What is storm and roof leak water damage restoration?
It's drying and repairing the inside of a home after wind, hail or heavy rain lets water in, usually through a damaged roof, flashing, windows or siding. The roof itself is a job for a roofer. Restoration deals with the wet attic insulation, ceilings, walls and floors underneath.
Signs of storm water damage inside
- ceiling stains or drips after a storm, often near exterior walls or the chimney
- wet or matted attic insulation
- bubbling paint or soft drywall near windows
- water around skylights, vents or the chimney
- a musty smell upstairs after heavy rain
What to do after a storm damages your roof
- Stay safe: keep away from sagging ceilings and from water near light fixtures; switch off those circuits if you can do so safely.
- Catch the water: buckets and tarps under drips; move furniture and electronics.
- Get the roof covered: a roofer or restoration provider can tarp the damaged area to stop more water getting in.
- Document the damage: photograph the roof from the ground if safe, and every interior stain and wet area.
- Start drying quickly: wet insulation and drywall can grow mold within days.
How interior storm damage is restored
Restoration typically starts by removing soaked attic insulation and any ceiling drywall that has sagged or stayed wet. Air movers and dehumidifiers then dry the attic space, ceilings and walls, with moisture readings to confirm progress. After that come repairs: new insulation, drywall, paint and sometimes flooring. Storm water can also reach basements, where it overlaps with flooded basement cleanup. Ceiling and attic drying is covered on our water damage drying page.
Storms in the Chesterfield area
West St. Louis County gets severe thunderstorms with heavy rain, high winds and hail, especially in spring and summer. Extreme rain events happen too: on July 26, 2022, about 9 inches of rain fell at Lambert Airport by noon, breaking a daily record set in 1915. Storm damage often reaches more than one part of a home at once, which is why it's a common reason for full water damage restoration services in Chesterfield.
Storm damage and insurance
Wind and hail damage to a roof, and the water that comes in through it, is commonly covered by homeowners insurance, subject to your deductible and policy terms. Gradual leaks from an old or poorly maintained roof are often treated differently. Report storm damage promptly and keep receipts for tarping and emergency drying. See does insurance cover water damage.