After a storm surge, deciding what can be cleaned and what needs to be replaced might feel overwhelming, but with the right knowledge, it becomes much easier. Understanding how different materials respond to water can guide your decisions, helping you restore your home to be safe, strong, and resilient for the future. FEMA/NFIP Technical Bulletins 2 & 7 provide clear guidance to support you through the process.
Materials to Keep
The good news is that many sturdy materials can be cleaned and restored after a flood. Concrete blocks, concrete, ceramic tile, and terrazzo are designed to resist water damage, making them ideal for homes in flood-prone areas. With proper drying and disinfection, these materials can often be reused without compromising the structural integrity of your home.
After a storm, thoroughly dry out these surfaces and clean them to remove any contaminants. Once done, you can move forward with confidence, knowing the core of your home remains intact.
Materials to Replace
For certain materials, replacing them is the best choice to prevent future issues. Items like drywall (sheetrock), fiberglass or cellulose insulation, wood cabinetry, and laminate flooring are porous and absorb water, which can lead to mold growth and deterioration over time. While replacing them may seem like a big step, it ensures your home remains safe, healthy, and durable in the long term.
Remove the drywall or sheetrock at least 1 foot above the high water mark to ensure all moisture is addressed. For efficiency, it’s best to remove it at heights of 4 feet or 8 feet, as these match standard drywall sizes and make replacement easier.
It may take several weeks for the wood wall studs to completely dry.
In addition, electrical systems and HVAC units exposed to floodwaters should be carefully inspected by a licensed electrician. Saltwater, in particular, can cause significant damage to these systems, and in many cases, replacement is the safest option to avoid potential hazards down the road.
By replacing these vulnerable materials and assessing your home carefully, you’ll be taking important steps toward a safe and resilient recovery.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Making informed decisions about what to clean and what to replace ensures your home is restored in the best possible way after a storm surge. With the guidance from FEMA and NFIP, you can approach the process with clarity and confidence, knowing that each step helps build a stronger, safer future for your home.
The following list is based on guidance from FEMA/NFIP Technical Bulletin 2. It provides general recommendations and may not cover every material or finish found in a home.
List of Materials to Keep
Resistant to floodwater damage from wetting and drying, and may be successfully cleaned after a flood to render them free of most harmful pollutants. Materials may be exposed to and/or submerged in floodwaters in interior spaces.
- Cement board/fiber-cement board
- Clay tile, strucural glazed
- Concrete
- Concrete block
- Non-paper-faced gypsum board (drywall/sheetrock behind tile)
- Water-resistant, fiber-reinforced gypsum exterior sheathing
- Marine-grade or preservative-treated or exterior grade plywood
- Composite or plastic or fiberglass lumber without wood fiber or sawdust (typically used for decks and balconies, also for window & door frames)
- Stone, including natural or artificial veneer
- Wood trusses, rafters, headers, beams, wall studs (structural solid wood including 2×4 and similar lumber)
- Cabinetry and furniture made of metal
- Ceramic and porcelain tile
- Metal and fiberglass doors
- Glass and glass block
- Insulation – closed cell spray foam (underside of roof) and rigid insulation board (interior side of concrete block walls)
- Terrazzo
List of Materials to Replace
May be resistant to clean water damage, but not floodwater damage. May not be able to be successfully cleaned after floods. The materials or the adhesives may not survive the wetting and drying associated with floods. May restrict drying of the materials they cover.
- Paper-faced gypsum board (typical drywall/sheetrock on walls and ceilings)
- Plywood not listed above, and all OSB
- Composite lumber with 50% sawdust or wood fiber
- Wood I-joists, OSB panels (the OSB will swell and not return to original shape)
- Wood trim, especially made from hardboard (baseboards, etc)
- Cabinetry and furniture made from wood or particle board
- Upholstered furniture
- Wood doors
- Insulation – fiberglass or cellulose – batts, blankets, or blown (the fluffy stuff)
- Vinyl tiles or sheet flooring over wood subfloor
- Wallpaper
- Flooring – wood, engineered wood, plastic laminate
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