How hail water reaches the ceiling
Aurora sits in one of the more hail-prone parts of the country, and late spring and summer storms regularly damage roofs across the east metro. A hailstone does not need to punch a hole to cause a leak. It can bruise shingles, crack tiles, dent flashing, break skylight lenses or shatter plastic roof vents. Gutters and roof valleys filled with hail can also back water up under shingles while the ice melts.
Water that gets past the roof deck lands on attic insulation, which soaks it up and hides it. It may run along a rafter or truss and drip onto drywall several feet away. The ceiling holds water until it stains, bulges or leaks at a seam or fixture. By the time a drip appears, the insulation above may be heavily soaked.
Handling ceiling water
- Protect the room.Move furniture and electronics, and lay plastic and towels. Put a bucket under the drip.
- Relieve a small bulge only if safe.Professionals sometimes puncture a small water-filled bulge at its lowest point to drain it into a bucket, which can prevent a larger collapse. Only consider this if the circuit is off and the bulge is small.
- Tarp the roof.A roofer or restoration contractor can tarp damaged areas to stop more water. Do not climb a wet or damaged roof yourself.
- Remove wet insulation and drywall.Soaked loose-fill or batt insulation usually does not dry well in place and is commonly removed. Wet ceiling drywall that sagged is typically replaced.
- Dry the framing.Rafters, trusses and the roof deck are dried and checked with a meter before new insulation and drywall go back.
Who to contact first
- IfWater is actively coming in during or after the stormStart with a roofer or restoration contractor who can tarp, and notify your insurer.
- IfWater stopped but the ceiling is stained or bulgingArrange extraction and drying inside, and have the roof inspected before repairs.
- IfMany neighbors have damage at the same timeExpect contractors to be busy and be cautious with door-to-door roofers; check their registration and references.
- IfYou rentTell the landlord in writing right away; roof and structure are generally the owner's responsibility.
Terms you will hear
- Tarping
- Temporary covering of a damaged roof area to keep water out until permanent repair.
- Flashing
- Metal pieces that seal joints such as chimneys, vents and roof valleys.
- Ice dam
- A ridge of ice at the roof edge that traps meltwater; in Aurora, more common after winter snow than hail.
- Wind and hail deductible
- Some Colorado policies set a separate, often percentage-based, deductible for wind and hail claims. Check your declarations page.
Common questions
Can wet attic insulation just be left to dry?
A small damp area sometimes dries, but soaked insulation compresses, loses effectiveness and can hold moisture against the framing. Most contractors remove heavily wet insulation.
General information for Aurora, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.