After the storm in Sanibel: board-up, tarps, and drying

Storm damage we see in Sanibel

As a low or barrier location, Sanibel takes both surge and wind. After a storm we secure openings with metal panels, extract water that came in, and dry walls and floors before mold starts.

Sanibel is a barrier-island city reached by the Sanibel Causeway, known for the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge and its shell beaches. Ian washed out sections of the causeway in 2022. The U.S. Census Bureau's 2018–2022 American Community Survey estimates about 6,420 residents in Sanibel. The median year of construction is about 1983, so many homes were built before Florida's post-2002 hurricane building-code updates. Sanibel is on a barrier island exposed to Gulf storm surge and wind-driven rain. Recent hurricanes have pushed water into ground floors and low streets.

Documentation for your insurer

After a hurricane, wind and flood claims often go to different insurers. We keep the documentation separate so each adjuster gets what they need. You stay in control of your claims.

Stay safe first

• Take photos of the roof, openings, and every wet room.
• Call your insurance company and write down the claim number.
• Move valuables out of wet rooms.

Our storm response

1. Board up broken windows, sliders, and doors with metal panels.
2. Tarp damaged roof sections to stop more water getting in.
3. Pull standing water out of the building.
4. Cut out wet materials that will not dry in place.
5. Set air movers and dehumidifiers and track moisture readings until dry.

Sanibel by the numbers

Roughly 53% of housing units are held for seasonal or recreational use; storm damage is often found days later by a neighbor or manager. The Census Bureau's 2018–2022 American Community Survey puts Sanibel at about 6,420 residents. Location: roughly 21 miles southwest of Fort Myers in Lee County. About 35% of units are in buildings with 10 or more units, so wind-driven rain gets in around sliders and windows on upper floors.

Other services in Sanibel

• Water damage in Sanibel: extraction, structural drying, and moisture mapping.
• Mold remediation in Sanibel: containment, HEPA filtration, and removal under Florida license MRSR4195.
• Fire and smoke in Sanibel: board-up, soot and odor cleanup, and drying of firefighting water.
• Emergency tarping in Sanibel: temporary roof cover to stop water until a roofer repairs it.
• Commercial restoration in Sanibel: water, mold, and fire restoration for businesses, rentals, and associations.
• All services in Sanibel

Neighboring communities

• Captiva storm damage
• St. James City storm damage
• Punta Rassa storm damage
• Iona storm damage
• Lee County