If you have ever had the disaster of a flooded basement, you know how much time and money it takes to clean up the mess. If you haven’t had a wet basement, count your blessings. There are many homes that haven’t been waterproofed and in most cases, it is only a matter of time before they experience some type of water damage. Many insurance policies don’t even cover damage or clean up caused by flooding. The problem is too common for the insurance companies to remain profitable, so they don’t usually cover flood damage on a standard homeowner’s policy.
The most important thing to do if you get water in your basement is to immediately begin working on getting it dried up and cleaned. It may not seem like a wet basement is really a big deal, especially if your basement is unfinished. The truth is a wet basement can cause a lot of damage to the structure of your home, along with any belongings that may be stored in the basement. The physical health of you and your family are also in danger if your basement is wet.
The longer a basement is left with water or high moisture content, the costlier it will be to repair and remediate the damage. Even if you jump on the problem as soon as it happens, the wet carpet will probably have to be torn out and thrown away. Replacing the damaged carpet is usually cheaper than trying to thoroughly clean it. Damaged drywall and woodwork will have to be torn out and replaced. If any electrical systems were touched by the water, it would be a good idea to have it inspected and then replaced, if it is damaged. You don’t need a fire or accidental electrocution due to water damaging wiring or breaker boxes.
Even if the water seems to be clean, it can quickly become contaminated with chemicals or bacteria. The bacteria can cause serious health problems and no one needs to deal with that. If bacteria begins to grow, you will have to have the area decontaminated, adding to the cost, hassle, and time of cleaning and repairing your flooded basement. Most experts state that bacteria growth can begin in less than 24-48 hours, so you don’t have a very big window to dry up any water that may be in your basement.
Groundwater or flood waters can be very dangerous and should be treated carefully. Try to limit any direct exposure to the water to minimize the chance of bacteria or other contaminants causing you health issues. We can’t express how very important it is that you have flood-damaged basements decontaminated and sanitized by a professional outfit. Until it is sanitized, it is unsafe to enter the area. A basement that isn’t properly dried out will be the perfect home for mold and pest infestations. The mold can damage furniture and any wood structures. Pests like ants and termites can also damage belongings and woodwork. Over 50% of the air you breathe in your home comes from the basement, so if there is mold there, you and your family are in danger of breathing in the mold spores, causing a wide variety of health issues, some serious.
Rotted wood supports endanger the structure of your home. Joists and beams can weaken, causing floors to sag or even collapse. If the structural integrity of your home is compromised, the costs and time to have it repaired and to make your home safe again are exponentially higher.
There are many causes of basement flooding:
A professional company, like Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing, can help prevent your basement from flooding. You can do some things like making sure your gutters are clean and the downspouts are draining away from the foundation. Other things take an expert like sump pump installation, crack repair, foundation repair, interior and exterior waterproofing, and dehumidifier installation.
If you notice flooding or pooling water, water stains, water damage, rotting wood, musty odors, or other signs of a wet basement, make sure you contact someone you trust for basement wall repair and basement waterproofing. Keeping your home safe and stable is important, along with keeping your family safe and your home’s value strong. Contact us today to learn more about what Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing can do for you.