The Toll of Severe Flooding on Miami Homes

Most of the damage done to Miami homes this hurricane season was caused by flooding. Water came crashing through Miami homes, not only causing damage to carpets, flooring, cabinetry and utilities, but also to foundation pilings and structural beams.

Water moving at 10 mph can exert the same amount of pressure on Miami homes as 270 mph winds. When this pressure pushes against the side walls of the foundation of Miami homes, the houses’ structure may be weakened. Meanwhile, the “foundation pilings, which resemble telephone-poles and are driven at least 10 feel into the ground, can be compromised by weakened soil caused by the effects of water, especially if they were in poor condition to begin with.”