“It’s never just a little leak.”

If you’re staring at a water stain on your ceiling thinking, “Maybe it’ll dry up on its own”—let’s stop right there. A leaking roof is never something to ignore. Even the smallest drip can lead to serious damage fast, costing you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.

At Westbank Roofing, we’ve seen it all. Over 50 years of helping homeowners in New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana deal with roof damage means we know exactly how leaks happen—and how to fix them before they wreck your home.

Here’s what could be causing your roof to leak and the steps you can take right now to get ahead of the problem.

What’s Really Behind That Leaking Roof?

Most roof leaks aren’t random. They’re warning signs. Here are the usual suspects:

Missing or Loose Shingles
Heavy winds and storms can rip shingles right off your roof—or loosen them just enough to let water sneak in. One missing shingle might not seem like a big deal, but it’s all water needs to start causing damage underneath.

Damaged Flashing
Flashing is the thin metal that seals edges and joints around chimneys, vents, and skylights. When flashing cracks or shifts out of place, rainwater follows the path of least resistance—straight into your home.

Blocked Gutters
Clogged gutters send rainwater back up onto your roof instead of away from your home where it belongs. This backup often leads to leaks at the roofline.

Poor Installation
If your roof wasn’t installed properly, even brand-new materials won’t protect your home the way they should. Bad workmanship is one of the top causes of early roof failure.

Old Age
Every roof has an expiration date. Asphalt shingles typically last 20 to 30 years. Metal and tile roofs can last longer, but all materials eventually wear down. Once your roof hits that age range, leaks are just waiting to happen.

Flat Roof Issues
Flat roofs need extra care because water tends to sit longer without proper drainage. Standing water plus the Louisiana heat? That’s a recipe for roof damage.

How to Tell If Your Roof Is Already Leaking

Sometimes the signs are obvious. Other times, leaks hide until the damage gets worse. Watch out for:

  1. Brown water spots on your ceiling or walls

  2. Damp or sagging drywall

  3. Peeling paint or bubbling wallpaper

  4. Musty smells or mold indoors

  5. Drips or puddles after a storm

If you see any of these red flags, don’t wait. The longer you leave a leak alone, the bigger the repair bill will be.

What You Can Do Right Now to Control the Damage

Catch the Water
Place a bucket or container under the leak to keep water from spreading. Move rugs, furniture, and electronics out of the way.

Release the Pressure
If your ceiling is bulging with trapped water, carefully poke a small hole to let the water drain slowly. Otherwise, the weight could cause the ceiling to collapse.

Use a Tarp as a Temporary Fix
If you can safely reach the roof, cover the damaged area with a tarp until the pros arrive. Secure it tightly so wind or rain doesn’t make the problem worse.

Need emergency repairs? Our roof repair team at Westbank Roofing is ready to step in when you need help fast.

Why Quick DIY Fixes Aren’t Enough

We get it—you want to stop the leak right away. But temporary patches won’t solve the real problem. Without fixing the source, the leak will keep coming back—and the damage will only spread further.

That’s why working with experienced roofing professionals matters. When you call Westbank Roofing, we don’t just patch and go. We:

  1. Check your entire roof system, not just where the water is showing

  2. Spot hidden issues that other contractors might miss

  3. Recommend the right fix based on your roof type and condition

  4. Use high-quality materials built to last, not just quick-fix solutions

How to Prevent Roof Leaks Before They Happen

The best way to deal with a leaking roof? Catch the problem before it starts. Here’s how:

Schedule Regular Inspections
We offer a Roof Maintenance Program designed to catch small problems early. Our Storm Watch Program checks your roof automatically after major weather events.

Keep Those Gutters Clean
Don’t let debris block your gutters and downspouts. Clean them regularly—or let us handle it as part of your roof care plan.

Know the Warning Signs
Watch for curled or missing shingles, debris piles on the roof, or sagging. Early action saves serious money.

Choose the Right Materials
Quality matters. We work with GAF-certified roofing systems and impact-resistant shingles to give your home the long-term protection it deserves.

Call Westbank Roofing Before That Leak Gets Worse

If your roof is leaking—or you’re worried it might—we’re here to help. At Westbank Roofing, we’ve been protecting homes across Southeast Louisiana since 1969. We know the storms. We know the heat. And we know how to keep your home safe from both.

Get in touch with us today for a free estimate. Call 504-340-4977 or email [email protected].

Learn more about our roof repair and replacement services.

Trust the team that’s been here for over five decades.
Westbank Roofing — Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.