With the forecast calling for 7 days of atmospheric rivers over the Christmas holidays, it’s not just “a lot of rain”—it’s a serious threat to your roof, drainage, foundation, and interior finishes. Long‑duration storms like this can overwhelm gutters and creeks, saturate hillsides, and expose every weak point in a home’s exterior.

At SB Construction, we’ve helped Northern California homeowners through storm seasons just like this—tarping roofs at midnight, drying out flooded rooms, and rebuilding damaged structures once the skies clear. The good news: there is a lot you can do now, before the first band of rain arrives, to reduce risk and protect your home.



This guide is organized into three phases:

1. Before the Storm – Preparation and prevention
2. During the Storm – Safety, monitoring, and damage control
3. After the Storm – Inspection, documentation, insurance, and restoration

And throughout, remember: if you experience storm damage and need professional help, call SB Construction for Storm Repair Restoration at (530) 339‑8898 for a Free Consultation.

Before the Storm: Preparation That Protects Your Home

In the days (or hours) before the atmospheric rivers arrive, focus on anything that affects where water goes and how it gets into your home.

1. Clear Gutters, Downspouts, and Roof Valleys

Heavy, continuous rain will quickly expose any backup points.

• Clean gutters of leaves, needles, and debris.
• Make sure downspouts are free‑flowing and firmly attached.
• Verify that downspouts discharge away from the foundation—use extensions or splash blocks if needed.
• From the ground or with binoculars, look at roof valleys and behind chimneys for debris piles that can dam water.

If you see obvious roof issues (missing shingles/tiles, sagging areas, exposed underlayment), note them now. If there’s time, get a professional to inspect or provide temporary repairs.

2. Check Drainage, Grading, and Yard Water Paths

Atmospheric rivers mean sustained saturation, not just a quick downpour.

• Walk your property and look for low spots where water already tends to pool.
• Ensure soil slopes away from the foundation, not toward it.
• Check that driveways, patios, and walkways don’t funnel water directly to doors or garage entries.
• Where safe and allowed, clear debris from yard drains, culverts, and swales to allow water to pass through.

If you live near a ditch, culvert, or small creek, it’s critical not to block or constrict flow with yard waste, lumber, or landscaping materials. If you suspect a public drainage issue, notify your city/county.

3. Remove Debris From Private Creeks and Drainage (Where Legal & Safe)

For properties with private drainage channels:

• Remove branches, leaves, and trash that may snag and form a dam.
• Clear fencing or temporary structures that could trap debris in flow paths.
• Never go into fast‑moving water or unstable banks—if it looks unsafe, leave it.

If you’re unsure what you’re allowed to do in a creek or channel, check local regulations or contact your local authority before altering any major waterways.

4. Seal and Protect Vulnerable Openings

Look at areas where wind‑driven rain tends to find its way in:

• Windows and doors: Inspect weather‑stripping, caulking, and thresholds.
• Garage doors: Check the bottom seal; sandbags or flood barriers may be appropriate in known problem spots.
• Vents and penetrations: Ensure exterior wall penetrations (cable, plumbing, etc.) are sealed.

If you know you have a leaky window or door, consider temporary measures like plastic sheeting and tape as a backup until a permanent repair can be made after storm season.

5. Protect Critical Belongings and Interior Areas

Assume that some water may get in—and plan for it.

• Move valuable items, electronics, and documents off floors and away from exterior walls.
• Elevate items in basements, garages, and low‑lying rooms on shelves or pallets.
• Prepare towels, plastic sheeting, buckets, and shop‑vacs for quick response.
• If you’re in a known flood‑prone area, consider sandbags or barriers at doors and low openings.

6. Prepare for Power Outages and Access Issues

Extended storms often bring tree damage and outages.

• Charge phones, battery packs, and critical devices.
• Have flashlights, not just candles, for safety.
• Know how to safely shut off water, gas, and electricity if needed.
• Park at least one vehicle in a way that will be accessible if the driveway floods or trees fall.

7. Document Current Conditions

If major damage does occur, having “before” photos is invaluable.

