Calera's name comes from the Spanish word for quarry, a nod to the limestone that drew industry and the railroad here before the town incorporated in 1887. It is also, fittingly for a page about water, home to the National Weather Service office that issues forecasts and warnings for central Alabama, on Weathervane Road near the Shelby County Airport. The city straddles the Shelby and Chilton county line along I-65 and has grown quickly, from about 11,600 residents in 2010 to nearly 16,500 in 2020.
That mix of historic downtown buildings and new subdivisions means a wide range of water problems. Calls to The Restoration Job's free 24/7 line at (888) 317-9980 are connected with an independent restoration provider that serves Calera. We are a referral service only; the companies you are connected with do the work.
How the call works: when you call (888) 317-9980, The Restoration Job connects you with an independent restoration provider that serves Calera. That provider inspects the damage, explains the scope and quotes the work. The Restoration Job doesn't perform restoration itself. Read our referral disclosure.
Fifty-Five Inches of Rain a Year at the Weather Service's Doorstep
Calera averages about 55 inches of precipitation a year, delivered by everything from slow winter rain to spring squall lines and summer downpours. The forecasters who track those storms work right here, and their warnings are worth heeding: when NWS Birmingham issues a flash flood or severe thunderstorm warning for Shelby or Chilton County, that is the time to clear gutters, move cars off low spots and bring in anything wind could throw into a window.
Most storm-related water damage in town comes through the roof or around windows and doors. Once shingles lift or flashing pulls loose, water can run inside for hours before anyone sees a stain. Getting the opening covered and starting water damage restoration promptly limits how far it spreads into insulation, ceilings and walls.
Newer Homes in a Fast-Growing City
Calera added nearly 5,000 residents between 2010 and 2020, and many of them live in recently built houses. Newer houses are not immune to water damage; they simply fail differently. Common problems include:
- PEX or supply-line fittings that let go behind a wall or under a sink.
- Water heaters installed in attics or upstairs closets that leak through ceilings below.
- Clogged air conditioning condensate drains during humid months.
- Ice maker and dishwasher connections that drip slowly into cabinets and subfloor.
- Grading that has not settled yet, letting runoff reach slab edges and garages.
On slab-on-grade homes, water spreads under flooring and into the bottom of every wall it touches. Moisture meters and thermal imaging help a crew find how far it went before they decide what to remove.
Older Masonry and Wood in Downtown Calera
Calera's older core includes buildings such as the Calera Presbyterian Church and the Cowart Drug Store, both dating to 1885, along with the rail heritage celebrated at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. Older brick and plaster buildings hold moisture differently than modern drywall construction. Plaster can be dried in place more often, but brick and mortar absorb water and release it slowly, and original wood floors can cup or buckle if dried too aggressively.
For historic or older structures, ask the provider how they plan to dry the materials and whether anything can be saved rather than replaced. Water damage repair on these buildings often calls for a slower, more careful approach.
Muggy Chilton and Shelby County Summers After a Leak
Calera has a humid subtropical climate with hot, muggy summers. After a leak, that humidity keeps materials from drying naturally, and mold can begin growing on wet drywall, carpet pad or wood within a day or two. Rooms closed off without air conditioning after a storm power outage are particularly at risk.
Professional drying uses dehumidifiers to pull moisture out of the air and materials, with daily readings to confirm progress. If growth is already visible, containment and removal of affected materials is the standard approach rather than painting or spraying over it.
Two Counties, One Checklist
Because the city crosses the county line, check whether your address is in Shelby or Chilton County when looking up flood maps or county alerts. Shelby County residents can sign up for ShelbyALerts through the county emergency management agency. In either county, the FEMA Flood Map Service Center shows whether your property is in a mapped flood zone. Before cleanup starts, shut off water and power to affected areas, photograph everything, and contact your insurer. Neighboring Alabaster and Calera are often covered by the same providers.
Areas In and Around Calera
The same line also serves nearby communities such as:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calera in Shelby County or Chilton County?
Both. Calera straddles the line between Shelby and Chilton counties. Most city services, including building permits for repairs, go through the City of Calera, but county emergency alerts and some property records depend on which side of the line you are on. Confirm your county before signing up for alerts or searching county records.
Why does a new home in Calera have water damage?
New construction can have water problems from loose plumbing fittings, attic water heaters, AC condensate drains and drainage around the slab that has not been fully addressed. These leaks are often hidden behind walls or under flooring. If you notice warped flooring, staining or a sudden jump in your water bill, have the area checked with a moisture meter.
Should I wait for the storm to pass before calling about roof leaks?
Stay safe first, and do not climb onto a roof during a storm or high wind. You can call (888) 317-9980 at any hour to be connected with a provider and get on their schedule. In the meantime, move belongings away from the leak, catch dripping water and take photos for your insurance claim.