WEATHER A few tips for making repairs after storms cause damage

KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
Owens-Corning has some tips for keeping the damage in proportion after a storm, or at least making sure it doesn't get worse:
UThink high winds and heavy rains may have hurt your roof? Damaged flashing can be a warning sign. Damaged flashing can be caused by drying and cracking, and it generally can be repaired without replacing the roof.
UBlisters are bubbles that appear on the surface of asphalt roofing. They are usually caused by moisture in the shingles, which rot when the mat at their core absorbs moisture.
UHigh winds and improper fastening often cause missing shingles, but the shingles usually can be replaced individually.
Insulation
Weather damage can also occur behind insulated walls.
UIf fiberglass insulation is dampened with clean rainwater, the water will eventually evaporate with no long-term harm to the insulation. In this situation, you may not need to remove the insulation. If a large area of insulation is wet, however, you may want to move it to a sheltered space, such as a garage floor, to speed up the drying process.
UBlown-in fiberglass attic insulation that has been matted down with rainwater will not return to its original thickness. To provide adequate insulation, consider adding more once the blown-in insulation is completely dry.
UIf you have cellulose insulation that has gotten wet with clean rainwater or possibly floodwater, you should remove it and replace it with new insulation. Cellulose is made from recycled newspapers, which absorb moisture and will not readily dry out, causing a loss of insulating power. Wet cellulose is susceptible to mold and mildew growth, which can contribute to unhealthy indoor air quality. Retained moisture also may rot wood framing or cause additional structural damage.
XFor more information, call (800) 438-7465 or visit www.owenscorning.com on the Web.