Okay, well... it could've been much worse and this is sort of minor.

I have a story & a half. Where the top story meets the half story has a leak but there's no visible exterior damage. Just during the storm water started pouring in from the celing and through the our light fixture.

I don't know what's causing this leak.. I do know that the celing needs to be replaced and maybe the insulation? Definitely need to replace the light fixture...

Is this something that would be difficult to DIY ... maybe with the help of YouTube?


If not, is it expensive enough to file any insurance claim with a high deductible?

 

Welcome to the forums!

You'll need to provide more info. You definitely need to start the drying out process which often includes removing the damaged drywall and getting air circulation. You'll need to inspect the roof to find out where the driven rain came in at. pics would be helpful, not just for us but to document any insurance claims - http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...-pictures.html

 

With high winds water can find its way in through areas it would not normally enter. The first thing is to get up on the roof and figure out where the water is getting in. The problem with high winds is it can force water uphill so you may have had water enter under flashing or a otherwise protected overhang.

As far as repairing the damage the first step is to get the leak stopped. Then you'll have to asses how much damage is done. Depending on how much water came in you might be able to just let it go and let Mother Nature dry things out but if it was a bigger leak you may need to remove sheetrock and insulation.

 

Thanks for responding!

Unfortunately, I can't capture the damage in photo. It's a wet celing but the spot just isn't showing up in photo. It's about 4 ft of wet celing.

No visible damage from the roof, either.

 

The water that came in just about filled those big buckets from home Depot in 2 different areas. Quite a bit if water.

 

Take pictures of inside and outside where damage is and where you think water is entering. Don't take close ups unless asked. We know what water damage looks like we need to see where it is.

 

I contacted my insurance company. I'm afraid of mold! Any idea how much replacing this would cost?

 

Yes, this is well worth a claim. Hopefully it's covered and the policy does not consider this an "act of god" and refuse to pay.
A professional remediation company would come in and remove the drywall, set up fans and dehumidifiers, then replace the drywall after drying.
It sounds simple but can cost a small fortune sometimes, the remediation guys can get carried away.
Your damage should be salvageable since it was caught quick.

 

Your biggest issue is the textured ceiling. Repairing and matching the texture is very difficult/impossible and drives the cost up. Start thinking if you want to come back with something more modern like a smooth finish.

 

Does the roof have ridge vents along the roof ridge line? If so, wind may have forced rain in through the vents.