Storm Damage Restoration in Raleigh, NC
Storm damage restoration means protecting a property right after a storm, removing water and debris, drying the structure and repairing what the wind, rain or a falling tree damaged.
The Triangle gets strong thunderstorms every summer, occasional tornadoes, ice storms in winter and the remains of hurricanes and tropical storms in late summer and fall. Storms bring down trees and limbs, tear off shingles, break windows and push rain into roofs, walls and crawl spaces. Lightning can start fires. You can’t stop the weather, but a fast response after the storm limits how much damage follows.
What to Do After a Storm Damages Your Home
- Stay safe. Keep away from downed power lines and don’t walk through water near anything electrical. Report downed lines to the power company.
- Check for leaks. Look at ceilings, attic and walls for water coming in.
- Take photos of the roof, siding, windows, fallen trees and any water inside before cleanup starts.
- Call for emergency protection. Call (984) 205-1439 so we can tarp the roof and board up openings before more rain gets in.
- Call your insurance company to report the damage.
Storm Damage Services in Raleigh, Cary & Apex
Storms often cause several kinds of damage at once: a tree on the roof, water in the attic and a flooded crawl space. Our team handles all of it, so you aren’t coordinating several contractors.
Emergency Roof Tarping
A tarp over the damaged area of the roof is the fastest way to stop more water from getting in. We secure tarps so they hold up until the roof can be repaired.
Board-Up
Broken windows and doors are covered with plywood to keep out rain, animals and intruders.
Tree and Limb Removal
We remove trees and large limbs that fell on the house and haul away storm debris so repairs can begin. Once the weight is off the roof, we can see the full extent of the damage.
Water Removal and Structural Drying
Rain that came through the roof or windows soaks insulation, drywall and floors. We extract the water and dry the structure with dehumidifiers and air movers to prevent mold.
Ceiling and Roof Leak Water Damage
Wet attic insulation and stained or sagging ceilings are some of the most common storm problems. We remove wet insulation and drywall, dry the framing and repair the ceiling.
Flooded Basements and Crawl Spaces
Heavy rain can push water into basements and under the house. See our flood damage cleanup page for how we pump out and dry these areas.
Wind and Lightning Damage
Wind damage to siding, gutters and roofing and fires started by lightning are repaired as part of the same job. For fire damage, see our fire damage restoration service.
Storm Damage We See in the Triangle
- Summer thunderstorms: sudden heavy rain, wind gusts, lightning and hail that damage roofs and push water through windows and doors.
- Hurricanes and tropical storms: long periods of rain and wind that bring down trees and overwhelm gutters and drainage.
- Tornadoes: concentrated wind damage to roofs, siding and windows, and flying debris.
- Ice storms: falling limbs, broken power lines, ice dams on roofs and frozen or burst pipes.
Signs of Hidden Storm Damage
Some storm damage doesn’t show up until days later. Check for:
- water stains or new cracks on ceilings
- damp or compressed attic insulation
- missing, lifted or creased shingles
- dents in gutters, downspouts and siding
- musty smells in the attic, basement or crawl space
- doors and windows that suddenly stick
If you see any of these, we can check the area with moisture meters and thermal imaging.
Preparing Your Home Before Storm Season
- clean gutters and make sure downspouts carry water away from the foundation
- trim dead branches and limbs that hang over the roof
- test the sump pump if you have one
- know where your main water shut-off and electrical panel are
- take photos of your home and belongings now so you have a record if you ever need to file a claim
Full List of Storm Damage Services
- emergency roof tarping
- board-ups
- tree and limb removal
- storm debris cleanup
- water removal
- structural dry out
- ceiling water damage repair
- basement flood restoration
- content packing and storage
- fire damage repair after lightning
- repairs and reconstruction
Our Storm Damage Restoration Process
Call 24/7
(984) 205-1439
Our process starts with your first call. You talk to a real person who asks about the damage so the crew arrives with the right equipment. We’re typically on site within about 60 minutes.
- Make it safe and stop further damage. We tarp the roof, board up openings and find any water still coming in.
- Contain the water. If there is flooding, we keep it from spreading to dry areas of the house.
- Remove water and dry. Extraction equipment, dehumidifiers and air movers dry the structure. We track moisture readings daily.
- Clean up debris. We remove fallen limbs, broken materials and storm debris inside and out.
- Clean and sanitize areas reached by water.
- Repair. We repair water damage, wind damage and any fire damage, then finish the small details so your home is returned to its pre-storm condition.
Storm Damage Cleanup vs. Storm Damage Repair
Cleanup is the emergency work right after the storm: tarping, board-up, removing trees and debris, and getting water out of the house. Repair is what comes next: replacing damaged drywall, insulation, ceilings and flooring, and fixing the structure. Some companies only do one or the other. We handle both, which keeps the job moving and gives you one point of contact for your insurance company.
Does Insurance Cover Storm Damage?
Wind, hail and fallen-tree damage are often covered by homeowners policies. Rising floodwater from outside usually needs separate flood insurance. We work with all insurance companies and can help you document and file your claim. Photos and records from the first visit help adjusters see what the storm caused.
Hurricane and Tropical Storm Damage
Raleigh is far enough inland to avoid storm surge, but hurricanes and tropical storms still bring days of heavy rain and strong wind to the Triangle. After a big storm, demand for help goes up fast. Call as early as you can, even if you only need a tarp at first.
Storm Damage to Commercial Property
For businesses, we focus on getting the building secured and dried so you can reopen as soon as possible. See our commercial restoration page.
Why Choose Water Damage Pros NC
- 24/7 emergency response
- IICRC-certified, fully licensed and insured
- Tarping, cleanup, drying and repairs from one team
- Help with the insurance claim
- Water Damage Pros NC has served the Raleigh area since 2021, led by owners with over a decade of restoration experience, with offices in Raleigh and Greensboro.
Storm Damage Repair Near Raleigh
Outside Raleigh, we also provide storm damage repair in Cary, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Wake Forest, Rolesville and Youngsville.
Storm Damage FAQ
How fast can you tarp my roof after a storm?
We’re available 24/7. We’re typically on site within about 60 minutes in the Raleigh area, though response can take longer right after a major storm when many homes are damaged.
Should I wait for the insurance adjuster before starting cleanup?
No. Policies generally expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage. Tarping, board-up and water removal can start right away. Take photos first.
Can you remove a tree from my house?
Yes. We remove trees and limbs that fell on the structure, then tarp and repair the damage.
My ceiling is leaking after a storm. What should I do?
Put a bucket under the leak, move belongings away and stay out from under any sagging area. Call us so we can stop the leak at the roof and dry the ceiling and attic.
Does storm damage cause mold?
It can if water inside the house isn’t dried quickly. Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours on wet materials.
What if water got into my crawl space during the storm?
Standing water and wet insulation under the house should be removed and dried quickly. Left alone, they raise humidity in the whole home and can lead to mold and wood rot.
Can lightning damage my home without a fire?
Yes. Lightning can damage wiring, appliances and plumbing, and it can crack chimneys and roofing. Have an electrician check the wiring after a strike.
Do you repair storm damage in rental properties?
Yes. We work with landlords and property managers to secure units, dry them out and get them repaired so tenants can return.
Do you handle storm damage for businesses?
Yes. We work on commercial buildings, offices and rental properties as well as homes.