If you live in Lake County, you already know how unpredictable storms can be. One minute it’s just windy and rainy and the next your roof’s leaking, your floors are squishy, and your house smells… off. Not fun.
At West Coast Fire & Water, we’ve helped hundreds of neighbors across Lake County bounce back from storm damage. And the biggest mistake we see? People wait too long to check for water damage.
Water doesn’t always shout for attention. It sneaks in quietly and causes expensive damage before you even realize it. So let’s break down exactly how to tell if your home took a hit during the last storm and what to do next after storm damage in Lake County.
Why Water Damage Can Be a Big (and Sneaky) Problem
It’s easy to ignore water damage, especially when you don’t see flooding. But trust us, even a little moisture can lead to major headaches like:
- Mold (which can pop up in just 24–48 hours)
- Warped wood, soggy drywall, and soft floors
- Electrical risks hiding behind walls
- Insurance claim issues if you wait too long to report it
If you think, “Well, I don’t see any water, so I’m good,” you could be missing something serious.
Signs You Might Have Water Damage
Keep an eye (and nose) out for these clues after a storm hits:
Stains or Spots on Ceilings and Walls
See yellowish marks or rings on the ceiling or walls? That’s water trying to say, “Hey, I’ve been here!”
That Funky Damp Smell
If your house smells like a wet basement, even if everything looks dry, moisture could be hiding somewhere out of sight.
Floors That Feel Weird
Got wood or laminate floors that suddenly feel bouncy, warped, or soft? Water might have gotten underneath.
Bubbling or Peeling Paint
Water can push paint and wallpaper right off the wall. If you see bubbles or flakes, it’s time to check deeper.
Mold Spots
They may start small, little black or green dots, but they spread fast. Where there’s mold, there’s moisture.
Walls That Feel Soft
Give your walls or baseboards a gentle press. If they feel mushy or crumbly, water’s likely been there.
Ceiling Leaks or Drips
Look up, especially in attics. Rain that sneaks past your roof shingles can cause leaks, even days after the storm.
Ducts Blowing Smelly Air
If your HVAC system starts blowing musty air or making weird noises, storm water might have gotten in there too.
Why Locals Trust West Coast Fire & Water
We’re not some national chain. We live and work right here in Lake County and we’ve been doing this for nearly a decade. From the Woolsey Fire to wild winter storms, we’ve helped families, schools, businesses, and even tiny campers recover from serious damage.
Here’s why people call West Coast Fire & Water first:
- We’re available 24/7
- We’re fast. We can get to you quickly when time matters most.
- We do everything from initial cleanup to full reconstruction.
Our Storm Damage Services (Yep, We Handle It All)
If you’ve got storm damage in Lake County, chances are we’ve seen it and fixed it. Here’s what we offer:
Emergency Help
- Water extraction and removal
- Roof tarping and board-ups
- Temporary fencing
Cleanup and Drying
- Structural drying with industrial equipment
- Mold inspection and removal
- Air purification and odor control
Full Restoration
- Rebuilds and reconstruction
- HVAC and duct cleaning
- Contents restoration
Whether it’s a dripping ceiling or a soaked crawlspace, we can help from start to finish.
Don’t Wait, Storm Damage Gets Worse Over Time
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make? Hoping the problem will just go away.
But here’s the truth:
- Water doesn’t dry itself out completely.
- Mold doesn’t wait.
- And insurance doesn’t cover everything if you delay.
If you even think you might have storm damage in Lake County, it’s worth getting a pro to check things out.
Want Peace of Mind? Let’s Take a Look
You don’t have to figure this out alone. At West Coast Fire & Water, we offer free storm damage inspections, and we’ll walk you through every step.
📞 Give us a call at 888-617-3786 today or contact us online to request an inspection.
We’ll show up, check for hidden damage, and help you decide the best next move.
