Storm and Flash Flood Water Damage in Lawrenceville, GA

Storm and flash flood water damage in Lawrenceville, GA comes in two forms. One is the sudden summer thunderstorm that overwhelms gutters, storm drains and low spots in the yard, pushing water under garage doors and into basements. The other is the long, soaking rain that saturates the clay until water finds every crack in a foundation. Through our referral line (opening soon), you can be connected with an independent restoration company that handles contaminated water safely and dries what can be saved.

Gwinnett's flood history

The September 2009 floods are still the benchmark for central Gwinnett. In the eight days ending September 21, 2009, the National Weather Service reported about 19 inches of rain in parts of the Yellow River watershed near Lawrenceville. The Alcovy River rose above flood stage at Lawrenceville, the Yellow River exceeded the 100-year flood elevation at the county's water reclamation facility near Lilburn, and county crews repaired dozens of washed-out roads. Gwinnett later used state and federal funds to buy and demolish homes that had been damaged. Many flooded homes across metro Atlanta were outside the official flood zones.

Most storms are far smaller, but the pattern is the same: dense clay, paved surfaces and steep lots send water fast toward whatever sits lowest.

Where storm water gets in

• Under garage doors and through walkout basement doors at the bottom of a slope.
• Through window wells, foundation cracks and the slab-to-wall joint.
• Into crawl spaces through vents and low spots in the foundation wall.
• Through roofs, chimney flashing and windows damaged by wind or falling limbs.
• Up through floor drains when storm runoff overloads the system.

Floodwater is contaminated

Restoration standards treat water from outside as Category 3, the same as sewage. It may carry bacteria, chemicals and sediment. That changes what can be saved: drywall, insulation, carpet and pad that floodwater soaked are normally removed and disposed of rather than dried. Hard surfaces and framing are cleaned, treated and dried. Wear gloves and boots if you have to go in, and photograph everything before it is removed.

What the crew does after a storm

1. Checks structural and electrical safety and confirms the water has stopped rising.
2. Pumps or extracts standing water and removes mud and debris.
3. Removes soaked porous materials, usually cutting drywall a set height above the water line.
4. Cleans and treats framing, slabs and other hard surfaces.
5. Dries the structure with air movers and dehumidifiers, logging readings daily.
6. Documents damage and contents for your insurer and, if you have one, your flood policy.

Insurance after a storm

Insurance after a storm depends on how the water got in. Rain that enters through a roof or wall opening created by wind or a fallen tree is usually handled under the homeowners policy. Rising surface water, overflowing creeks and runoff that flows in at ground level are flood, which standard homeowners policies exclude. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program typically has a 30-day waiting period, so it has to be in place before the storm season. See our Georgia insurance guide.

Prepare before the next storm

• Clean gutters and extend downspouts several feet from the foundation.
• Keep yard drains and the storm drain at the curb clear of leaves.
• Test the sump pump before summer storm season.
• Move valuables off basement floors and onto shelves.
• Photograph your rooms and belongings now so you have a record for a claim.

When you are ready, email [email protected] while our phone line is being set up. Back to water damage restoration in Lawrenceville.

Common questions

1. Is floodwater dangerous to clean up myself?

   Outside floodwater is treated as contaminated because it can carry sewage, fertilizer, fuel and debris. It can also hide electrical hazards. Wear boots and gloves, keep children and pets out, never wade near live electricity, and leave soaked drywall, insulation and carpet removal to a crew with protective equipment.

2. Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage in Georgia?

   Standard homeowners policies exclude flooding from rising surface water. Flood coverage comes from a separate policy, usually through the National Flood Insurance Program, which normally has a waiting period before it takes effect. Wind-driven rain entering through storm damage to the roof or walls is a different situation and is often covered.

3. What was the worst recent flood in Gwinnett County?

   The September 2009 floods. Roughly 19 inches of rain fell over eight days in parts of the Yellow River watershed near Lawrenceville. The Yellow River topped its 100-year flood level at a county water reclamation plant near Lilburn, roads washed out across the county, and Gwinnett later bought out homes that had flooded.