Kick-R said:
Right, south side is going to be crazy in the next two weeks once water recedes. Does the damage get significantly worse when water sits in homes for that log, or is it about the same?
Yes, damage gets much more extensive, for both time and depth. This is just my experience from building houses in Houston years ago, and following some Hurricanes and rogue Tropical Storms.
Generally, anything the water touches will need to be removed and replaced.
Assume 2-3' deep, just for grins:
In general, wiring to all plugs (@ 14") must be re-pulled. You will have to bleach and clean all exposed framing and wood - to stop Black Mold and bacteria. Replace all wall insulation, and also check exterior sheating behind brick, replace all siding and trim exposed to the water (Vertical = replace whole sheets). You may also consider replacing the meter can and breaker box
For 1 - 2 days (minimum demo, IMO)
- All carpet, padding, wood floor removed and replaced. Tiled areas may need to be replacing, grout may be discolored.
- Sheetrock @ 4' level, bottom run removed (they invariably run it horizontally)
- All cabinets, countertops, door & base, window trim. Exterior doors & frames - Steel may be ok, but FG may discolor and wood is toast.
- Tiolets & Tubs may survive, but replace the seats for sure
- A/C Condensor (O/S unit). And definitely don't run it whilst doing this hot sweaty work - it will spread stuff all through the system
- Check all studs for warping (it will show up after you re-sheetrock)
For > 3 days , in addition to above:
- Water will have climbed up insulation & sheetrock - strip all walls
- Ceiling sheetrock will be saturated - remove it and all insulation
- Mold and water damage to framing may be more extensive,
- A/C Ductwork, minimum, possibly the air handler unit as well.
- I suggest you consider replacing all brick and Stucco. Some of the sheathings used do not survive time very well, and water will completely destroy them.
For many houses, complete teardown may be required. Yes, this is pessimistic, but it doesn't take long, or very much water, to introduce rot into the wood. And black mold is more durable than Cockroaches. It's not just about a house you are rebuilding, it's your long - term health prospects as well.