Preventing Water Damage from Basement Floods

Updated 5/6/22.

After a basement flood, you might ask: Is water damage repairable? Some forms of water damage are certainly easier to fix than others, which can make the entire process more complicated for the people who are trying to restore their damaged homes as quickly as they can.

Water damage is capable of causing more problems by itself. Untreated water damage can lead to both mold and mildew. People who are concerned about future problems with flooding might research the possibilities associated with a water damage insurance policy. They might live in areas that are relatively prone to flooding. You might also just worry about the implications of water damage, especially when it comes to your home’s foundation.

Contacting a professional flood damage restoration service can immediately help you prevent long-term water damage from getting even worse. You should look at the flood damage insurance claim list in advance. Understanding your insurance and what is and is not covered by the policy can only help you. The water damage insurance definition might not change, but some forms of insurance provide more coverage than others.

Basements are a necessary part of many homes. In the northern states, the basement provides shelter during hazardous weather conditions. In other parts of the state, it provides additional living space for smaller homes. It can also increase the storage space for many homes, with many basements having built in storage closets and shelving units. However, with all of the benefits that basements provide homeowners, they can also cause problems. Basements are often built under ground, making them high risk for flooding and water damage.

Homeowners should look for any signs of leaks or cracks regularly. Noticing and fixing a crack or leak early on can prevent large amounts of water damage from occurring. A basement crack repair can often be an easy repair, much easier than cleaning up excess water from a basement flood. Minor cracks should be consistently monitored, fixing them when they get worse. If your foundation has cracks wider than one fourth of an inch wide, or if you have stair step cracks in blocks or bricks, you should take measures to fix it.

Basement waterproofing services can be an important step in preventing costly water damage in a basement. In addition to regularly checking for basement cracks and leaks, basement waterproofing services can minimize the amount of damage done from a basement flood. You may be surprised to learn that most homes will experience some type of water damage. In fact, of all homes with basements, over 98% will experience some type of water damage.

Homeowners with basements can take other precautions to prevent excessive water damage to their basements. Proper placement of outdoor plants can prevent excess water from draining into the basement. Proper blocking methods should also be used to prevent large amounts of rainfall or melted snow from entering the basement. Basement water leaks can come from a variety of sources.

Many homes may experience minor water floods or basement leaks when it rains. This is actually a great way to find a leak. It is a great opportunity to check that the sealing of the crack was treated properly. Most rainfall floods do not cause a lot of damage, because of the limited amount of water, but they are important to pay attention to.
Some homes may also be more prone to basement floods. Most basements are built underground, but only some of the home?s main living areas are built under sea level. Homes that are located under sea levels of local oceans or lakes are more prone to flooding. Basement waterproofing services can help protect the items you store in your basement when the flooding does occur.

When a flood does occur, it is important to take the necessary steps to completely sanitize and remediate the water damage. Excessive water damage can quickly lead to more dangerous of conditions, such as mold growth. If you experience a basement flood, remove any organic items such as bedding, towels and upholstery that have been damaged by the basement flood. If they do not dry within 48 hours, throw them away because they will start to mold. Basement waterproofing services can help with things like the carpet and the basement furniture from growing mold.

Most basements will experience some amount of water damage at some time. Homeowners should focus on preparation and prevention of excess water damage, rather than on simply avoiding the flood. Homeowners should focus on repairing any cracks and holes when they become a specific size, moving outdoor plants further away from the home, ensuring there are proper draining methods and waterproofing the basement. When a flood does occur, it is crucial to take the appropriate measures to effectively clean the entire basement, to prevent mold from growing.