After a big storm, most Florida homeowners check the yard, the windows and the roof. Not many think about the attic. But wind-driven rain and small roof leaks can soak attic insulation, and that damage can sit there for months before a ceiling stain shows up.
Why storms are hard on attics
Strong wind can push rain sideways into soffit vents and roof vents. Lifted shingles or tiles can let water in along the decking. Even after a roof is patched or tarped, the insulation underneath may already be wet. Wet insulation goes flat, loses most of its ability to slow heat, and can grow mold if it stays damp. Our post on wet and moldy attic insulation explains what happens next.
What to look for after a storm
- New ceiling stains or bubbling paint
- A musty smell inside or from the attic hatch
- Damp or dark spots on the roof decking
- Insulation that looks clumped, matted or darker in one area
- Daylight showing through the roof from inside the attic
Only go into the attic if it’s safe. Stay on the joists or walking boards, and never step on the drywall between them. If you’re not comfortable going up, just look from the hatch with a flashlight.
Fix the roof first
Always get roof damage repaired before replacing insulation. New insulation under a leaking roof will end up just as wet as the old stuff.
When insulation needs to be replaced
If a small area got a little wet and dries out fast, it may be fine. If it stayed wet, smells musty, shows mold, or a large area was soaked, it should come out. We remove it with a vacuum hose straight to bags outside, dry out and check the area, then blow in fresh insulation. Learn more on our attic removal and replacement page.
Keep records for your insurance
If storm damage might be part of an insurance claim, take photos of the roof, ceilings and attic before anything is cleaned up, and talk to your insurance company about what they need. We can share photos of what we find in your attic.
After the storm checklist
- Check ceilings in every room for new stains or sagging.
- Look from the attic hatch with a flashlight for wet or dark insulation.
- Check the roof from the ground for missing shingles or tiles.
- Get roof damage repaired first.
- Have the attic insulation checked once the roof is fixed.
Common questions
How long can wet insulation sit before it’s a problem? The longer it stays wet, the more likely it is to grow mold and stay flat. It’s best to have it checked soon after a leak.
Can you work with my roofer? Yes. Once the roof is repaired, we can come in and handle the insulation.
Do you do emergency roof tarping? No. Call a roofer for that. We handle the insulation once the roof is dry.
Get your attic checked after a storm
REINSULATE is a veteran-owned, fully insured insulation company serving Bradenton, Sarasota and the rest of Manatee County. Request your free estimate or call or text 941-705-0305.
