Storms and roof leaks
Storm and roof leak water damage
Heavy rain, wind and falling limbs can open a roof in minutes. The water then travels through the attic and shows up wherever it finds a way down.
Following the water down
Water from a roof leak rarely drips straight down. It runs along rafters, soaks insulation and spreads across the top of a ceiling before a stain appears. By the time a ceiling sags, the drywall above it is saturated.
Restoration covers the inside: wet insulation, ceilings, walls and floors. The opening in the roof needs a roofer, and a tree on the house may need a tree service before anyone can safely work. Ask whether the restoration contractor can tarp the roof or coordinate with someone who does.
Inside the City of Atlanta, the Arborist Division handles inspections and permits for taking down dead or dying trees on private property. That matters if a damaged tree is still standing next to the house.
Safe first steps
- Keep clear of downed lines and report them to the power company.
- Poke a small hole in a bulging ceiling only if you can stand clear, with a bucket ready.
- Move electronics and paper away from drips.
- Photograph the roof and yard damage from the ground.
- Write down the date and time the storm hit.
Questions
Storm and roof leak damage: common questions
Should I wait for the roof to be fixed before drying the inside?
No. A tarp can keep more rain out while the inside dries. Waiting for a permanent roof repair can leave insulation and drywall wet long enough for mold to start.
Who handles the tree?
A tree service. Restoration contractors deal with the water inside. Some coordinate with tree and roofing companies, so ask on the call.
Related problems
- Water damage restorationLeaks, overflows and storm water: extraction, drying and the rebuild afterwards.
- Water extraction and dryingPumping out standing water, then drying the structure with measured readings.
- Burst and frozen pipesA split line in a crawl space, wall or attic, and the water it leaves behind.
Water where it should not be?
Get an Atlanta restoration contractor on the line
The sooner wet materials start drying, the less there usually is to tear out. One call puts you through to an independent contractor who can look at the damage, explain the work and give you their own price.
Speak with a restoration contractor
Your call is routed to an independent water, fire and mold restoration contractor that takes jobs in metro Atlanta. Describe the damage and ask what they would do first.
Call (678) 649-1321Calls may be recorded. How referrals work: disclosure. How call data is handled: privacy.