Your Triad roof is leaking after a storm. What now?

Stop the water first

• Put buckets and towels down, and move furniture and electronics.
• If the ceiling is sagging with water, puncture it at the low point over a bucket to let it drain. Stay clear of light fixtures.
• Turn off the breaker for any wet ceiling light or outlet.
• Photograph the ceiling, the walls, the floor and any damaged things, with the date.
• Call a roofer to tarp the source once it is safe; see emergency tarping.

Linking the leak to the storm

Short answer: show that a specific storm opened the roof. Insurers cover sudden damage, not gradual leaks.

• Note the date the leak started and save the storm report for that day from the Storm Center.
• Ask the roofer to photograph what let the water in: a missing shingle, a cracked pipe boot, a limb hole, hail-damaged flashing.
• Save photos that show the ceiling was dry before, if you have them.
• Report the claim promptly. Delay makes it harder to show the water came from the storm.

Where storm leaks start on Triad houses

Tropical rain inland

Hurricanes lose their wind inland, but not their rain. During Florence in September 2018, Piedmont Triad International Airport recorded 6.99 inches of rain, according to NOAA's Weather Prediction Center. Days of steady rain like that will find a cracked pipe boot or loose flashing that a short storm would not.

Winter leaks

In the Triad, winter is a second leak season: ice dams, wind-driven rain and snow load can find weak spots that spring hail created.

When snow sits on the roof and nights are cold, water from melting snow can refreeze at the eaves and back up under shingles. These leaks often show up on ceilings near outside walls a few days after snow. Whether they are covered depends on your policy; many homeowners policies cover sudden water damage inside the house from an ice dam, while the ice dam itself is often not covered. See ice dams in the Triad.

Mold

Drywall and insulation that stay wet for a day or two can start growing mold. Dry wet areas with fans and a dehumidifier, and remove soaked insulation. Many policies limit mold coverage, so drying quickly protects both your house and your claim.

What isn't covered

• Leaks from worn-out shingles, failed sealant or poor installation.
• Damage from a leak that went on for weeks or months.
• Extra damage that happened because you didn't take reasonable steps to stop the water.
• Flooding from rising water, which needs flood insurance.

Check the attic

If it is safe, look in the attic with a flashlight during or right after rain. Follow water stains on the rafters and decking uphill to find the entry point, and take photos for the roofer and the adjuster. Wet insulation should be pulled back so the ceiling can dry.