New Orleans sits on average six feet below sea level, surrounded by Lake Pontchartrain, the Mississippi River, and marshlands that provide minimal natural drainage. Storm systems stall over the metro area because the Gulf of Mexico's warm waters fuel prolonged rainfall events that overwhelm pump stations designed in the 1920s. Properties in the bowl between the river and lake experience flooding from rainfall accumulation even without hurricane storm surge. This geographic reality means storm damage mitigation must address both wind-driven rain penetration and groundwater intrusion through foundations built on compacted river silt that shifts during saturation events.
Effective storm damage restoration in New Orleans requires familiarity with construction methods spanning three centuries. We understand the differences between Creole cottage foundations, raised shotgun homes, and modern slab construction. This expertise determines appropriate drying techniques that prevent additional structural stress on piers and beams. Our team maintains relationships with Orleans Parish inspectors who enforce elevation requirements and substantial improvement thresholds under local flood ordinances. We understand how Louisiana's valued policy law affects total loss determinations and insurance settlements for older structures common throughout historic neighborhoods.
