Storm water damage is an emergency while rain is still coming in, and our crews take calls 24/7. Move people away from wet ceilings, put buckets under drips, and call a roofer or contractor for temporary cover while we plan the interior drying.
Storm water damage in Selden, NY is the wetting of ceilings, walls, insulation and floors by rain that entered through the roof, windows, siding or doors during a storm. It differs from flooding because the water comes through the building envelope, not up from the ground.
Where rain gets in during a storm
| Entry point | What you see | What it soaks |
|---|---|---|
| Roof covering or flashing | Brown stain or drip on the top-floor ceiling | Attic insulation, ceiling drywall |
| Window or door frame | Water at the sill, peeling paint below | Wall cavity, trim and flooring |
| Siding gap or chimney | Dampness on an exterior wall | Wall insulation and studs |
| Fallen limb or tree damage | Open hole, wet room | Everything below the opening |
Local weather and what it asks of a roof
Long Island gets nor'easters and tropical systems. In August 2014, more than 13 inches of rain fell at Islip in about a day, and a state of emergency followed for Suffolk County and the Town of Brookhaven. Hard, sideways rain pushes water past flashing and shingles that handle normal rain, so a roof that never leaked before can leak.
Look at ceilings and window sills right after a storm, not a week later. Ask your insurer which storms your policy treats as covered events.
Signs of storm water you may not see
- A faint stain or ring on an upper ceiling
- A musty smell in a closet or attic hatch
- Insulation that looks flat, dark or heavy
- Paint blistering near a window or an exterior wall corner
- A ceiling that sags or feels soft
A thermal imaging camera and moisture meter find wet insulation behind painted surfaces. We use them before opening anything, so we cut only where readings are high.
The first day after the storm
The sequence matters. The opening has to be covered by a roofer or contractor, since we are not a roofing company. Then we remove wet insulation and drywall that cannot dry in place, and set air movers and dehumidifiers. Same-day response is available when crews are free, including after-hours. Photos taken before cutting help support your own insurance claim.
If water is coming through a ceiling, our ceiling water damage repair page covers the roof-leak side in more detail. For walls, see wall and drywall water damage repair.
Storm water or flood: why it matters
Rain that enters through a roof is usually clean when it arrives, which is Category 1, but it picks up dust and insulation fibers as it travels, and standing for days makes it dirtier. Rising water from a yard or street is a different job, handled as flood damage cleanup. If standing water has collected, water extraction removes it first.
Dry in place or tear out
Insulation soaked by roof leaks is usually removed, since it holds water against framing for a long time. Drywall that stayed wet briefly can sometimes be dried with air movers, but a ceiling that sags or has stained through is usually cut out. Framing is dried to normal readings and left in place.
A house built before 1980 may have materials such as old ceiling texture or insulation that need testing before demolition. Ask us before any cutting, and permit rules vary, so ask the Town of Brookhaven Division of Building about rebuilds.
What storm cleanup costs depend on
- How long water kept entering before it was stopped
- Area of ceiling, wall and floor that is wet
- Insulation and drywall that must be removed
- Drying days and equipment count
- Rebuild scope, including drywall, paint and roof repair by a roofer
Call for a scope and price explained before work starts. We also serve Mount Sinai, where homes near the harbor and the Sound should check the FEMA flood map for their address.
Storm damage and insurance
Sudden storm damage is often covered by homeowners insurance, while neglected roofs and gradual leaks often are not. Flood usually needs separate flood coverage. Check your policy or ask your insurer. Dated photos and moisture readings go into a written scope you can pass to your insurer.
Stay safe while you wait
After the storm
Stay out of rooms with sagging ceilings or standing water near outlets. Turn breakers off only when the panel is dry and you can reach it safely. If you see downed lines or smell gas, call 911 or the utility first. Do not climb onto a wet roof. Take photos of every wet area and hang on to damaged materials until your insurer has seen them.
Questions we hear in Selden
Do you handle storm water damage emergencies at night or on weekends in Selden?
Yes. Dispatch runs 24/7, and same-day response is available when crews are free. No arrival time can be promised, but dispatch will walk you through the safe steps while a crew is lined up.
Can you tarp my roof?
No. Temporary roof cover is a roofer's work. We handle the interior drying and repair after the opening is covered.
Is storm water damage covered by insurance?
Sudden damage is often covered, and flood usually needs separate coverage. Check your policy or ask your insurer.
How long does wet insulation take to dry?
It often does not dry well and is usually removed. EPA guidance is to dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours.
The stain appeared days after the storm. Is it still active?
Maybe. Water can travel along rafters and appear late. A moisture reading shows whether it is still wet.
Ready to talk it through?
Call (934) 223-1875