Water damage help in Charleston, SC
- Areas: the Peninsula, West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island
- 15 ZIP codes covered
- Free referral, no obligation
Homes in Charleston and how they leak
The historic peninsula is known for its Charleston single houses, many of them centuries old, with wood framing, plaster and raised foundations. West Ashley and James Island have mid-century ranch houses on crawl spaces. Newer homes on Johns Island and Daniel Island are often elevated. The humidity keeps crawl spaces damp year-round.
Local issues that cause water damage
Tidal and rain flooding
High tides back up the storm drains, so heavy rain at high tide has nowhere to go. The October 2015 storm dropped more than a foot of rain in parts of the area. See flood cleanup.
Hurricanes and tropical storms
Hugo in 1989 was the benchmark, and Matthew in 2016 and Irma in 2017 both brought damaging storm surge. See hurricane water damage.
Crawl space moisture
Warm, humid air condenses on cool ducts and floor framing under the house. Over time it rots joists, cups wood floors and feeds mold.
Common calls in Charleston
Hurricane water damage
Storm surge, wind-driven rain and roof loss after tropical storms.
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Storm and flood cleanup
Rising water, flash floods and water driven in by storms.
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Crawl space drying
Standing water and damp framing under the house.
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Mold remediation after water damage
Mold that grows when wet materials don't dry in time.
Learn more →Also available: emergency water damage steps and all water damage services.
Charleston at a glance
- State
- South Carolina
- County or area
- Charleston County
- Neighborhoods
- the Peninsula, West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, Daniel Island
- ZIP codes covered
- 29401, 29402, 29403, 29406, 29407, 29409, 29412, 29413, 29414, 29417, 29422, 29424, 29425, 29457, 29492
- Who does the work
- Independent local restoration companies
Questions from Charleston homeowners
Saltwater flooded my Charleston home. Is cleanup different?
Yes. Floodwater from tides and surge is treated as contaminated, and salt corrodes wiring, fasteners and appliances. Affected materials usually need removal, and electrical components should be inspected.
Does my homeowners policy cover hurricane damage in South Carolina?
Wind damage is usually covered, often with a separate hurricane or named-storm deductible. Storm surge and flooding are covered only by flood insurance.
Why are my wood floors cupping when nothing has leaked?
The cause is often moisture rising from the crawl space. A restoration company can measure humidity and wood moisture under the house and recommend drying or encapsulation.
Other cities we cover
See how South Carolina's weather, housing and rules affect water damage on the South Carolina page.
Water damage in Charleston?
Call and we'll connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your ZIP code. Free, no obligation.