Indicators of Basement Water Damage

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

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

Many homeowners find their basements to be an enjoyable area of their homes. Whether it’s kept bare for something as simple as extra storage or finished and furnished for some extra living space, a basement can be a versatile utility area.

But the fact that basements are dug into and under the ground creates an inherent risk of water damage inside, and the risk is even greater once you consider that water leaks in other parts of your home often find their way into the basement.

There’s no guarantee that you will or won’t encounter a basement water emergency, but the risk is high enough that you should make yourself aware of the common ways to identify potential damage. Let’s look at a few below.

Top Signifiers of Water Damage in Your Basement

Unpleasant, musky odors. There’s a certain smell that many people associate with basements or underground areas, but it’s really an indicator of a wet area. Water that seeps in turns bacterial and toxic, making your area not only damp, but odoriferous. This smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment, and while you may not see any mold yet, the smell is a giveaway that it’s already growing.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. Many homeowners paint their basements, whether they’re finished basements or cinder block areas, and some apply waterproof paint, trying to head off potentially problematic water leaks. But paint or no, waterproof or no, water will find its way through if there’s a leak. Cracks, bubbles and flakes in your paint are a telltale sign that water is coming through from somewhere.

Foundational cracks. Cracks in your foundation are not normal, even though houses do shift over time. Cracks can show up inside in the floor, the ceiling or in your walls as well, indicating that your house frame is applying uneven pressure, possibly caused by a cracked foundation. Hairline cracks are no cause for alarm, but they should be treated immediately if they get larger.

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.