Hurricane Ida Damage Restoration

Hurricane Ida's devastating impact on this Mandeville oak door in August 2021 included wind-driven rain penetration, structural warping, and water damage to the bottom rail that had led to early rot formation.

The homeowner contacted us six months after the storm, frustrated with insurance delays and multiple failed repair attempts by other contractors. Our hurricane damage restoration expertise proved crucial in salvaging this solid red oak door that would have cost $3,000 to replace with comparable quality.

The restoration began with comprehensive moisture assessment using professional meters to ensure all water damage was properly identified and addressed.

Structural repairs included carefully removing the damaged bottom rail, milling a replacement piece from matching red oak, and using traditional joinery techniques to seamlessly integrate the new wood.

The warping required specialized straightening techniques using controlled moisture and pressure over several days in our climate-controlled workshop. All hardware mounting points needed reinforcement due to screw pull-out during the storm, requiring professional wood repair techniques and upgraded fasteners.

The refinishing process included deep penetrating stain to match the aged appearance of the original wood, followed by our most durable marine-grade finish system specifically chosen for its hurricane resistance.

We documented the entire restoration process for the homeowner's insurance claim and provided a detailed maintenance plan to maximize the door's storm resistance for future hurricane seasons.