Storm & Flood Damage Restoration in Laurel, MD

River flooding, flash floods, wind-driven rain and roof leaks. We clean up flood water safely and dry what can be saved.

Call (301) 368-0221

Open 24/7
10+ years in business
Laurel & nearby Maryland
Homes & businesses

Quick answer: Storm and flood damage restoration in Laurel, MD, means removing flood water, mud and debris, tearing out contaminated materials, sanitizing and drying the building. River and surface flood water counts as Category 3 water. Start cleanup as soon as it's safe, and photograph everything first for your insurer.

Laurel grew up along the Patuxent River. When heavy rain falls on the upper watershed and water is released from the dams upstream, the river can rise fast through Old Town Laurel and over Route 1. Summer thunderstorms and the remnants of tropical storms also cause flash flooding, roof leaks and wind damage across Prince George's, Howard and Anne Arundel counties.

What storm and flood restoration includes

Safety check for power, gas, structure and contamination
Pumping and extraction of flood water
Mud and silt removal from floors and walls
Flood cuts and removal of wet drywall, insulation, carpet and pad
Hauling out ruined contents with photo records
Cleaning and antimicrobial treatment of framing and slabs
Structural drying with daily readings
Emergency tarping of roof leaks and board-up of openings
Help with documentation for flood and homeowners claims
Repairs after drying is confirmed

Types of storm damage we see

Damage type	Where it shows up	What helps
River or creek flooding	Low areas near the Patuxent and its streams	Full flood cleanup and tear-out. Flood insurance claim.
Flash flooding	Streets, underpasses, low lots	Pump-out, sanitizing, drying.
Basement seepage in heavy rain	Below-grade rooms	Flooded basement cleanup
Sewer backup during storms	Floor drains	Sewage cleanup
Roof leak or missing shingles	Attics, ceilings	Tarp, then ceiling repair
Wind-driven rain	Around windows and doors	Drying of walls and trim.
Fallen trees	Roofs and walls	Board-up, tarp, then repairs.

Flood water in your home? When it's safe to go in, call Laurel Dry Pros.

Call (301) 368-0221

Our flood cleanup process

Safety first. We confirm power and gas are off and the structure is sound.
Document. We photograph water lines, damaged rooms and contents.
Remove water and mud. Pumps, extractors and shovels clear water and silt.
Tear out. Materials that flood water soaked are removed, with flood cuts above the water line.
Clean and sanitize. Surfaces are washed and treated with antimicrobial.
Dry. Dehumidifiers and air movers dry framing and concrete to normal levels.
Rebuild. Repairs start after drying is confirmed.

The Patuxent River and Laurel flood history

Floods along the Patuxent are part of Laurel's story. In January 2013, the river at Laurel rose to 12.9 feet, more than three feet over its 9.5-foot flood stage. Water was released from Brighton Dam and the T. Howard Duckett Dam upstream. The city urged people near the river downtown to leave, and water rose over Route 1 near Main Street.

Most Laurel homes are not on the river. But heavy rain can flood low streets and basements anywhere. Our flood prep guide covers what Laurel residents can do before the next big storm.

Safety around flood water

Flood water hides hazards. It can carry sewage, fuel and chemicals, and it can cover broken glass, nails and open drains. FEMA advises waiting until officials say it's safe, staying away from downed power lines and wearing boots, gloves and eye protection during cleanup. Keep children and pets out of the area until it has been cleaned and dried.

Equipment for flood and storm jobs

Tool	Use
Trash and submersible pumps	Move flood water with silt.
Extractors	Clear remaining water from floors.
Pressure washers and scrapers	Remove mud from concrete.
Desiccant and LGR dehumidifiers	Dry framing and slabs.
Air movers	Speed drying after tear-out.
HEPA air scrubbers	Control dust and spores.
Tarps and plywood	Stop more water and secure openings.

What affects the cost

Depth of flood water and square footage
Mud and debris removal
Amount of tear-out and contents disposal
Drying time for framing and concrete
Roof tarping or board-up
Repairs after drying

We give a written estimate. The cost guide explains more.

DIY vs. calling a pro

A few inches of rainwater on bare concrete can be a DIY job with a pump, a wet vac and fans. Call a pro when flood water entered living space, soaked drywall or carpet, came from a river or street, or brought mud and sewage with it. Don't run fans before contaminated materials are removed, since they can spread dirt and spores.

Storm took off shingles and water's coming in? Call for tarping and drying.

Call (301) 368-0221

Flood insurance notes for Maryland

The Maryland Insurance Administration says standard homeowners policies do not typically cover flood damage. Flood coverage comes from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), private insurers or surplus lines carriers. NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period before they take effect, so buy before storm season. NFIP basement coverage is limited. It covers cleanup and items like furnaces and water heaters but not most finished basement contents.

Storm damage from wind, like a tree on the roof, is usually a homeowners claim. Report losses quickly and keep receipts for emergency work.

Local note: Low streets near the river in Laurel and the stream valleys of Bowie see the worst flooding. In Odenton and Fort Meade, the Little Patuxent River area is prone to high water. Newer townhomes in Burtonsville see storm water in basements during big downpours.

Storm & Flood Damage questions

Is flood water dangerous?

Yes. Flood water from rivers and streets is treated as Category 3 water. It can carry sewage, chemicals and debris. FEMA advises wearing gloves and boots, staying out until power is off, and keeping children away.

What's the difference between flood damage and water damage?

For insurance, flooding is water that rises from outside and covers normally dry land. Water from inside, like a burst pipe, is water damage. A standard homeowners policy does not cover flooding.

How soon should flood cleanup start?

As soon as it's safe to enter. Wet materials left more than 24 to 48 hours can start growing mold. Take photos first for your insurer.

Can flooded drywall and carpet be saved?

Usually not when flood water came from outside, because it's contaminated. Carpet, pad, insulation and drywall below the water line are normally removed. Framing and concrete can be cleaned and dried.