Living and building in Southeast Louisiana comes with a unique set of challenges. One of the biggest is water—lots of it. Between heavy rainfall, high groundwater, and rising flood zones, homes in this region are under constant pressure from moisture. Whether it’s a seasonal storm or a slow, creeping rise in the bayou, water always seems to be looking for a way in. The job of any builder or homeowner is to make sure it doesn’t find one.
Weatherproofing a home in the Gulf region starts with understanding where the risks come from and how to manage them. It’s not about making a house waterproof in the way a submarine is sealed—it’s about choosing construction methods and materials that can handle exposure, drain properly, and recover quickly when necessary.
Start at the Ground
Elevation is the first and most important defense. In areas like Slidell, Chalmette, and LaPlace, homes built even just a few feet higher than the base flood elevation see a significant reduction in flood-related claims. Building on piers, raised slabs, or elevated foundations gives water somewhere to go that isn’t through the front door. It also gives homeowners peace of mind during those long nights when the rain won’t let up.
Once the house is off the ground, drainage comes next. Water should always be directed away from the home. Proper grading of the land around the structure, paired with a network of French drains or swales, keeps moisture moving out and reduces the risk of pooling at the foundation. For homes in flatter areas where gravity needs a little help, sump pumps and underground discharge systems can keep things flowing in the right direction.
Use the Right Materials
Flood-prone areas call for flood-resistant materials—plain and simple. Flooring options like sealed concrete, ceramic tile, or luxury vinyl tile are less likely to warp or grow mold if water gets in. Carpeting and untreated wood tend to absorb water and trap moisture, leading to damage that’s hard to see until it’s too late.
Walls and insulation need attention too. Closed-cell spray foam and rigid foam boards resist water much better than traditional fiberglass insulation, which can act like a sponge. For drywall, moisture-resistant gypsum board is available and performs better in high-humidity areas. In places where the risk is higher—like basements or first floors in flood zones—cement board or other water-durable paneling might make more sense.
In kitchens and bathrooms, materials like PVC trim, marine-grade plywood, or stainless steel for cabinet bases can stand up to moisture and be cleaned more easily if needed. These upgrades might cost a little more on the front end, but they reduce the risk of having to gut an entire space after even a minor water event.
Protect the Roof and Openings
A roof is only as good as its weakest seam. In hurricane-prone areas, roofing systems need more than shingles—they need high-performance underlayments, properly installed flashing, and hurricane clips or straps to keep everything anchored. Choosing a metal roof or impact-resistant shingles adds another layer of durability when storms hit hard.
Around the edges of the home, doors and windows are key pressure points. Impact-rated windows can resist both flying debris and water infiltration, and elevated thresholds or water barriers at entry points can keep runoff from making its way inside. Foundation flood vents can also be used to relieve water pressure by allowing floodwater to pass through crawlspaces rather than pushing against the walls.
Garage doors are often overlooked in storm preparation, but they represent one of the largest openings in most homes. Reinforced garage doors, preferably rated for high winds and pressure, reduce the risk of the door collapsing inward during a storm and letting in rainwater.
Elevate Critical Systems
In any home, mechanical systems like electrical panels, air conditioning units, and water heaters should be installed as high as feasible—especially in flood zones. Electrical outlets and switches can be positioned a foot or more above standard height in at-risk areas to protect against water intrusion.
In older homes or during major renovations, relocating critical systems to upper floors or even to attic spaces can offer protection against water damage that might otherwise knock out utilities and appliances. Backup generators and battery storage units, increasingly common in hurricane country, should also be positioned above expected flood levels.
Plan the Landscape
It’s not just the house—what’s around the house matters too. In Southeast Louisiana, landscaping can either help manage water or make it worse. Water-tolerant plants, gravel pathways, and permeable surfaces reduce runoff and allow more natural absorption. Avoiding traditional mulch or heavy soil buildup near the foundation helps prevent moisture from staying too close to the walls—and also helps keep termites away.
Trees should be trimmed, roots monitored, and overhead limbs managed with storm safety in mind. What might look like shade in the summer can become a liability during a hurricane or tropical storm.
Retrofit When Necessary
Many homes across Louisiana were built long before current building codes took flooding into account. But weatherproofing isn’t just for new construction. Retrofitting older homes with better drainage, moisture-resistant materials, and elevated systems can dramatically improve their ability to stand up to high water. It’s often not about major reconstruction—it’s about making strategic improvements that offer long-term protection.
The Bottom Line
Building and maintaining homes in the bayou means accepting the reality of water—and planning around it. Weatherproofing is not just a checklist of upgrades; it’s a long-term strategy that combines elevation, materials, drainage, and foresight. When the next flood or storm hits, preparation makes all the difference between damage and durability.
The water will rise again. The question is whether the house is ready for it.
