Preventing Basement Water Damage by Knowing the Signs | SERVPRO® of Macon

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Macon is a full restoration company. Our team of experts are on call and ready to help you determine best course of action.

If you have a home with a basement or are considering buying one, you are likely quite familiar with just how beneficial they can be. Unfinished basements are fantastic storage areas and provide shelter from threats of severe weather, and if you are able to finish your basement, it adds quite a bit of living space onto the home.

While there are many beneficial elements to having a basement, it is important that homeowners are aware of their potential drawbacks, too. Water damage often has its way of working into basements and causing issues, and if left untreated, these can become serious problems.

Fortunately, by knowing the sign of basement water damage, homeowners can tackle the problem quickly and mitigate any issues that may arise.

What to Watch for in Your Basement That May Indicate Water Damage

Unpleasant, musky odors. The water that leaks into a basement is often clean water, but that does not mean that musky odors can’t still develop. Water leads to mold and mildew growth, and as the water evaporates and leaves the bacteria behind, a musty odor can develop. Oftentimes, this odor is the very first thing that homeowners notice when they have water damage on their hands.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. We frequently see well-intentioned homeowners paint cinderblock walls or flooring in their basement as a tactic to prevent water damage, but unfortunately, this just serves to mask the issue temporarily. If there is an underlying issue causing water to seep in, paint will only temporarily provide a buffer. Eventually, it can begin to peel, crack and bubble due to the water damage working its way in underneath.

Foundational cracks. As a house shifts and settles over time, it is normal for some hairline cracks to develop throughout the basement. These cracks are tiny and of no concern, usually. However, if there are cracks running along the ceiling, the walls or the floor that are larger than a hairline, that may be an indicator that a serious water damage issue is lurking under the surface.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today  to learn more.