Redding, CA Storm Damage and Water Damage Restoration

At the northern tip of the Central Valley, Redding straddles the Sacramento River where the valley floor gives way to the Cascade foothills. Downtown sits near 495 feet, while neighborhoods to the north, east and west climb to between 550 and 800 feet. The city averages about 33 inches of rain a year, mostly from October through April, which is roughly three times what Fresno or Bakersfield receive. Summers are the other extreme, with July highs near 100 degrees and a record of 119 set on July 6, 2024.

The Restoration Job offers a free, 24/7 phone line at (888) 317-9980 for Shasta County residents. We put callers in touch with independent restoration providers serving the area; we do not perform repairs ourselves. Providers often offer emergency service, but timing varies from one company to the next.

Shasta Dam, Keswick and the Sacramento River Through Town

Shasta Dam, completed in 1945 a short distance upstream, and Keswick Dam about nine miles below it regulate the river as it passes through the city. Shasta provides considerable flood protection and can control river flows up to about 79,000 cubic feet per second, a level that was exceeded in both 1970 and 1974. Most winters, the river stays within its banks, and the bigger local problems come from heavy rain on hillsides, overwhelmed culverts and runoff from steep lots.

Storms can be long and intense. Between December 26, 2022 and January 11, 2023, the city recorded about 10.8 inches of rain. Properties on slopes may see water running toward foundations or under doors, while homes near drainage channels can see ponding. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and ask your insurer whether you need flood coverage, which is separate from a standard homeowners policy.

Wind, Falling Limbs and Roofs in Winter Storms

Winter storms can bring wind along with rain, and tall trees around homes become a hazard when soil is saturated. A limb through a roof or a damaged section of shingles can let water into an attic for hours before anyone notices. Rare valley snow adds weight: storms in December 1909 and December 1968 each dropped about 23 inches. After a storm:

• Look for missing shingles, dented flashing and water stains on ceilings
• Cover openings with a tarp only if it can be done safely from the ground or a stable ladder
• Photograph damage before any temporary repairs
• Check the attic for wet insulation, which loses its value once soaked

Storm damage cleanup usually combines emergency roof protection, removal of wet ceiling materials and thorough drying of the attic and walls.

After the Carr Fire: Rebuilt Homes and Burned Slopes

The Carr Fire of July 2018 destroyed more than 1,100 buildings in the Redding area and forced 38,000 people to evacuate, and the 2021 Fawn Fire destroyed 185 more. Homes rebuilt since then still need attention in its first wet seasons: check that gutters, downspouts and grading carry water away from the foundation, and watch for leaks at new plumbing fixtures and roof penetrations. Burned or bare hillsides shed water faster than vegetated ones, so properties below them may get more runoff during heavy rain until plants re-establish.

Hot Summers, Indoor Leaks and Drying

Overnight lows in summer can stay in the upper 70s, so air conditioners run day and night for weeks. A clogged condensate drain or a cracked drain pan under an attic unit can quietly soak ceilings. Water heaters, washing machine hoses and supply lines under sinks are the other frequent culprits in the dry months. For any indoor leak, shut the water off at the main and turn off power to wet areas. A provider handling water damage restoration will extract standing water, remove materials that cannot be saved, and run dehumidifiers until moisture readings in framing and subfloor return to normal.

Mold Risk From Wet Winters and Crawl Spaces

A wet season that lasts half the year gives mold plenty of chances. Typical spots include crawl spaces that take on water during long storms, attics below small roof leaks, and walls behind showers or sinks. Signs include a musty odor that lingers, dark spotting on baseboards or ceiling drywall, and floors that feel soft or cupped. Drying materials completely within a day or two of a leak is the most effective prevention. Once growth covers a large area or is inside walls, containment and removal by a professional is usually the safer route.