By Earl Carr, Jr., President of Gulf 52, Hammond, Louisiana
In Louisiana, storm season brings more than just strong winds and power outages. Water, in all its forms—rain, runoff, surge—poses a major threat to both residential and commercial structures. While attention often focuses on wind-related destruction, it’s water damage that creates long-lasting and costly consequences. Preventing water intrusion requires proactive planning, consistent maintenance, and a systems-based approach to identifying vulnerabilities before the rain ever falls.
Stormwater doesn’t discriminate. It finds the smallest cracks, the most vulnerable seals, and the lowest elevation. Once inside, it compromises foundations, ruins materials, and creates conditions for mold and structural rot. Preventing this kind of damage isn’t about reacting during the storm—it’s about building a layered defense strategy that addresses how water enters and exits a property under stress.
The roof serves as the first line of protection. A roof in good condition sheds water efficiently. A damaged or aging roof becomes an open invitation. Shingles must be intact and sealed, flashing should be checked for gaps or corrosion, and vent boots must be tightly secured. Roof penetrations, such as skylights or satellite mounts, often degrade over time and need resealing or reinforcement. Regular inspections, especially before hurricane season, allow these weak points to be addressed in advance.
Gutters and downspouts direct water away from the structure. When clogged with leaves or debris, they overflow, sending water directly to the base of the building. Downspouts that are too short or poorly positioned allow water to collect near the foundation, saturating the soil and increasing the chance of seepage into basements or crawlspaces. These systems must be cleared and extended to carry water at least five feet away from the perimeter.
Ground slope—or grading—plays a critical role. If the soil slopes toward the structure instead of away from it, water will naturally follow gravity and pool against the walls. Over time, this pressure can breach the foundation. Simple regrading or installing French drains can redirect water flow and reduce accumulation near the building. These measures are particularly important in low-lying areas common throughout Southeast Louisiana.
Doors and windows also need attention. Weather stripping can degrade quickly in this climate. Caulking around frames may dry out or crack, allowing rain to find its way inside. Wind-driven rain, especially during tropical systems, pushes moisture horizontally into places not normally affected during light rainfall. All exterior openings should be sealed properly and inspected annually.
Structures with basements or below-grade components benefit from sump pump systems. These systems are designed to remove water that accumulates beneath the home. However, they require regular testing to ensure functionality. A power outage during a storm renders an electric-only pump useless, so battery backups or generator tie-ins are highly recommended. Discharge lines must be cleared and routed away from the structure to prevent recirculation of the water just removed.
Utilities and mechanical systems should not be left exposed at low elevations. HVAC units, electrical panels, and water heaters placed near the ground or in basements are highly susceptible to water damage. Elevating these systems or protecting them with waterproof enclosures can prevent expensive losses and reduce the need for emergency replacement after a flood.
Foundations often have small cracks that seem harmless but become pathways for water under pressure. These cracks must be sealed using hydraulic cement or polyurethane-based products. Any penetration points—such as pipes, wiring, or conduit—should be double-checked for tight seals. Even minor openings become major liabilities in saturated conditions.
For areas prone to flooding, temporary water barriers like sandbags or water-filled tubes can provide short-term protection. These methods are not substitutes for permanent drainage solutions but can offer useful defense during an active event. They are most effective when deployed in conjunction with long-term planning such as elevated construction, improved drainage, and proper site selection.
Interior preparation also plays a role. Valuable items should be moved off the ground and stored on higher shelves or in sealed containers. Flooring materials such as carpet, which retain moisture and encourage mold growth, are poor choices for ground-level rooms in flood-prone areas. Tile, concrete, or sealed wood options are more resilient and easier to clean after exposure.
Another preventive step is documentation. Photographing the property before a storm, especially critical systems and high-risk areas, provides a visual record that can be used to support damage assessments and insurance claims later. Digital storage of important records, including policies, plans, and warranties, ensures they’re accessible if physical copies are lost or damaged.
Water damage isn’t limited to what’s seen. Moisture can linger behind walls, under flooring, and inside insulation. It leads to rot, mold, and long-term structural degradation. Addressing it after the fact is far more costly and disruptive than preventing it with a consistent, year-round strategy.
Preparedness is not a one-time event. It’s a system of regular inspections, maintenance, and improvements designed to reduce the impact of natural events that are inevitable in this region. Storms are unpredictable, but a property’s readiness doesn’t have to be.
Minimizing water damage during storms is achievable. It starts with treating the home or business as a system—and ensuring that every part of that system is ready to stand up to the next round of rain, wind, and rising water.
