subject: Preventing Water Damage In Your Basement [print this page] Preventing Water Damage In Your Basement Preventing Water Damage In Your Basement
Basements are common additions to many houses, usually starting life unfinished or partially finished, they can easily be transformed into storage areas, additional living spaces, or recreational areas. When finishing a basement, there is considerable expense involved, which can be viewed as quite a risk considering that basements are more prone to water damage than any other area of your house.
In fact, a recent study concluded that 98% of all basements will suffer some form of water damage at some point during their existence. This is not surprising since basements are the lowest lying area of any structure coupled with the fact that water likes to run downhill. Your basement is target zero for any water that cannot be absorbed or cleaned up in time.
Water damage in your basement can also be very dangerous, since there are electrical wires and boxes running throughout the walls. Water and electricity do not mix, even a little bit, so it becomes a combination that you want to avoid.
There is no way to completely waterproof your basement, but there are steps you can take to prevent problems and cut down on the damage if it does occur. It has often been said that the best defense is a great offense, and this applies to the protection of your home as well.
You should be proactive in the inspection of your basement for anything that may cause problems. Look for leaking pipes, broken window seals, or cracks in your foundation wall that may allow access to your basement by groundwater. Repair any problems you discover immediately. Leaving them unchecked will inevitably result in major problems later on.
You may also want to do some research, looking to see if there is a history of flooding in your area and if so how much. This may help you determine how much water you might have to deal with. With that information, make adjustments in your basement as necessary, elevated valuables, appliances, and electrical outlets to a level above the projected waterline. This isn't a guaranteed result, of course, but it is a place to start.
You should also examine the exterior of your home, as there are a number of problem areas that could make life difficult. First of all, examine the landscaping surrounding your house, and make sure that it slopes away from your house for a distance of no less than ten feet. Ground can only absorb so much water, and once that limit has been reached, the excess has to go somewhere. If the water is going to run, you want it to run away from your house.
Check the gutters and downspouts as well, making sure they are clear and free of obstructions. You can buy screens to go over your gutters to keep out dead leaves and other debris. Your downspouts should properly channel all water away from your home. If they do not, add the additional extensions that may be necessary.
If all else fails and you do end up with a flooded basement, take proper precautions to secure the area. First, find the source of the flooding and shut it off if possible. Turn off all utilities to the damages area, and under no circumstance should you walk through or work in flood water while electricity is still on. It is highly recommended that you shut off electricity at the circuit box, as this will prevent the power from suddenly coming back on when you least expect it.
Of course if the damage is of considerable size, you will want to contact a water damage professional. Your local IICRC certified company will be available 24/7, with a full staff, the latest in water damage equipment, and offer a complete range of services, from water extraction and drying, carpet cleaning and mold removal, to structural repair and restoration.
Call today for a free estimate or phone consultation.
