Storms Often Damage Roofs Resulting In Water Entering The Homes

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage from high winds affected the roof of a Valparaiso home and let rainwater enter an attic. The homeowner called SERVPRO late at night, and our emergency response team arrived a short time later. 

The technicians scoped the attic and determined the water entered the attic through damaged roofing. They immediately tarped over the compromised area of the roof to prohibit any further water from entering.  

The sheetrock wicked much of the incoming water and required removal as it was too saturated to save through drying. The mitigation of fiberglass insulation happens on a case-by-case basis. If it has absorbed too much water, it is removed and discarded. In this case, the fiberglass insulation was slightly wet. Fortunately, it could be removed using our large insulation vacuum and bagged for drying in another area for reinstallation after completion on the attic mitigation.  

The removal of sheetrock and insulation often causes dust to travel, to limit the chances of this occurring; the SERVPRO technicians contained the entryway to the attic with heavy plastic. Because of the limited space in the attic, portable pumps were the choice to extract the remaining rainwater after removal of the damaged sheetrock and wet insulation.  

Moisture detection confirmed because of fast action by the homeowner calling SERVPRO, the water affected only the attic, and the ceiling below received no damage. Once we located the remaining areas of moisture, the drying phase of restoration began.  

Many people make the mistake of setting up fans to dry a wet attic. This method is a setup for more significant issues as it dries the surface, not anything below. SERVPRO uses air movers which are small, powerful machines that blow high-velocity air over surfaces and cause the moisture deeply embedded in building materials and objects to rise. It is then captured using dehumidifiers and ported out of the area.  

Once the technicians confirmed the moisture readings met drying goals in the attic, they cleaned and disinfected the area. Our location offers building services and to make the restoration process seamless without delay. Technicians offered suggestions on roof repairs we could perform with approval of the adjuster and homeowner to return the home to its pre-water loss condition. 

SERVPRO of Porter County is available 24-hours at (219) 476-1883 to assist with storm damage in your home. We arrive quickly and perform cleanup and restoration services to make your water loss "Like it never even happened."