• Take clear photos of your roof, exterior walls, windows, doors, and yard.
• Photograph interior ceilings and walls in key rooms.
• Save these photos somewhere backed up (cloud, email, etc.).

This documentation makes it easier to show your insurance company what was pre‑existing vs. storm‑related.

During the Storm: Stay Safe, Stay Aware, Limit Damage

As the atmospheric rivers roll through, your first priority is safety—then limiting new or ongoing damage where it’s safe to do so.

1. Monitor for Leaks and New Water Intrusion

Check periodically (when safe):

• Ceilings and light fixtures: Look for new stains, drips, or bulging drywall.
• Windows and sliding doors: Watch for water blowing in around frames or pooling on sills.
• Basements, crawl spaces, and garages: Check for rising water or seepage.

If you notice a leak:

• Place buckets or containers under drips.
• Use towels to keep water from spreading across floors.
• Move nearby furniture and belongings out of harm’s way.
• If water is near electrical outlets or fixtures, stay clear and consider shutting off circuits to that area.

2. Watch Roof and Tree Conditions From a Safe Distance

You should never climb onto a wet roof in a storm.

• Observe from inside or from the ground for missing shingles, flapping roofing, or tree limbs on the roof.
• Listen for creaking, cracking, or unusual sounds from large trees close to the house.
• If a tree or large branch falls on your home, evacuate the impacted area and call emergency services if there’s any chance of structural or electrical damage.

SB Construction can assist with emergency stabilization and tarping once it’s safe for crews to be on site.

3. Keep Drains and Walkways as Clear as You Safely Can

If conditions allow:

• Clear surface drains, yard drains, and grates from the ground when they clog with leaves—only if safe.
• Avoid going near fast‑moving water, steep slopes, or unstable banks.
• Don’t wade into standing water where you can’t see the bottom—it may conceal hazards or be electrified by downed power lines.

4. Prioritize Personal and Family Safety

If conditions worsen:

• Follow evacuation orders or guidance from local authorities.
• Avoid driving through flooded roads—even a few inches of moving water can be dangerous.
• Keep a “go bag” with basics in case you need to leave quickly.

No house is worth risking your life. Structural and finish damage can be repaired; people can’t.

After the Storm: Inspect, Document, Call Insurance, and Start Restoration

Once the worst bands of rain have passed and it’s safe to go outside, it’s time to assess and respond. Storm damage often falls into three categories:

• Roof & exterior damage
• Water intrusion & interior damage
• Structural or safety concerns

SB Construction’s Storm Repair Restoration process is built around this sequence.

Storm Repair That Brings You Home

Severe storms can cause roof leaks, structural damage, and water intrusion that threaten your home’s integrity. SB Construction specializes in storm repair restoration that focuses on both immediate safety and long‑term protection.

Step 1: Initial Walkthrough and Emergency Stabilization

Before you move anything major:

1. Walk the exterior

• Look for missing roof materials, damaged gutters, siding, fallen branches, and obvious structural changes (leaning walls, cracked foundations).
• Note any areas where water appears to have flowed heavily against the house.

2. Walk the interior

• Check ceilings, walls, windows, and floors for new stains, buckling, or soft spots.
• Look in closets and behind furniture—water often travels before showing up.
• Inspect attics and crawl spaces if it’s safe to enter.

3. Address urgent safety issues

• If you suspect structural instability, gas leaks, or electrical hazards, contact emergency services or utility providers first.
• Then call SB Construction for emergency stabilization and professional assessment.

Our Storm Repair Emergency Stabilization may include:

• Tarping damaged roofs and securing openings
• Boarding up broken windows or doors
• Installing temporary shoring if needed
• Setting up drying equipment for water‑intruded areas
• Documenting conditions immediately for insurance

Quick action here prevents additional damage and protects your home until full restoration can begin.

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company and Start a Claim

Once you’ve confirmed everyone’s safe and addressed any urgent leaks:

1. Review your policy

• Look for sections on “windstorm,” “rain,” “water intrusion,” and “flood.”
• Note your deductible and any time limits for reporting a claim.

2. Call your insurance carrier

• Report the date and approximate time the damage occurred.
• Provide a simple description (e.g., “Roof damage from wind and heavy rain causing ceiling leaks in living room and bedroom”).

