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 damage roofs across the east metro year after year. A hailstone doesn't have 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 valleys packed with hail can also back water up under the 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 the water until it stains, bulges or leaks at a seam or fixture. By the time you see a drip, the insulation above may be soaked through.

Handling ceiling water

  1. Protect the room

    Move furniture and electronics, and lay down plastic and towels. Set a bucket under the drip.

  2. Drain a small bulge only if it's safe

    Professionals sometimes puncture a small water-filled bulge at its lowest point to drain it into a bucket, which can prevent a bigger collapse. Consider it only with the circuit off and a small bulge.

  3. Tarp the roof

    A roofer or restoration contractor can tarp the damaged areas to stop more water. Don't climb a wet or damaged roof yourself.

  4. Remove wet insulation and drywall

    Soaked loose-fill or batt insulation rarely dries well in place and usually comes out. Ceiling drywall that sagged usually gets replaced.

  5. Dry the framing

    Rafters, trusses and the roof deck get dried and checked with a meter before new insulation and drywall go back up.

Who to call first

  • IfWater is still coming in during or after the stormThenStart with a roofer or restoration contractor who can tarp, and notify your insurer.
  • IfThe water stopped but the ceiling is stained or bulgingThenArrange extraction and drying inside, and get the roof inspected before repairs.
  • IfHalf the street has damage at the same timeThenExpect contractors to be busy, and be careful with door-to-door roofers. Check their registration and references.
  • IfYou rentThenTell the landlord in writing right away. The roof and structure are generally the owner's responsibility.

Terms you'll hear

Tarping
A temporary cover over a damaged roof area that keeps water out until the permanent repair.
Flashing
Metal pieces that seal joints around chimneys, vents and roof valleys.
Ice dam
A ridge of ice at the roof edge that traps meltwater. In Aurora it follows winter snow more often than hail.
Wind and hail deductible
Some Colorado policies set a separate deductible, often a percentage, for wind and hail claims. Check your declarations page.

Common questions

Can wet attic insulation just be left to dry?

A small damp patch sometimes dries. Soaked insulation compresses, stops insulating and can hold moisture against the framing, so most contractors remove it.

General information for Aurora, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.