While in the South basements are a rare sight, here in Pacific West we do enjoy our underground structures. They provide space for necessary storage of materials, boilers, heaters, important plumbing infrastructure and HVAC systems, but they also can be the source of a lot of water damage problems.
Today’s topic will revolve specifically around the issues of water damaged basements, how to prevent it, what causes it and what we can do to stop it.
Why are Basements the Most Flooded Places in a Property
If you’ve spent any time in a basement recently, it’s highly probable that you’ve sensed that there is moisture in the air, perhaps even a musty smell. Unless you’ve turned your basement into a den or a play room, chances are it’s still bare concrete with bare cement block walls.
This means that the outside world finds it easier to get in, especially if there is no hydro insulation either outside or inside. The reason why basements get flooded the most is because they see the most pipe infrastructure passing through them.
It’s also the lowest point of a property, any sort of outside flooding or pipe bursts, washing machine malfunctions or water leakages of any sort, will eventually reach the basement. Let’s not forget that water is always seeking a level position and most often that is the lowest spot.
What are the Signs of Water Damage in a Basement
The sings of water damage, especially if in large quantities can be quite visible, however, if it’s small enough, water damage can be difficult to spot. There are some tell-tale signs of basement water damage like:
- Sensation of moisture in the air;
- A musty smell;
- Dark spots on walls, ceiling or floors;
- Pools of water;
- Cracked foundations.
These are only a few of the many signs that can show that there has been or currently is a water source which is seeping into the basement.
How to Deal with Basement Water Damage
One of the ways to deal with basement water damage is to address the aforementioned points. While you can’t raise the basement and make it a non-basement, you can invest in water insulation on the walls, especially if they are dug in-foundations.
Dug-in foundations often collect moisture because of the water transfer which occurs between concrete blocks and soil deposits around the foundation. This can cause slow but steady ingress of water and condensation on the walls, leaving a nasty smell in the basement.
These are the ideal conditions for growing mold and mildew on your walls and floors, so do consider investing in a drainage system around the foot of the house or inside of the property.
There are generally several ways of dealing with water damage and those often are related to:
- Calling a professional water damage restoration company;
- Draining any excess moisture;
- Dehumidifying the space with professional equipment;
- Fixing any leaks or cracks in the walls.
It’s also possible to use concrete to deal with water damage, however, most synthetic compounds are better suited in repelling water, so think about rubberized insulation or paints on the wall.
