When floodwater comes through the door, the clock starts. The longer materials stay wet, the deeper the damage runs, and the more expensive the repairs become. I have walked into homes where a supply line failed in the upstairs bath, and by the time someone noticed, water had already found its way into the downstairs walls, baseboards, and the ductwork. I have also stood in living rooms after a hill country downpour, watching groundwater push through weep holes and slab cracks. Both scenes look different, but they share the same truth: speed and expertise matter. That is where a proven flood damage restoration company earns its keep.
Restoration Solutions By Elite LLC operates in and around Boerne. They combine the right equipment, the discipline of standard operating procedures, and the practical judgment you only get after seeing hundreds of losses. If you are searching for flood damage restoration near me after a pipe burst or a storm pushes water inside, you benefit from a team that arrives ready to stabilize the structure and protect your health.
Why acting within the first 24 hours changes everything
Clean water turns into a contamination risk quickly. In most homes, a burst supply line begins as Category 1 water, which is relatively clean. After 24 to 48 hours of contact with building materials, dust, and contents, that water can shift to Category 2 or even Category 3, which flood damage restoration company Restoration Solutions By Elite LLC brings higher microbial and chemical risks. Hardwood cups, laminate swells, sheetrock softens, and insulation loses R-value. The air may smell sweet or stale at first, then musty, as microbial activity ramps up.
The first day sets the trajectory. Proper extraction removes gallons you cannot effectively evaporate. Removing wet baseboards allows air to reach drywall. Strategic cuts at 2 feet or 4 feet above the floor can halt a wicking front in gypsum. If you have ever returned to a job where the first responder skipped those steps, you know how quickly hidden moisture punishes shortcuts. The following week shows it in warped trim, blistered paint, and mold spots behind furniture.
What a competent flood response looks like on site
Arrival should feel like controlled urgency. An experienced team announces a safety plan, isolates hazards, and starts documentation. You will see meters and thermal cameras before you see dehumidifiers. That is deliberate, not delay. Documentation drives decisions, and decisions drive an efficient drying curve.
The site approach, when done right, follows a practical rhythm. The team:
- Confirms safety and utilities, photographs conditions, and sets a moisture baseline with meters. Extracts bulk water quickly, then opens up construction as needed to expose saturated materials. Deploys dehumidifiers, air movers, and, where appropriate, negative air or specialty drying systems. Applies antimicrobial agents on non-porous and semi-porous surfaces that were affected, following label directions and PPE requirements. Schedules and executes daily monitoring, adjusting equipment to sustain an appropriate grain depression until materials hit target moisture.
This is not just box checking. Each step has judgment baked in. For example, saving engineered hardwood depends on plank thickness, substrate, and time wet, not just whether water touched it. Cutting drywall depends on how high capillary action carried water, the presence of insulation, and whether there is a vapor retarder in the assembly. The restorer’s experience is the difference between aggressive demolition that adds unnecessary cost and surgical removal that preserves finishes without leaving wet pockets.
Inside the drying plan: how equipment and numbers guide the work
People often ask why so many fans and such big dehumidifiers. The short answer: physics. Fast structural drying needs airflow across wet surfaces, heat within a safe range, and a humidity ratio in the space that is consistently lower than the wet materials. A tech’s tablet might show ambient conditions at 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 65 percent relative humidity at the start. With large low grain refrigerant dehumidifiers, you aim to pull the humidity ratio down, often by 30 to 40 grains per pound in the first day, then maintain a steady grain depression as materials release moisture.
Thermal imaging helps identify cold spots that hint at trapped water. Pin and pinless meters confirm whether that cold spot is actually saturated or just a draft. Daily logs record readings from the same reference points, so the team can prove progress. If a zone plateaus, the plan changes: add ducted heat, increase air changes, or open additional cavities.
On some projects, specialty mats pull moisture through wood floors to minimize cupping. On others, a negative pressure system with HEPA filtration creates a containment microclimate for a wet wall assembly. The point is not to use every tool, but to use the right tool for the structure you have.
