Storm water: roof, window or flood?
Rain from a storm enters in several ways, and each is handled differently. Roof leaks and window failures bring in rainwater. Runoff entering through a basement door is a flood. The difference affects cleanup and insurance, and you should describe what happened as exactly as you can.
| Entry point. | Type of loss. | Page that covers it. |
|---|---|---|
| Damaged roof or flashing. | Rain through ceiling and walls. | Ceiling water damage. |
| Broken window or door. | Rain and wind-driven water. | This page. |
| Foundation or basement door. | Surface runoff, flooding. | Flood damage. |
| Overwhelmed sump pump. | Groundwater entry. | Basement cleanup. |
Heavy rain near Catonsville
The National Weather Service reported that on May 27, 2018 radar estimated 6 to 12 inches of rain fell, with 9 inches or more near and southwest of Old Town Ellicott City and toward Catonsville. Six inches had fallen by 5:15 pm in the Oella and Catonsville areas. On July 30, 2016, more than 6 inches fell near Ellicott City in 90 minutes or less.
Hurricane Irene in August 2011 also caused extensive flooding in Maryland, according to the Maryland Manual. Storms like these are why storm water calls come in clusters, and why crews prioritize by safety and severity.
After the storm
Stay out of rooms with water near outlets or a panel. Avoid downed lines, and call the utility. Do not walk onto a damaged roof. Wear boots and gloves in standing water, because storm water can carry contamination.
What a storm response includes
Protect the opening.
A tarp or board slows further entry until a roofer or window contractor repairs it.
Remove wet materials.
Wet insulation, ceiling drywall and sodden carpet are removed.
Wind-driven rain can travel into attics and walls without leaving obvious marks. The ceiling often shows it last.
Ice, wind and the second leak
The first storm opens the roof, and the next rain makes it worse. A tarp buys time, but wind lifts them, so check it after each weather change. If a window failed, board it so rain and wind cannot push through, and keep the photos of the damage before you cover it.
Wind-driven rain can enter at the wall and flow down inside it. The only reliable way to find that water is a moisture meter, since the wall looks fine from outside and the stain appears later on the ceiling below.
If trees or limbs hit the house, stay clear of the area until it is safe. Do not climb onto a damaged roof, and call a roofer for the permanent repair. We handle the water, the drying and the documentation.
What to keep for your insurer
- Photos and video of the opening, the wet areas and the weather.
- Receipts for tarps, boards and emergency repairs.
- A list of damaged belongings.
- Drying logs and moisture readings from the restoration company.
- Notes on dates, times and who you spoke to.
Storm water inside?
Call the 24/7 line when it is safe to do so.
Insurance and cost after storm water
The Maryland Insurance Administration says homeowners policies generally do not cover flooding but do cover many storm losses, such as rain through a damaged roof. The wording matters, so read your policy and ask your insurer.
- Size of the opening and area wet.
- Water category.
- Materials removed.
- Drying days and equipment.
- Temporary protection and rebuild.
We explain scope and price before work starts, and you can call the line for a real number.
Common questions
Yes. The line is answered 24/7, and a same-day response is planned when a crew is available. Storm days can be busy.
Not always. Rain through a roof is different from surface flooding, and insurers treat them differently.
We can tarp or board an opening to limit further damage. A roofer makes the permanent repair.
The opening, the wet areas, damaged belongings and the weather timing. These support the claim.
Rain through a storm-damaged roof is often covered, and flooding usually needs a separate policy. Check yours.