Have you seen occasional stains on your ceilings or upper floors after a rain storm? It could be that you have developed a leak. However, if it only happens after a really big storm, you might not actually have a leaking problem. Instead, it’s probable that the high winds created a rare situation which caused the water damage. Instead of the rain coming down straight, it is coming down at an exaggerated angle due to the high winds. Sometimes the rain is actually coming in almost sideways and getting at the undersides of the roof, which are normally protected by overhangs. This is known as wind driven rain.
What is wind driven rain?
Wind driven rain takes extreme measures. It usually takes a hurricane or near hurricane levels before the right variables are in place. When winds hit 60 miles per hour or higher, watch out, the rain will not be acting like normal. The trouble is that a house can seem to survive a storm just fine. If the water finds its way inside, it can lead to mold and deterioration of the inner parts.
What are its entry points?
If wind has driven moisture into your home where it is not normally found, it has likely entered from one of the following vents:
- Gable end vents
- Gable rake vents
- Off-ridge vents
- Ridge vents
- Soffit vents
- Turbines
These vents normally do not allow water to enter when it is coming down at normal angles. However, high winds causing rain to move in horizontally can sometimes penetrate their defenses.
How to protect your home
If you live in an area which is highly susceptible to hurricanes, you should invest in storm guards. However, if you don’t live in such an area, watching for abnormal water spots and monitoring for abnormal interior dampness should be good enough. As you notice them, try to assess what parts of the roof they may have come through. Likely one of the areas listed above.
Insurance might not cover wind driven rain
Insurance won’t always cover these damages unfortunately. In fact, many policies specifically state that if damage is done to the interior of the house, it is only covered if an opening was made by a wind or branch which allowed water to enter. An example of this would be a branch breaking a window allowing rain and debris to enter. Rain driven at right angles due to vehement winds would not be an example.
If you believe wind driven rain has done damage to the interior of your roof or house or you have questions about protecting against wind driven rain, contact our expert team. You can request a free estimate and we will be happy to explain what you can and should do to protect your house. Our expert services cover all aspects of roofing from minor repairs and ventilation to full replacement of both commercial and residential buildings.