Health considerations that homeowners undervalue
Standing water gets attention. Airborne risk often does not, at least not right away. When porous materials like drywall and carpet pads stay wet, microbial colonies can establish in as little as 48 hours. You may not see growth immediately, but spores and fragments can be present. A professional crew treats containment as more than a plastic sheet. It is a control strategy: isolate the work area, depressurize where needed, and use HEPA filtration to keep particles from moving into clean zones.
If the water came from outside after a flood, treat it as Category 3. Soil bacteria, petroleum residue from driveways, and debris ride in. That calls for removal of affected porous materials, disinfection of non-porous surfaces, and safe handling to prevent cross contamination. I have seen well-meaning owners start ripping carpet without PPE, then walk the same shoes into bedrooms. That tracks the contamination where it did not exist. A good crew breaks that chain with clean and dirty zones, bagging protocols, and wipe downs at exit points.
How Restoration Solutions By Elite LLC handles the call
Day or night, the first conversation sets expectations. You should hear a few essential questions: where is the water source, is it under control, how long has it been running, what areas are affected, and whether there are special conditions like infants, elderly residents, or immune-compromised individuals in the home. Those details shape the dispatch and initial equipment list.
On arrival, the team from Restoration Solutions By Elite LLC will walk with you, mark the wet boundaries, and discuss the initial scope. If demolition is likely, they will explain what and why before saws start. For example, if base cabinets got wet, they will talk about toe kick removal to provide airflow, when to detach and reset cabinets, and how to protect countertops. If you mention that you have a custom backsplash or a built-in fridge, they plan around that. This is your home, not a lab. Respecting finishes matters.
Their technicians follow industry standards, but they also work within the realities of Boerne homes: slab construction with tile and luxury vinyl plank, plaster in older builds near town, and plenty of attic HVAC with ceiling registers that can dump condensate unexpectedly. Familiarity with the local building stock shortens the learning curve on site.
The insurance sidebar that saves days, not hours
The insurance part of flood damage restoration services can either smooth the path or slow it to a crawl. If you carry homeowners insurance and the cause of loss is a sudden and accidental event like a pipe burst, most policies cover the mitigation and the build-back. If water entered from outside due to rising floodwaters, that is generally a flood policy issue through the NFIP or a private carrier. Storm-driven rain entry through a damaged roof falls somewhere in between, depending on policy language and the presence of openings.
Restoration Solutions By Elite LLC documents everything: initial moisture readings, daily updates, photographs before and after each phase, and itemized equipment logs. That fits the expectations of carriers and third-party administrators. Some homeowners bristle at a photo of every closet or a meter reading at each wall. Those records are the evidence that turns a claim from argument into approval. I have watched estimates shrink when documentation was weak, not because the work was unnecessary, but because the paperwork could not prove it.
If you want to help your claim, keep the plumber’s invoice that shows the repair date, take a short video of the leak or flood path before the team extracts everything, and save any damaged parts. Do not throw away anything until the adjuster says to, unless it is a health hazard. Bag and label.
Common materials, and how they respond to floods
Not all building components behave the same when wet. Knowing what can be salvaged avoids wasted money, and knowing what must go prevents hidden damage from lingering behind a fresh coat of paint.
Drywall: Standard gypsum absorbs fast. If water climbed less than a few inches and there is no insulation, you might save it with baseboard removal and targeted drying. With insulation, or if wicking runs higher, cut at least 2 feet. In Category 3 water, remove all impacted drywall outright.
Insulation: Fiberglass batt loses loft and can trap moisture against the sheathing. Replace it if wet. Spray foam responds better, but its bond can hide water behind it, which makes careful moisture mapping critical. Cellulose absorbs heavily and should be removed when saturated.
