Water damage
Storm and flood water cleanup
Flood water from outside is treated as contaminated (Category 3). Porous materials it touched, like carpet, pad and lower drywall, are removed rather than dried, and the structure is cleaned and sanitized before drying.
- Free call, no obligation
- Serving 22 DFW cities
- Independent, local restoration companies
- Documentation for your insurance claim
North Texas storms drop a lot of rain fast. Creeks rise, streets flood and water pushes in under doors, especially in older neighborhoods near creeks and in low spots on clay lots that drain slowly.
Outside water carries soil, sewage and chemicals, so the cleanup is different from a burst pipe. Crews follow flood cuts, cleaning and sanitizing, then drying.
What to do first
- 1.Stay out of standing water near outlets or appliances.
- 2.Don't use household vacuums on flood water.
- 3.Photograph water lines on walls.
- 4.Call your insurer; flood water usually needs a flood policy.
Storm and flood cleanup at a glance
- Category
- Water damage
- Area
- Dallas–Fort Worth
- Urgency
- Start within 24–48 hours
- Who does the work
- Independent local restoration company
Signs you need storm and flood cleanup
- Water that came in under doors or through the foundation line
- Mud or debris on floors
- Wet drywall at the bottom of walls
- Sewer smell after heavy rain
- Water in the garage that reached interior walls
How the work is done
- 1
Safety and documentation
Power is checked, water lines are photographed and contents are inventoried.
- 2
Removal
Wet carpet, pad and drywall are removed, usually with a flood cut 2–4 feet up the wall.
- 3
Clean and sanitize
Slab, studs and remaining surfaces are cleaned with antimicrobial treatments.
- 4
Dry and rebuild
Equipment runs until the framing is dry, then walls and floors are replaced.
Before and after
Water-damaged ceiling
Wet drywall and insulation removed, framing dried to a measured standard, then new drywall, texture and paint.
Example photos (stock), not a job by any company on this site.
What affects the cost
Pricing is set by the restoration company after an inspection. These are the factors that move it.
- Depth of water and height of the flood cut
- Square footage
- Contents to move, clean or discard
- Mud and debris removal
- Rebuild scope
Safe to handle yourself
- Move valuables upstairs
- Photograph and list damaged items
- Shovel mud from hard surfaces with gloves and boots
Stop and call a pro
- Any water that entered from outside
- Water above the baseboard
- Sewer backflow
Storm and flood cleanup FAQ
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
Standard homeowners policies exclude flood water from outside. Coverage comes from a separate flood policy, such as NFIP. Wind-driven rain through a damaged roof is often treated differently; ask your insurer.
Why do they cut the drywall above the water line?
Drywall wicks water upward past the visible line. Cutting a little higher ensures all contaminated and wet material is removed so the wall cavity can be cleaned and dried.
Related
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