Northern California winters can go from dry to drenched in a single storm. Atmospheric rivers, the long bands of moisture that roll in from the Pacific, can drop several inches of rain in a day or two, often with strong wind. For homes in Redding, Yuba City, and across the valley, that’s when roof leaks show up.
A small drip during a storm can turn into soaked insulation, stained ceilings, and wet walls if it isn’t handled quickly. Here’s how storm leaks happen, what to do during and after the storm, and how the damage gets repaired.
How Storms Get Water Inside
- Wind-damaged shingles that lift, crack, or blow off, exposing the roof deck
- Fallen trees and limbs that punch through roofs, especially after dry summers weaken trees
- Flashing failures around chimneys, vents, and skylights
- Clogged gutters that overflow and send water behind fascia and into walls
- Wind-driven rain pushed sideways through vents, windows, and siding gaps
- Older roofs that have been baked by valley summers and can’t handle a hard storm
During the Storm
- Catch dripping water with buckets and move valuables away from the leak.
- If a ceiling is bulging with water, keep people out from under it.
- Turn off power to ceiling lights and fans near the leak.
- Don’t go on the roof during wind or rain.
- Take photos of the leak, the ceiling, and any visible roof damage from the ground.
Right After: Securing the Roof
The most important step after a storm is keeping more water out. A damaged roof needs to be tarped or boarded as soon as it’s safe, both to prevent more damage and because many insurance policies expect reasonable steps to protect the property. CRBR provides emergency board-up and tarping around the clock, including for trees on roofs and broken windows.
Drying Out the Inside
Roof leaks tend to spread across the attic before showing up on a ceiling. Water soaks blown-in insulation, collects on top of drywall, and can run down inside exterior walls. By the time a stain appears, there’s usually more water above it than you’d expect.
Professional water damage mitigation, extraction, and cleaning starts with checking the attic and mapping moisture in ceilings and walls. Wet insulation is removed, sagging drywall is taken down, and dehumidifiers and air movers dry the framing and roof deck. Moisture readings confirm when it’s safe to rebuild.
Rebuilding
Once the roof is repaired and the interior is dry, ceilings, insulation, walls, and paint are replaced. If framing or roof sheathing was damaged, that gets repaired first. Having one company handle the tarp, drying, and rebuild saves time, especially after a regional storm when every contractor is booked.
Getting Ready Before the Next Storm
- Clean gutters and downspouts in late fall.
- Trim trees and limbs that hang over the roof.
- Have an older roof inspected before the rainy season.
- Check flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents.
- Know who you’ll call for emergency tarping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an atmospheric river?
An atmospheric river is a long, narrow band of moisture that flows in from the Pacific Ocean. When one stalls over Northern California, it can drop heavy rain for hours or days, often with strong winds. These storms are a major source of the region’s winter rainfall and a common cause of roof leaks and flooding.
Should I tarp my roof myself after a storm?
We don’t recommend it. Wet, windy roofs are dangerous, and a poorly secured tarp can blow off or even channel water into the house. A professional crew can install a tarp safely and securely, and it helps show your insurer that you took steps to prevent further damage.
How do I know if my attic got wet during a storm?
Look for ceiling stains, bubbling paint near the tops of walls, or water around light fixtures. If you can safely look in the attic, check for wet or compressed insulation, damp roof decking, and water trails on framing. A moisture inspection will show the full picture.
Does homeowners insurance cover storm roof leaks?
Damage from wind, falling trees, and rain that enters through storm-created openings is commonly covered. Leaks from an old, worn-out roof may not be. Photos of the storm damage and quick action to prevent further water entry both support your claim.
How can I prepare my home before the rainy season?
Clean gutters and downspouts, trim trees over the roof, have older roofs inspected, check flashing around vents and chimneys, and make sure water drains away from the foundation. Save CRBR’s number so you know who to call if a storm causes damage.
Can water from a roof leak affect the electrical system?
Yes. Water that runs along framing can reach ceiling fixtures, junction boxes, and wiring in walls. If water is dripping near lights or outlets, shut off those circuits at the panel and have an electrician check them before turning power back on.
Serving the North Valley
We respond to storm damage across Redding, Yuba City, and the rest of Northern California. When a storm puts water in your home, call CRBR at 1-800-870-0030. We’re here 24/7/365.
