Hurricane Ida
Hurricane Ida cut through southeast Louisiana, leaving homes and businesses damaged and many without power (LSU AgCenter, 2021).
Basement Flooding Cleanup
Basement flooding cleanup in Louisiana dries below-grade rooms and checks the structure before rebuilding. Call (800) 764-5219 to describe the flooding.
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What is basement flooding cleanup?
Basement flooding cleanup dries a below-grade room and its concrete slab, then checks the structure before rebuilding (LSU AgCenter).
Signs You Need Basement Flooding Cleanup
Sign What it looks like
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Moisture under the slab
Concrete slabs absorb water, so a slab can stay wet after the water is gone. Tape clear plastic to the slab for 24 hours; visible moisture underneath means the slab is still wet (LSU AgCenter).
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Mold within days
Mold can start within two to three days after flooding (LSU AgCenter).
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Cracks, sagging or shifting
Check for cracks, sagging and foundation shifts before anyone works in the room (LSU AgCenter).
How Basement Flooding Cleanup Works
Basement flooding cleanup in Louisiana runs in six stages: the call, inspection, water removal, drying, a slab check and a wood check before rebuilding. Each stage starts only after the one before it is complete.
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1 Call and describe the flooding
Call (800) 764-5219 and describe the water source, when it started and which rooms are below grade. You are connected with a team that covers your area.
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2 The team inspects the basement
The team checks the water source, the water category and moisture on the walls, floor and slab. Moisture readings show how far the water has spread (LSU AgCenter).
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3 Water and wet materials are removed
Standing water is pumped out, and wet carpet, pad and insulation are removed. Wet insulation is removed even when the wallboard looks dry (LSU AgCenter).
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4 The room is dried with equipment
Dehumidifiers and air movers dry the room. Indoor relative humidity is kept below 50%, and 30% to 40% is better until everything is dry (LSU AgCenter).
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5 The slab is tested before it is closed
The slab is covered with plastic and watched for 24 hours. Moisture under the plastic means the slab is still wet (LSU AgCenter).
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6 Wood and structure are checked before rebuilding
Wood is inspected for decay and termite damage. Soft wood is repaired or replaced, and walls are closed only when moisture readings show the wood is dry (LSU AgCenter).
Need help with basement flooding cleanup?
Call (800) 764-5219 and describe the damage.
What to do first, and what not to do
What to do first
- File your Proof of Loss with your insurance company within 60 days of the flood (Louisiana Department of Insurance).
- Inspect the slab and the wood before you rebuild (LSU AgCenter).
- Do not rebuild over a slab until it has stayed dry under the plastic check (LSU AgCenter).
- Do not rebuild over wood that has decay or termite damage (LSU AgCenter).
What not to do
- Do not rebuild over a slab until it has stayed dry under the plastic check (LSU AgCenter).
- Do not rebuild over wood that has decay or termite damage (LSU AgCenter).
Act fast
How Quickly to Act
- 24 hrs Monitor the slab under plastic.
- 60 days File your Proof of Loss.
- Until dry Keep indoor humidity below 50%.
Timing varies by site. Take photos for insurance claims before anything is moved (LSU AgCenter).
The slab and wood checks matter because mold begins to grow on materials that stay wet longer than two or three days, according to LSU AgCenter.
How to Choose a Basement Flooding Cleanup Professional
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Ask how the slab is checked
The slab is covered with plastic and watched for 24 hours. Moisture under the plastic means the slab is still wet (LSU AgCenter).
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Ask about humidity readings
Indoor relative humidity is kept below 50% during drying, and 30% to 40% is better until everything is dry (LSU AgCenter).
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Ask about wood inspection
Wood is inspected for decay and termite damage, and soft wood is repaired or replaced before rebuilding (LSU AgCenter).
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Ask about the flood claim
The Proof of Loss is filed with the insurance company within 60 days of the flood (Louisiana Department of Insurance).
Why Louisiana Homes Need Basement Flooding Cleanup
Flood insurance
Home flood damage is not covered under homeowners' policies, but National Flood Insurance Program policies or a separate flood policy may cover it (Louisiana Department of Insurance).
Soft wood
Soft wood is repaired or replaced before rebuilding, because wood decay and termite damage must be inspected for (LSU AgCenter).
Where Basement Flooding Cleanup Is Available
See all areas we coverRelated services
Basement Flooding Cleanup questions
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How do you know a slab is still wet?
Watch the plastic covering the slab for 24 hours. Moisture that collects under it means the slab is still wet (LSU AgCenter).
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What humidity should you aim for while drying?
Keep indoor relative humidity below 50%. Between 30% and 40% is better until everything is dry (LSU AgCenter).
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Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
No. Flood damage is not covered under homeowners' policies. It is covered under National Flood Insurance Program policies or a separate flood policy from a private or surplus-lines insurer (Louisiana Department of Insurance).
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How long do you have to file a flood claim?
File your Proof of Loss with your insurance company within 60 days of the flood (Louisiana Department of Insurance).
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Should you check wood for decay before rebuilding?
Yes. Inspect the wood for decay and termite damage, and repair or replace soft wood before rebuilding (LSU AgCenter).
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Can mold grow in a basement after flooding?
Yes. Mold can start within two to three days after flooding (LSU AgCenter).
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Should vinyl wallpaper be used in a flooded basement?
No. Vinyl wallpaper keeps walls from drying inward, so it is avoided (LSU AgCenter).
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When is a wall dry enough to close?
Wait until wood moisture drops to about 15% before replacing insulation and wallboard, and do not close walls while wood is above 19% (LSU AgCenter).
Need basement flooding cleanup? Call now
- Describe where the water came from and what has been wet.
- You will be connected with a local team.