1. We've got several ceiling leaks that all appear to be along a line
in the center of the house. We do have ridge vents on the roof (and
the roof has lost some shingles from hurricane Charley). I'm
wondering if the storm winds managed to blow water through the ridge
vents? And is this something that needs fixing or can we wait and see
if the water stains just dry up. I haven't been up in the attic to
check on the state of the insullation either.

We've definitely seen rain get blown into the the ridge vents (actually
off-ridge vents) even though their only opening actually points downward
toward the roof itself. It only happens in the strongest wind-blown
rain events like tropical storms and really bad thunderstorms with
strong wind gusts.

During our preparation for Frances, we installed some metal flashing
with small louvers in it in the opening of each vent, and we're going to
leave it there for Ivan's arrival later this week. It will still let
air and breezes in, but should baffle most of the rain. This time
(Frances) we checked the attic during the storm and no water had entered
as far as we could tell.

But certainly we've seen rain blow in these vents in the past (and our
neighbors have also seen it as well on their own homes).

-- Vinnie