Can original hardwood floors in an old Southport home be saved?

Sometimes. If drying starts quickly, specialized floor-drying systems can pull moisture out of hardwood without removing it. Boards that stay cupped or buckled after drying may need sanding, refinishing or replacement.

Is storm surge damage covered by homeowners insurance?

Storm surge is generally considered flooding, which standard homeowners policies exclude. It's covered by flood insurance. Wind damage that lets rain in is usually handled under a homeowners or wind policy. Check with your agent.

What should I do if my home flooded for the first time?

Document all the damage, file claims with your insurers, remove wet porous materials and dry the structure quickly. Then check whether your flood coverage is adequate, since extreme rain can flood homes outside mapped flood zones.

How long does drying take in an older home?

Commonly several days, sometimes longer for plaster walls, hardwood floors and crawl spaces. A good crew measures moisture daily and stops only when materials reach normal levels.

Water Damage Restoration in Southport, NC

Common causes of water damage in Southport

Storm surge along the waterfront and yacht basin, as during Isaias in 2020
Extreme rainfall, like the more than 19 inches that fell on Southport in September 2024
Roof and window leaks from hurricane winds and wind-driven rain
Older plumbing in crawl spaces under historic homes
AC condensate leaks and water heater failures

Storms and flooding in Southport

During Hurricane Isaias in 2020, up to three feet of storm surge flooded the ground floors of businesses around the yacht basin, and a tornado damaged buildings across the waterfront and inland streets. Florence in 2018 washed out roads, left the city without power and water for days, and trapped about 30 residents when Bethel Road washed out. In September 2024, an unnamed coastal storm dropped more than 19 inches of rain on Southport, one of the heaviest totals from a storm that the National Weather Service described as extremely rare.

Storm surge and floodwater are contaminated, and saltwater leaves residue that keeps drawing moisture. Porous materials it touches are usually removed. Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flooding from rising water, so check whether you have a separate flood policy.

Drying older homes

Historic homes dry differently from newer ones. Plaster holds water longer than drywall, and original wood floors can sometimes be dried in place with specialized equipment if drying starts quickly. Crawl spaces under older homes often need standing water pumped out, wet insulation removed and the space dried before the rest of the house will stay dry. Ask the crew how they'll protect original materials, and if exterior repairs are needed in the historic district, check with the City of Southport before permanent work.

First steps for Southport homeowners

Stay clear of water near outlets, cords or the electrical panel.
Shut off the main water valve. In older homes it's often in the crawl space.
Take photos and video before anything is moved.
Move valuables, documents and photos to a dry area.
Call for help, then call your insurance company.

How water damage restoration works

The crew finds the source, maps how far the water spread with moisture meters, extracts standing water and removes materials that can't be saved. Dehumidifiers and air movers run for several days while moisture is monitored, until the structure is dry enough for repairs.

Get help in Southport

Dry Coast Restoration connects you with a vetted local restoration crew, often same-day. Call (910) 807-3573 or use the form above. For the full process, see our water damage restoration guide.

More help in and around Southport

Nearby: Leland, Carolina Beach, Wilmington · All service areas