Storm & Hurricane Damage
Water that comes in through the roof, windows, walls or doors during tropical storms, hurricanes and severe thunderstorms.
Flood Damage Restoration in the Houston Area
Flood damage restoration is the cleanup and recovery work after outside water such as rising water, overflowing drainage or heavy rain enters a home. Because floodwater is treated as contaminated, it usually involves removing affected porous materials, cleaning and sanitizing, thorough drying, and then rebuilding. If floodwater has gotten into your home, call once it's safe to go back inside.
How is flood damage different from other water damage?
The big difference is contamination. Water from a burst supply line starts clean. Water that flows across yards and streets picks up soil, chemicals, fuel and sewage along the way. That changes what can be saved.
Porous materials that floodwater touched, like carpet and pad, drywall and insulation, are generally removed rather than dried in place. Hard surfaces and framing are cleaned and dried. That is why flood jobs often include a cut line: drywall removed to a height above where the water reached.
The Houston area knows this well. Flat terrain, clay soils that absorb water slowly and intense rainfall mean street and neighborhood flooding happens here even outside hurricane season.
Dealing with this right now? Call and we'll help you sort out the next step.
Call Now: (855) 231-6948How floodwater gets into Houston-area homes
Street and neighborhood flooding
When storm drains and roadside ditches can't keep up, water rises into yards and then garages and doorways.
Creek and bayou overflow
Homes near local creeks and bayous can see water rise quickly during prolonged rain.
Tropical storms and hurricanes
Days of heavy rain plus storm surge in coastal areas. See storm and hurricane water damage.
Poor lot drainage
Water pooling against the slab or entering at low thresholds and weep holes.
Drainage system backups
Floodwater can push sewage back through floor drains and toilets. See sewage cleanup.
Signs floodwater affected more than the floor
- A visible waterline on walls, cabinets or doors
- Wet or wicking drywall above the flood line
- Damp insulation behind baseboards
- Mud or silt left behind as water receded
- Odors from carpet, walls or cabinetry
- Swollen lower cabinets and door frames
What to do after your home floods
- Wait until authorities say it's safe to return, and don't enter if there's structural damage.
- Do not turn on power in flooded areas. Have the electrical system checked if water reached outlets or the panel.
- Wear boots and gloves if you must enter. Assume floodwater is contaminated.
- Photograph and video everything, including the waterline height, before moving items.
- Contact your insurance company. Flood damage is typically covered under separate flood insurance, not a standard homeowners policy, but confirm with your insurer.
- Call for flood damage restoration to begin water removal and cleanup.
Health note: floodwater can contain sewage, chemicals and debris. Keep children and pets away from it and wash any skin that contacts it.
What flood damage restoration typically involves
The exact steps depend on your home, the water source and how long materials were wet.
Floodwater and silt removal
Pumping and extracting remaining water, then clearing mud and debris.
Removing affected materials
Taking out carpet, pad, drywall and insulation that floodwater contacted.
Cleaning and sanitizing
Cleaning the structure and hard surfaces to address contamination.
Structural drying
Drying framing, slab and remaining materials, confirmed with readings. See structural drying.
Rebuild
Replacing drywall, insulation, trim, flooring and cabinetry. See water damage repair.
Need help with flood damage restoration?
Call now. Tell us what happened and what you're seeing.
Why flood cleanup shouldn't wait
Wet drywall and insulation hold moisture against the framing, and warm, humid conditions make mold growth more likely the longer materials stay wet. Removing soaked materials early lets the structure start drying.
After widespread storms, demand for cleanup crews and supplies spikes. Getting on the schedule early can make a real difference.
Related services
Sewage Cleanup
Backed-up toilets, drains and sewer lines. Contaminated water needs protective handling, removal and sanitizing.
Structural Drying
Removing the moisture you can't see from walls, framing, subfloor and cabinets, confirmed with readings.
Mold Remediation
Addressing mold growth that follows leaks and floods, starting with the moisture problem that caused it.
Water Damage Repair
Putting rooms back together after drying: drywall, ceilings, insulation, flooring, trim and cabinets.
Emergency Water Removal
When water is standing on the floor right now. What to do in the first hour, and how removal gets started.
Flood Damage Restoration across the Houston area
We help homeowners in Houston and these nearby communities.
- Pasadena, TX
- Pearland, TX
- Sugar Land, TX
- League City, TX
- Missouri City, TX
- Friendswood, TX
- Baytown, TX
- Deer Park, TX
- Webster, TX
- Channelview, TX
Our guide on storm water entering your home covers first steps and documentation after a storm. Browse the homeowner guides.
Flood Damage Restoration questions
Can flooded drywall be dried instead of replaced?
Drywall that floodwater touched is generally removed because floodwater is contaminated. Drywall wet from clean water can sometimes be dried in place if it's addressed quickly.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood damage. It's typically covered by a separate flood insurance policy, such as through the National Flood Insurance Program. Check your own policies and ask your insurer.
How high will drywall be cut out after a flood?
It depends on how high water reached and how far moisture wicked upward. Crews typically remove drywall to a height above the visible waterline, based on moisture readings.
Should I throw out everything that got wet?
Not necessarily. Hard, non-porous items can often be cleaned. Upholstered furniture, mattresses and other porous items soaked by floodwater are usually hard to salvage. Photograph items before disposal for insurance.
Need flood damage restoration help?
Call now and describe what's going on. We'll help you figure out what needs to happen next.
Call Now: (855) 231-6948