Flooring: Solid hardwood can be dried depending on plank thickness and time, though some cupping or minor crowning may remain. Engineered hardwood is less forgiving if the core swells. Laminate and MDF-based products usually require replacement. Tile over concrete often fares well, but water can migrate to the slab or underlayment; hollow-sounding tile after a flood can signal debonding.
Cabinetry: Face-frame solid wood cabinets sometimes can be saved, especially if you remove toe kicks for airflow. MDF or particleboard boxes swell and delaminate. Detach and reset is often the best bet if finishes matter and the structure allows.
HVAC: If return air ducts on the floor took water, cleaning and potential duct replacement may be in order. A post-mitigation duct cleaning and filter replacement help bring the home back to healthy conditions.
These are patterns, not rules. The restorer’s job is to evaluate on site, measure moisture content, and decide with you what to save. The best outcomes come from honest conversations that weigh cost, time, and the value of original finishes.
What you can safely do before the crew arrives
If water is still intruding, find the source and shut it off at the main. For supply lines, that is typically a valve near the street or well tank. For stormwater, create drainage paths and stop-gap barriers if you can do so safely. Turn off breakers to affected areas where water reached outlets or the panel. Lift furniture onto blocks or foil-wrapped plates to keep legs out of water. Remove loose rugs; they can stain floors permanently if left wet. Open closets and interior doors to promote air movement, but keep exterior doors closed to avoid humidity swings unless directed by the team.
Avoid using home vacuums on floodwater, especially if it might be contaminated. Do not set household fans to blast at wet drywall without dehumidification in place. That can move moisture into cavities you cannot see, setting up more mold risk. Photograph rooms before moving items, and make a quick list of obvious damage. This simple documentation, even in a few snapshots and bullet points, helps later.
What the first 72 hours of professional work feels like
On day one, you will see extraction hoses, squeegees, and a lot of towels. Cabinets might come away from walls. Baseboards come off cleanly or split. Containment plastic goes up. The noise rises as dehumidifiers and air movers spin. You will be asked about pets and kids, and someone will show you how to navigate the work area safely.
On day two, temperature and humidity should stabilize. Materials begin to give up moisture. Techs will take readings and adjust placements. If drywall was cut, you will see clean, straight lines and exposed studs beginning to dry. If specialty equipment like floor mats is in use, they will cycle suction to maintain even drying. You should see a meaningful drop in humidity ratio and material moisture content from the initial readings.
By day three, decisions become clearer: what is drying within targets, what needs additional opening, and what can be saved. If a rebuild scope is needed, the conversation shifts toward estimates, finishes, and scheduling. A fair share of jobs dry within 3 to 5 days, depending on size and severity. Larger or more complex assemblies take longer. The goal is not just dry to the touch, but dry to meter standards based on unaffected reference materials or manufacturer specifications.
Flood damage restoration Boerne: why local context matters
Boerne sits in a part of Texas that plays by its own rules. Intense, short storms can dump inches of rain in a few hours. Limestone-heavy soils manage water differently than loams, and a lot of neighborhoods blend slab foundations with grade changes. That means groundwater can sometimes show up in places a general textbook would not predict. Add in the heat, and you have an environment where unconditioned spaces build humidity fast. A restorer with local knowledge plans for these conditions.
For example, garages with water heaters often share walls with conditioned space. A tank relief or a failed flex line can wet the common wall and migrate under bottom plates. Without an experienced eye, a crew might dry only the garage side, then leave a wet cavity behind the laundry room cabinets. Similarly, attics here often have HVAC air handlers. A blocked drain pan during a storm power outage sends water down interior chases. Tracking that path requires an understanding of common framing layouts in local builders’ plans.
Beyond drying: odor control, cleaning, and rebuild
Proper drying gets you out of crisis. Finishing the job returns your home to normal. Odor control matters because moisture events leave more than water behind. Microbial byproducts, tannins from wood, and residue from Category 2 or 3 water need removal, not just fragrance. HEPA vacuuming, surface cleaning with appropriate detergents, and, when necessary, sealing of structural materials prepare the space for reconstruction.
