Many local roofs see little rain for months, then take a winter storm all at once. Flashing around vents and chimneys, valleys and worn shingles are where it gets through. On flat and low-slope roofs, ponding water finds the seams. By the time a ceiling stains, the insulation above has usually been wet for a while.
Inside the attic
Blown-in and batt insulation holds rainwater against the drywall ceiling and the joists. The crew checks the attic with a moisture meter and thermal camera, bags insulation that is soaked and dries the sheathing and framing with air movers and a dehumidifier sized for the space.
The ceiling below
A ceiling that stained but stayed firm can often be dried in place. One that sags or bulges holds water and can drop, so the crew drains it safely and removes the damaged section. Readings on the joists confirm when the area is dry enough to close up.
