Basement water damage is a serious issue that can cause a lot of damage to a home. If not properly addressed, it can lead to costly repairs, health issues, and even structural damage to the home. Knowing what to look for and how to address potential water damage is essential for any homeowner.
That said, the pointers below may just help you along the way.
Having Water Damage in Your Basement
Detecting the onset of water damage is the initial stage in restoring a structure. That said, you may have to take note of the following in mind:
- Wet carpets and walls are often the first indicators of a water problem in a basement
- Condensation
- Pipes bursting or otherwise malfunctioning in the plumbing system or appliances leaking water
- Seepage and external water ingress
These are the most frequent culprits behind damp basement walls and soggy carpets. On the other hand, the following are some of the more typical signs of water damage to the drywall and carpet in your basement:
- Dampness
- Brown spots caused by mold
- Overpowering smells of mold or must
- Stains that range from yellow to brown
Health Issues Caused by Mold
There is a spectrum of symptoms associated with mold allergy, from very instantaneous to gradually worsening. Some people with asthma are also allergic to mold, and this might trigger an attack. Both mold-allergic and non-allergic individuals can experience respiratory, skin, and eye irritation after being exposed to mold. In such a case, the mold allergy symptoms often include:
- Dry, scaly skin
- Itchy throat or a cough
- Itchy, runny, or stuffy nose
- Postnasal drip
- Watery or itchy eyes
Allergic reactions from asthma caused by mold can include:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Tightening of the chest
- Wheezing
The Structural Water Damages
Water damage from a flooded basement can be very costly to repair.
Structural deterioration may seem like a small issue at first glance. Even though a door or window that is somewhat harder to open might not seem like a big deal, it could be a symptom of more serious damage. Unseen damage can cause serious problems in the home over time, endangering your health and safety. Other indicators of structural degradation include:
- Cracks in the foundation
- Cracks in wood structures
- Damaged or corroded wires, pipes, and gas lines
- Hard to open doors and windows
- Rust developing in or seeping out of cracks
- Wet electrical circuits or outlets
- Wet insulation
There are a number of potential causes of structural damage to your home, the most common of which is water intrusion. If the foundation or load-bearing walls of your house (or any building) are damaged, the structure will be severely compromised.
Signs of serious structural damage include doors and windows that don’t open and close normally. A moving door frame may also indicate that the building has shifted.
The Impact of Water Damage on Your Home Value
The financial worth of your home will plummet if water damage has occurred. The final amount of the property’s value lost due to water damage might be decreased by:
a) Locating the source of the water damage
b) Hiring a water damage restoration service
c) Fixing the water damage right away
Some of the ways in which water damage might lower the value of your home are as follows:
- Mold
- Shifted walls
- Sunken or cracked foundation
- Ceilings and walls that have warped
- Carpets and flooring ruined by water
Water damage can cause mold to spread rapidly throughout a property, which can result in serious health problems, structural damage, and unpleasant visual changes. Whenever mold is found in a home, the homeowner should hire a mold inspector and a business that specializes in mold removal.
Conclusion
Basement water damage can be a serious issue that can cause a great deal of financial and emotional stress. It is important to be aware of the risks and be prepared to take the necessary steps if there is a problem. By understanding the causes, indicators, and remedies, you can take proactive steps to prevent basement water damage before it even occurs.
If you are looking for a company that does water damage repairs in California, look no further than our services here at One Call Services. We have local technicians on call 24/7 to get your property like new again. When you are in need of home, building or office repair in California, feel free to contact us immediately at One Call Services.