Wet basements are smelly, humid, and overall just unappealing. A basement with water damage can also cause more extreme damages to your home’s value, and structure. Also, if you are not checking your basement for excess moisture on a regular basis, the environment will promote mold growth throughout the area.
The Most Common Signs Of Water Damage In Your Basement
Surface Discoloration and Visible Texture Changes
Many of these signs may be misconstrued as a sign of aging, however, these signs should never be ignored. Peeling paint is also a huge sign that there is water damage occurring in the basement of your home. Discoloration on the flooring, walls, or ceilings should be inspected by a water damage restoration professional as soon as possible. If the damages are left untreated, the water will begin to deteriorate the drywall, plaster, wood, and other structures in your basement.
Cracks or Warping in the Flooring
Cracking is one of the biggest signs of water damage in a basement, however, there are also a few other damages that may occur due to water. The flooring may sink, swell, or warp if there is water damage occurring in the basement. If the floor has sunken in, this may mean there is a damaged foundation. If the floor is swollen, this means the material that makes up the flooring has begun to absorb water, which can lead to warping of hardwood.
Mold & Odors
For mold to grow in a basement, the spores need organic material, like wood, and constant moisture. Basements can grow quickly if provided the right environment, so it’s important to treat basement water damage as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth.
Basements are very susceptible to odors, however, if there is a constant strange odor there might be water damage in the basement. If you notice the smell, you should check for other signs of water damage (listed above). If you cannot identify any other damages, we suggest having a professional water damage technician inspecting the property.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Basement Water Damage?
- Hot Water Tank Malfunctions
- Leaking HVAC Systems
- Sump Pump Malfunctions
- Basement Sewage Backups
- Leaky or Burst Pipes
- Improper Drainage Systems
Our Top 3 Tips To Prevent Basement Water Damage
Repair Any Gaps or Leaks
If you notice water leaking into the basement through any cracks or gaps, we suggest repairing the openings with caulk or hydraulic cement. Please note: repairing the gaps on your own is only suggested for minor leaking. If the damage is more extreme, seek professional help.
Pumping Out Any Water
If you are having issues keeping water out of your basement due to excess rain and other storm damages, you will need to pump the water our of the area through the interior of the basement. We suggest installing a sump pump if the water damage is located in a single area. If the water is flooding the entire basement, you may need to create an interior drainage system. This involves the installation of a pipe system around the perimeter of the basement that drains into a collection tank. From there, a sump pump will pump the water outside and away from the property. If you cannot extract the water on your own, you should contact a professional immediately.
Practice Proper Gutter Maintenance
You should clean your gutters regularly and check to make sure the downspouts are positioned properly and are pointing away from the foundation. You may also consider using a downspout extension as an extra safety precaution. The extension should move the water at least three feet away from the foundation of your home.