Storm and roof leak water damage

If the ceiling is wet

Stay out from under a ceiling that sags or bulges. Wet plaster and drywall are heavy. If you see a bulge filling with water, move furniture, put down a bucket and call for help rather than standing under it. Turn off power to light fixtures in the wet area at the breaker. Do not go on the roof in a storm or on wet or icy shingles.

How storms and winters cause leaks here

Wind lifts and tears shingles. Falling limbs puncture roofs, which is a real risk on the heavily treed streets around Scarsdale and Greenburgh. Flashing around chimneys, skylights and dormers wears out. In winter, ice dams form at the eaves when heat escapes into the attic and melts snow, which then refreezes at the colder edge. The water behind the ice backs up under shingles and drips into walls and ceilings.

Storm water can also come in sideways, through windows, doors and siding during heavy wind-driven rain. Each source needs a different repair, so it helps to note when the leak shows up: only in wind, only with snow, or in every rain.

• Wind-damaged or missing shingles
• Tree damage
• Worn flashing at chimneys and skylights
• Ice dams at the eaves
• Wind-driven rain at windows and doors

Two jobs, two trades

A roofer fixes the roof. A restoration contractor dries and repairs the inside: wet attic insulation, ceilings, walls and floors below. Some restoration contractors can arrange emergency tarping until the roofer gets there. Ask the contractor who will handle each part so nothing falls between the two.

Insurance after a storm

Many homeowners policies cover sudden damage from wind or a falling tree, and the resulting interior water damage. Leaks from a worn-out roof are often treated as maintenance. Photograph the roof from the ground, the attic and every stain, and call your insurer early.

Hidden damage in the attic

By the time a stain appears on the ceiling, attic insulation above it has often been soaking up water for a while. Wet fiberglass loses much of its insulating value and can mat down. Wet cellulose gets heavy and can hold moisture against the ceiling drywall. A contractor should check the attic, pull out wet insulation and dry the roof deck and framing. Look for dark stains on the underside of the roof boards and rusty nail tips, which point to a long-running leak or poor ventilation.

Once the roof is repaired, replacing insulation and fixing attic ventilation can help prevent ice dams next winter.

Typical roof leak and interior repair costs

National figures from Fixr. Not quotes.

National figures, rounded, not quotes. Your price depends on the roof material, how far water spread and what must be rebuilt.

Sources: Fixr, roof leak repair; Fixr, water damage restoration