Indicators That Your Basement Has Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton is a full restoration company. Our restoration experts are on call and ready to help you determine the best course.

Purchasing or living in a home that has a basement is a great option for many families. Basements provide extra storage, supplemental safety from severe weather threats and can even add to the square footage of your home if they are finished living spaces.

Overall, a basement is a wonderful asset—but it is important that homeowners know how to care for it.

While many basements will last the lifetime of a home without water damage incidents, it is vital that homeowners understand what could possibly happen in case there are issues in the future.

Understanding what to look for early on will help you catch any water damage before it balloons into a major issue, making it much easier (and cheaper) to handle. If you do ever notice any of these indicators of water damage, it is important to contact us right away.

What to Watch Out for in Regard to Basement Water Damage

Unpleasant, musky odors. The majority of water damage incidents we see in basements involves “clean” water (i.e. rainwater or runoff), but even still, the water can become unpleasant and murky over time. As the water evaporates, it can leave behind a pungent odor that many people find to be synonymous with basements that is a result of mold and mildew developing at the site.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. There is a common misconception that painting a water damaged area will help “seal the water in,” but unfortunately, this is not the case. While paint can mask water damage for a time, it does little more than cover up the issue. Eventually, paint will begin to flake, bubble, crack or peel as evidence of the water damage that is actively occurring underneath.

Foundational cracks. As a home settles and shifts with weather and age, it is not uncommon for small cracks to develop throughout the home. As long as these remain hairline cracks, there is no cause for concern. However, if larger cracks develop on walls, ceilings or in the floor that is a sign that there is potentially water damage and you should have someone come take a look right away.

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.