Emergency Storm Water Damage Cleanup in Owings Mills, MD

Storm water damage in Owings Mills happens when wind, hail or heavy rain opens a path through the roof, windows, siding or a chimney. Water comes in at the weak point and spreads through insulation and drywall below. Cleanup means getting the water out, drying the structure and documenting the storm damage for your insurer. If water is entering your home during or after a storm, call our 24/7 line.

This page is for storm-driven water entering through the building envelope. Rising water outside the house is flood damage, and a plain roof leak on a dry day is under ceiling water damage.

Storm damage right now: safety first

Stay away from downed power lines and standing water that could be energized. If a tree has hit the house, leave if the structure seems unstable and call 911. Do not climb onto a wet roof.

From inside, you can place buckets, move furniture, roll up rugs and pull wet items out of the room. Photograph the damage and the weather conditions. Insurers ask you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, and the Maryland Insurance Administration advises making temporary repairs without waiting for an adjuster.

Storms in the Owings Mills area

In 2017 a storm brought hail and flash flooding to Owings Mills, and local news reported that hail fell and trees came down in some neighborhoods. Wind, hail and heavy rain are all part of regional storm patterns, and older trees on hillside lots can drop limbs onto roofs.

Tie-back: after any storm with hail or high wind, inspect the roof and attic for wet insulation, even if you see no stain. Water in an attic often takes days to show on a ceiling.

Where storm water gets in

• Lifted or missing shingles and failed flashing
• Chimney and skylight seals
• Windows and sliding doors under wind driven rain
• Gutters and downspouts that overflow against the wall
• Siding gaps and attic vents

Cleanup, drying and repair coordination

We extract water, remove wet insulation and drywall that will not dry in place and run air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the structure. A roofer or exterior contractor repairs the opening, and we schedule around them so the opening is closed before we dry.

Siding and roof repairs generally do not require a Baltimore County permit, except in a county historical district, where exterior work does, according to the county permits page. Ask your contractor to confirm.

Insurance and storm claims

Storm damage that is sudden and accidental is often covered, but coverage depends on cause and policy terms. Wind and hail may have a separate deductible, so read the declarations page.

The Maryland Insurance Administration recommends keeping receipts, taking photos or video before, during and after temporary repairs and contacting your insurer promptly. If you disagree with a decision, you can file a complaint at insurance.maryland.gov.

After the storm passes

Once the rain stops, look for slow drips along ceilings and walls. Water can travel along rafters and appear a day later in a different room. Check attics and upper floors, where wind damage to roofing often shows first.

Photograph the roof and gutters from the ground if it is safe, and avoid climbing on a wet roof. A roofer can tarp openings and make temporary repairs, and temporary repair receipts matter for your claim.

Cost factors

We explain scope and price before work starts.

• Size of the roof or wall opening and the area soaked
• Insulation and ceiling drywall affected
• Drying days and equipment
• Whether contents must be moved out
• Repair scope after drying

For drywall and trim damage after a storm, see wall and drywall water damage. Want your real number? Call us.

Frequently asked questions