Hurricane and Storm Damage Restoration

After a hurricane or tropical storm, call 786-919-0159 as soon as it is safe. A live person answers 24/7 and sends a crew to start water removal and drying anywhere in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.

Hurricanes damage homes in several ways at once: wind tears at roofs and windows, rain is driven sideways through every gap, and surge and flooding push water in from outside. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, and South Florida has been hit hard before, from Andrew in 1992 to Irma in 2017. Whatever the storm did, water left in a home for days leads to mold and much bigger repairs.

Types of Storm Damage

Roof leaks

Missing shingles or tiles, torn underlayment and failed flashing let rain into attics, insulation and ceilings.

Wind-driven rain

Hurricane winds force water through windows, sliding doors, stucco cracks and vents, soaking walls and floors along exterior walls.

Flooding and storm surge

Rising water from surge, heavy rain or overflowing canals comes in under doors and is treated as contaminated. See flood cleanup.

Power outages

Long outages shut down air conditioning and dehumidification, so humidity climbs and mold grows faster in wet homes.

After the Storm: What to Do

1. Wait until it is safe. Follow local officials, watch for downed power lines and do not enter flooded areas with electricity on.
2. Prevent more water. If the roof is open, a temporary tarp stops more rain while the inside is dried.
3. Document everything. Photos and video of the outside and inside before cleanup.
4. Call 786-919-0159 to start water removal and drying.
5. Contact your insurers. Homeowners for wind and rain damage, flood insurance for rising water.

Wind Damage Versus Flood Damage for Insurance

After a hurricane, the source of the water decides which policy applies. Rain that came in through a roof or window damaged by wind is generally a homeowners claim. Water that rose from outside, from surge or flooding, is a flood insurance claim. Florida homeowners policies often have a separate hurricane deductible, usually a percentage of the dwelling coverage. Document the damage carefully and report it to both insurers if you are not sure.

Getting Ready Before the Next Storm

• Know your evacuation zone and check your flood zone on FEMA’s map.
• Photograph every room and your belongings before June 1 each year.
• Clear gutters and trim limbs over the roof.
• Check shutters, window seals and door thresholds.
• Know where your main water shutoff and electrical panel are.
• Review your homeowners and flood policies, including your hurricane deductible.

Why Drying Fast Matters More After a Storm

After a major storm, homes across the region get wet at the same time, power may be out for days and humidity stays high. Without air conditioning, wet drywall, carpet and furniture start growing mold quickly. Even if full repairs have to wait for the roof or insurance, getting water out and starting to dry as soon as possible protects your home and your claim.

Temporary Protection

If your roof, windows or doors are damaged, temporary protection stops more water from getting in while the inside is dried. Roof tarps, board-up of broken windows and sealing openings are common first steps. Your insurance policy expects you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, and keeping receipts and photos of temporary repairs supports your claim.

Hurricanes That Shaped South Florida

Hurricane Andrew in 1992 devastated South Miami-Dade, including Homestead and Cutler Bay, and led to much stronger building codes. Hurricane Wilma in 2005 caused widespread damage across all three counties. Hurricane Irma in 2017 brought storm surge into Brickell, Coconut Grove and other coastal areas. Each storm is a reminder that wind, rain and surge can all bring water inside, and that preparation and fast response make a real difference.

Returning Home After an Evacuation

• Wait for officials to say your area is safe.
• Look for downed power lines, gas smells and structural damage before entering.
• Do not turn on power if water reached outlets or the panel; have it checked first.
• Photograph everything before moving or discarding anything.
• Open windows only if it is safe and the air outside is drier than inside.
• Call 786-919-0159 to start water removal and drying.

Wind-Driven Rain Explained

During a hurricane, wind pushes rain sideways and upward, forcing water through gaps that never leak in normal storms: window frames, sliding door tracks, stucco cracks, soffit vents and roof edges. The result is often wet walls along the side of the house that faced the wind, wet insulation in the attic and water on floors near doors and windows, even when the roof looks fine. Moisture mapping finds all of it.

Filing a Hurricane Claim

Report damage to your insurer as soon as you can; Florida law sets deadlines for hurricane claims, so do not wait. Keep a written log of every call and visit, photos of all damage and receipts for temporary repairs and living expenses. Ask for the crew’s moisture readings and drying records, which show what was wet and how it was handled.

Condo Buildings After a Hurricane

In condo buildings, a hurricane can damage common areas, roofs, windows and many units at once. Associations deal with the building and common elements, while owners handle their unit interiors under their HO-6 policies. Getting water out and drying started in every affected unit quickly limits mold and the total loss. Property managers and boards can call 786-919-0159 to coordinate.

Businesses After a Storm

For businesses, getting back open fast after a storm matters. Water removal and drying can start as soon as the property is safe, even before permanent roof or window repairs. Crews document the damage for commercial property and business interruption claims and can work in phases so parts of the building reopen first. See commercial water damage.

Roof Tarping and Temporary Repairs

When a roof is damaged, rain will keep coming in until it is covered. A properly secured tarp over the damaged area protects the inside while you wait for permanent roof repairs, which can take weeks after a major storm. Keep photos and receipts for tarping; most policies treat it as a reasonable step to prevent further damage.

Mobile and Manufactured Homes After a Storm

Manufactured homes are especially vulnerable to wind and water. After a storm, check the roof seams, windows and the underbelly beneath the home, where insulation can hold water for weeks. Soft or swollen flooring is a sign the subfloor is wet. Drying the underbelly and subfloor quickly helps prevent mold and structural damage.

Related Services

• Flood Cleanup: rising water from surge and rain
• Ceiling and Wall Water Damage: roof and window leaks
• Mold Remediation: mold after a storm
• Water Mitigation and Drying: drying the structure

Where We Provide Hurricane Damage Restoration

Hurricane Damage Restoration is available 24/7 across all three South Florida counties, in every city, town and neighborhood:

• Miami-Dade County: Miami, Hialeah, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Doral, Kendall, Homestead and more
• Broward County: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach and more
• Palm Beach County: West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Jupiter, Wellington and more

See every community on our South Florida service areas page.

Hurricane Damage Questions