What Causes Water Infiltration After a Storm?

High winds during a storm can lift or tear shingles, creating direct openings for rain. Even small, pre-existing issues like cracked flashing or worn sealant around vents can become major entry points under heavy rainfall. Once water gets under roofing materials, it can travel far into your attic and down walls before you notice a stain or drip.

Missing shingles are an obvious problem, but the roof's edge and valleys where sections meet are also critical. These areas channel a large volume of water. If the metal flashing is loose or the underlying underlayment is damaged, water can easily bypass your roof's main defense and cause significant interior damage.

The seals and caulking around windows and doors degrade from sun exposure and seasonal expansion. A storm's wind-driven rain exploits these tiny gaps, forcing water behind trim and into wall cavities. This type of infiltration often shows as wet spots on drywall or peeling paint around the frame, sometimes far from the actual leak source.

Older windows with worn weatherstripping or doors without proper thresholds are especially vulnerable. The pressure from heavy rain can push water past these seals even if they look intact. Checking and maintaining these seals is a key preventative step, particularly before the rainy season in a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and winter rains.

• Degraded or missing exterior caulk around frames.
• Failed or compressed weatherstripping on doors and windows.
• Improperly installed flashing above windows and doors.
• Cracks in stucco or siding that direct water inward.
• Windowsills that are not sloped to drain water away.
• Warped door frames that no longer create a tight seal.

Your first step is to stop the water flow if possible, such as by placing a bucket under a roof leak. Move furniture and belongings away from the wet area to prevent further damage. Then, contact local water damage pros for an inspection. They have the tools to find hidden moisture and create a drying plan to prevent mold.

Document the damage for your insurance company by taking clear photos and videos of the water, its entry point, and affected items. Do not discard damaged materials until an assessment is complete. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. A water damage assessment provides the detailed report often needed to support a claim.

• Stop the source if safe (e.g., bucket under leak).
• Move furniture and belongings to a dry area.
• Contact local water damage pros for an inspection.
• Document all damage with photos and videos.
• Avoid using electrical appliances in standing water.
• Begin drying surfaces you can safely reach with towels.