What is flood damage restoration?
Flood damage restoration is the cleanup and repair of a home after water comes in from outside: rising creek water, runoff during a storm, or water forced in under doors on a low lot. It covers pumping out the water, removing mud and contaminated materials, cleaning and treating surfaces, drying the structure and rebuilding what was removed.
Flood water is handled differently from a clean pipe leak. It carries soil, bacteria and chemicals from outside, so materials it soaked are treated as contaminated.
Flooding in Central Texas
Central Texas is crossed by creeks and rivers that rise quickly in heavy rain. Brushy Creek runs through Cedar Park and Round Rock, the San Gabriel River runs through Georgetown, and the Blanco and San Marcos rivers run through Kyle and San Marcos. Homes near these waterways and on low lots are the most exposed, but heavy runoff can push water into homes well away from any creek.
Flood water is contaminated water
Restoration providers class water from outside floods as black water, the most contaminated category. That changes the job: carpet and pad are usually discarded, drywall and insulation are cut out above the water line, and surfaces are cleaned and treated before drying. Wear gloves and boots if you must touch anything the water reached.
Flood and storm cleanup steps
- Safety checks for power, gas and weakened ceilings or floors.
- Pumping and extraction of standing water.
- Mud and debris removal from floors and surfaces.
- Removal of porous materials the water soaked.
- Cleaning and treatment of the remaining structure.
- Drying with readings, then repairs.
Flood damage and insurance
Standard homeowners policies generally exclude damage from outside flood water; flood coverage usually comes from a separate flood policy. Water that enters because a storm damaged the roof or a window can be treated differently. Check your own policy, report the damage to your insurer, and photograph the water line and every damaged item before removal.
What to have ready for the call
Have the property address, where the water came in, how high it reached, how long it stood and whether the power is off in the flooded rooms.
Storm water damage and post-flood drying
Storms bring water in more than one way: rising water from outside, rain driven in around doors and windows, and roof leaks from wind damage. Inside, the cleanup is similar, but the water type differs, so describe where it came from on the call. After the water and contaminated materials are out, post-flood drying with dehumidifiers and air movers runs until moisture readings show the structure is dry; see water mitigation.