sept. 30, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Should I call a roofer while it's still raining?
Yes, call so you're on the schedule. We inspect as soon as conditions are safe, and once you approve the price we schedule the repair within 48 hours, weather permitting.
Is a small ceiling stain worth checking?
Yes. Small stains often mean water has been getting in for a while. Catching it early can mean a simple repair instead of rotten decking.
Do you offer tarping?
No. We focus on finding the source and making the permanent repair.
Where we repair roof leaks
Miami-Dade County · Aventura · Coral Gables · Pinecrest · Palmetto Bay · Cutler Bay · Hollywood · Pembroke Pines · Miramar · Weston · Davie · Southwest Ranches · Pompano Beach · Port St. Lucie · and every city in Miami-Dade and Broward