Orlando has experienced three major storms in the past 20 years. Our certified teams have dealt with all of them. The region has had water damage problems. These are mainly from hurricanes. Karst limestone also causes drainage issues. We have experience with insurance challenges related to named storms as well.
Orlando frequently experiences Atlantic hurricanes. These storms form east of the city. They are weaker when they reach the area but still cause major issues. Extra rainfall is common during these events. A hurricane can drop rain in large amounts, up to 20 inches, over two short days. Regular homes cannot manage large floods well. Water enters damaged roofs, window cracks, and clogged drains.
Hurricane damage here has primarily been documented from three storms:
Central Florida hurricanes often lead to a common mistake by insurance adjusters. They classify wind-driven rain damage as flood damage, which can deny an entire claim. The issue centers on this crucial distinction.
Rain enters the house through openings caused by wind or hail damage to the roof or windows. Standard homeowners' insurance covers this. Documentation of the entry point is critical.
Flood damage can be caused by water rising from the ground. Sources include storm surge, overflowing drainage, and runoff. It requires separate NFIP flood insurance. It is not covered by a standard HO-3 policy.
DryGuard's hurricane records describe where water got in and the wind damage it faced. It also outlines the path the water took as it migrated from that entry point. This documentation helps distinguish between successful and denied insurance claims.
After a hurricane, most restoration jobs here in Orlando take 1 to 3 weeks just to dry everything out. Full rebuilding usually takes 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the severity of the damage. After a storm, equipment and crews in Central Florida can be hard to find. This leads to more delays. We plan for that ahead of time. We set aside a reserve of equipment specifically for post-storm situations. This way, when a storm like Milton hits, we're not left waiting for air movers like everyone else.
A typical Florida homeowners policy, known as HO-3, does not cover flood-related problems. Water can enter your home through gaps created by a damaged roof or a broken window. Strong winds can make this happen. For that, you need separate flood insurance through the NFIP. You should also know about your hurricane deductible. The deductible is usually 2 to 5% of your home's insured value. For an Orange County home, this could be $8,000 to $20,000 or more. And if your home sits in a FEMA flood zone, there's one more thing to watch for. FEMA rules say you must rebuild your whole house if repair costs pass half its market value. This requirement exists to comply with flood regulations.
DryGuard has responded to water damage in Orlando through three hurricane seasons. Local knowledge, IICRC certification, insurance-ready documentation from hour one.
