W.G. Yates & Sons worked quickly when Hurricane Ike damaged 20 historic properties in Galveston, relying on its relationships with nationally recognized remediation companies and its network of qualified venders to start work before extreme water infiltration took its toll. The buildings, most of which are on the National Register of Historic Places, had between 4 and 8 ft. of standing contaminated seawater associated with the post-hurricane storm surge. Yates Construction was on the island two days after the storm hit to begin repair efforts.
Each of the buildings were badly destroyed on the ground floors. Many had damage to the historic clay tile roofs and damage to upper floors from high winds.