Between hurricane storm surge, tropical downpours, and street flooding when the pumping system is overwhelmed, flood damage restoration is one of the most common calls we get in New Orleans. Floodwater is typically classified as "black water" - it can carry sewage, chemicals, and bacteria from streets and drainage systems - which means it requires more aggressive extraction, disposal of unsalvageable porous materials, and thorough sanitizing than a clean-water loss.
Our Flood Cleanup Process
- Safety assessment for electrical and contamination hazards before crews enter.
- Removal of contaminated water, mud, and debris.
- Disposal of flood-contaminated drywall, insulation, and carpet that cannot be safely restored.
- Antimicrobial treatment of framing, subfloor, and slab.
- Structural drying and moisture monitoring through to completion.
- Reconstruction of flooring, drywall, and finishes.
Insurance & Flood Claims
Flood damage is typically handled under a separate NFIP flood insurance policy rather than a standard homeowners policy. We document pre-existing conditions, damage extent, and every step of the mitigation process with photos and moisture logs to support your flood claim, and we can work directly with your adjuster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can everything be saved after a flood?
Not always. Porous materials that sat in contaminated water for more than 24-48 hours usually need to be replaced rather than cleaned, both for safety and to prevent mold.
How is this different from a regular water damage job?
The core steps overlap with our broader water damage restoration process, but flood water's contamination level means more material removal and more thorough sanitizing.