Rebuild should not feel like an afterthought. Good companies schedule carpentry, drywall, paint, flooring, and cabinet work with the same discipline they applied to mitigation. You will make choices: match original finishes or take the chance to upgrade. Keep in mind lead times for flooring and stone can range from a few days to several weeks. The earlier you pick materials, the faster the put-back moves. A practical target for many projects is to begin rebuild within a week after passing drying verification, assuming materials are available.
What sets a capable flood damage restoration company apart
Most companies can unload a dehumidifier. What separates the reliable from the rest is communication, documentation, and discipline on site. You want a team that calls before they arrive, explains what will happen that day, and leaves the job tidy, even if the space is under plastic. You want to see moisture logs and understand what those numbers mean in plain language. You should feel like an informed participant, not a bystander.
Ask about training and certifications, but also ask about tenure. A tech who has seen three dozen losses learns patterns that classes cannot teach. Ask for references in your neighborhood. Local homeowners can tell you whether the crew respected their property, stuck to timelines, and followed through after the check cleared.
When to insist on a mold assessment
If the water has been present for more than 48 hours, if you smell persistent musty odors, or if the loss involved Category 3 water, consider a third-party mold assessment, especially for sensitive occupants. In Texas, mold assessment and remediation follow state rules that separate the assessor from the remediator. That separation protects you by creating checks and balances. A reputable restorer will not push back on outside assessment. They may even recommend it when conditions warrant.
A homeowner’s compact checklist for the first day
Use this only to keep yourself organized. Your restorer will handle the technical work, but these few actions help.
- Stop the source, shut off water or address openings if it is safe to do so. Call your restoration company and your insurer, document the time and details. Photograph affected areas before major changes and keep receipts for emergency expenses. Move irreplaceable items to a dry area and elevate furniture where possible. Keep family and pets out of affected zones, and avoid running HVAC if returns or ducts are wet.
Why Restoration Solutions By Elite LLC is a smart call locally
A flood event is not a time to audition multiple vendors. You want a company that answers the phone, explains your options without jargon, and shows up with a plan. Restoration Solutions By Elite LLC checks those boxes for Boerne homeowners. They know the area, understand the local building mix, and have the equipment to handle both small, contained leaks and large-loss storm intrusions. Their work aligns with the standards insurers expect, which helps you avoid claim friction.
I have watched their crews pull a kitchen out in a morning and have the space stable by evening, with clean cuts and labeled cabinet parts ready for reset. I have also seen them slow down when a homeowner’s heirloom buffet sat two inches into the wet zone, coordinating with a refinisher instead of dragging it onto a tarp. Those choices matter. They reflect a mindset that treats restoration as both a technical and a human service.
Ready to talk with a pro
Contact Us
Restoration Solutions By Elite LLC
Address: 32990 I-10 C, Boerne, TX 78006, United States
Phone: (844) 333-3200
If you are searching for flood damage restoration near me, do not wait for tomorrow. Even an after-hours assessment can prevent a small problem from becoming a big one. Whether it is a burst line behind the fridge or stormwater creeping across the slab, a steady, experienced team protects your home and your timeline.
A final word on prevention that actually works
No one can stop every flood, but a few practical steps make a difference. Replace rubber washing machine hoses with braided stainless. Inspect your water heater annually and note any moisture around the base or pan. Install a simple leak sensor under refrigerators with built-in lines and at the base of sinks. Clean gutters and confirm downspouts send water several feet from the foundation. If you travel, shut off the water at the main or use a valve control with a shut-off sensor. None of this is glamorous, but it costs far less than rebuilding a kitchen.
When the unexpected happens, pick a flood damage restoration company that treats your home with care and urgency. Restoration Solutions By Elite LLC brings both to every job, paired with the tools and judgment to see it through. In a crisis, that combination is what gets you from soaked floors and sleepless nights back to normal life.