Flood damage cleanup in Gilbert is the removal of storm and runoff water from a home or business, followed by tear-out, sanitizing and drying. Flood cleanup differs from a pipe leak cleanup, because outside flood water is Category 3 black water under the IICRC S500 standard. Category 3 water carries soil, bacteria, fertilizer and sewage. Monsoon damage cleanup is the most common type of flood work in Gilbert, and Arizona's monsoon season runs from June 15 to September 30. Porous materials touched by flood water, such as carpet, pad and the bottom of drywall, are removed rather than dried. Mold starts to grow on wet materials in about 24 to 48 hours.
Gilbert Water Damage Restoration connects you with a local restoration company for flood and monsoon cleanup. Call the 24/7 line to reach a crew, or send a free estimate request.
Why monsoon storms flood Gilbert homes
Monsoon storms drop heavy rain in a short time. Microbursts, hail and dust storms come with them. Gilbert's desert soil and caliche absorb very little of that rain. Caliche is a hard, cement-like layer of calcium carbonate in Arizona soil. Rain that does not soak in turns into fast runoff. That runoff pools against stem walls, slab edges, garage doors and patio slider tracks.
In and around Morrison Ranch in east Gilbert and the San Tan Ranch area in south Gilbert, monsoon flooding repeats when storm drainage cannot keep up. Water stands around foundations for hours in these areas. Water that sits against a stucco wall finds gaps at the weep screed, door thresholds and utility openings.
How flood damage cleanup works
Flood cleanup is a process with a fixed order. Each step reduces the health risk before the next one starts.
- Make it safe. The crew shuts off power to wet areas and wears gloves, boots and respirators.
- Pump and extract. Pumps and extractors remove standing flood water and mud.
- Tear out porous materials. Carpet, pad, wet insulation and the bottom of drywall are cut out and bagged.
- Clean and sanitize. Hard surfaces, framing and the slab are cleaned and treated with an antimicrobial.
- Dry the structure. Air movers and dehumidifiers dry framing and concrete to normal readings.
- Rebuild. New drywall, baseboards and flooring go in after the structure tests dry.
This sequence follows the same stages as the general full restoration process, with extra tear-out and sanitizing for Category 3 water.
What gets removed after flood water?
Usually removed
- Carpet and carpet pad
- Drywall and insulation up to a cut line above the water mark
- Particleboard cabinet bases and vanities
- Upholstered furniture and mattresses that sat in the water
- Paper goods, cardboard boxes and soft toys
Usually cleaned and kept
- Concrete slab and stem walls
- Ceramic and porcelain tile, after cleaning
- Wood studs and framing, after sanitizing and drying
- Solid wood and metal furniture
- Glass, metal and hard plastic items
Flood water and sewage carry the same contamination, so crews use similar safety steps for both. The page on sewage backup cleanup explains Category 3 handling in more detail.
Does insurance cover monsoon flood damage?
Standard homeowners policies generally do not cover surface flooding from storms. Monsoon runoff that enters through doors and walls usually needs a separate flood insurance policy. A flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program usually takes effect about 30 days after purchase. Wind or hail damage that opens the roof and lets rain in is often handled under the homeowners policy instead. Coverage rules differ between policies, so check your policy and call your agent before tear-out starts. Take photos and video of the water line, the damaged items and the outside of the home.
The cost of flood cleanup depends on the square footage, the depth of water, the tear-out height and the drying days. Our page on restoration cost guide lists these factors. The local pro gives a written estimate after inspection.
Mold risk after a monsoon
Monsoon weeks raise indoor humidity in Gilbert homes. Wet drywall and framing left behind after a flood grow mold fast in warm, humid air. Crews check behind baseboards and inside cut walls for growth before they rebuild. If you see spots or smell a musty odor after a storm, read about mold remediation.
How to protect a Gilbert home before the next monsoon
Grade soil away
Soil and rock should slope away from the foundation on every side. Planter beds built against the wall trap water at the slab edge.
Extend downspouts
Downspouts and roof scuppers should drop water several feet from the foundation, onto a splash block or into a drain line.
Clear yard drains
Yard drains, scupper openings in block walls and street gutters clog with gravel and debris. Clear them before June 15.
Seal low entry points
Check door sweeps, garage door bottom seals, slider tracks and stucco cracks. Sun wears these seals out quickly in Arizona.
Get flood damage cleanup in Gilbert
Gilbert Water Damage Restoration is a referral service that connects you with an independent local restoration company. Read the overview of water damage restoration in Gilbert, or call the 24/7 line now to reach a flood cleanup team for your address.