3. Document the damage thoroughly

• Take photos and videos of:
• Roof and exterior damage
• Interior damage to ceilings, walls, floors, and belongings
• Any standing water or saturated materials
• Keep receipts for any emergency repairs or mitigation you pay for out of pocket.

SB Construction supports you with Storm Repair Insurance Documentation:

• Comprehensive photo records
• Detailed damage descriptions and repair scopes
• Estimates aligned with insurance requirements
• Coordination with adjusters and on‑site meetings when needed

Our goal is to help ensure your claim is properly scoped and funded so you’re not left covering major repairs alone.

Step 3: Complete Storm Repair Damage Assessment

With insurance notified, we perform a complete storm repair inspection, looking for both obvious and hidden issues:

1. Roof & Exterior Storm Damage Restoration

• Roofing, flashing, underlayment, and sheathing
• Siding, fascia, trim, gutters, and downspouts
• Chimneys, skylights, and roof penetrations

2. Structural & Framing Storm Repair Restoration

• Rafters, trusses, and roof framing
• Wall framing and sheathing exposed to prolonged moisture
• Impacts from fallen branches or debris

3. Water Intrusion & Interior Restoration

• Ceilings, walls, insulation, and flooring
• Cabinets, built‑ins, and interior finishes
• Potential moisture behind walls or under flooring

We use moisture meters and experience to identify damage that might not yet be visible but could cause mold or structural issues later if ignored.

Step 4: Removal of Damaged Materials and Structural Repair

Once the scope is agreed upon with you (and insurance, where applicable), we begin storm repair removal and rebuilding:

• Remove wet insulation, saturated drywall, and compromised flooring
• Carefully cut out only what needs to go, minimizing disruption where possible
• Repair or replace damaged framing, trusses, and sheathing to engineering standards
• Replace roofing, flashing, and underlayments as needed for a durable, weather‑tight system
• Repair or upgrade damaged electrical, plumbing, and HVAC where water has intruded

This isn’t just about “patching” what you can see. We make sure your home’s structure and systems are sound.

Step 5: Storm Repair Restoration, Finishing, and Preventive Upgrades

After the structure is secure and dry, we move into full restoration and improvement:

• Install new drywall, insulation, and interior finishes
• Repair or replace siding, fascia, trim, and exterior details
• Match existing finishes where desired—or help you choose updated materials
• Implement Preventive Upgrades During Restoration:
• Better flashing details around chimneys, windows, and doors
• Improved gutters, downspouts, and drainage paths
• More weather‑resistant materials at vulnerable points

We also focus on Mold Prevention:

• Thorough drying before closing walls
• Removal of compromised materials
• Proper ventilation and moisture control strategies

All work is brought up to current Code Updates and standards, often leaving your home stronger and better protected than before the storm.

Key Benefits of Working With SB Construction for Storm Repair

When you call SB Construction at (530) 339‑8898, you get a coordinated storm repair restoration partner, not just a patch‑and‑run contractor.

Storm Repair That Brings You Home

• Emergency Response
• Quick action to prevent additional damage and secure your home.
• Complete Assessment
• Identify all damage, including hidden issues that may not show up for weeks.
• Insurance Coordination
• Help with documentation, scopes, and adjuster meetings.
• Structural Safety
• Ensure your home is truly safe and sound, not just cosmetically repaired.
• Preventive Upgrades
• Fix the weak points that the storms revealed while we’re already in the walls and roof.
• Long‑Term Protection
• Restoration focused on durability and resilience against future storms.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait, and Don’t Face It Alone

With 10 days of atmospheric rivers on the way, today’s preparation can prevent tomorrow’s emergency. Clean your gutters, check your drainage, protect vulnerable areas, and document your home’s current condition. During the storms, prioritize safety and monitor for early signs of trouble. Afterward, inspect carefully, document thoroughly, contact your insurer, and bring in professionals.

If your home suffers storm damage—or if you’re not sure how bad it is—SB Construction is here to help you stabilize, assess, repair, and improve. Storm Repair That Brings You Home