How Do I Know If My Basement Has Water Damage? | SERVPRO® of Anaheim Central/Garden Grove East

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Check Out These Top 3 Signs of Basement Water Damage and learn how SERVPRO® of Anaheim Central / Garden Grove East can assist.

Basements are great additions to houses. The extra room for storage is great, but it can also act as a safe go-to spot for storm threats and can be utilized as a large additional living space if it’s partially or fully finished.

If you have a basement, it will be wise over the course of your time owning or renting the home to make it a habit to check for water damage. Basements are dug into the ground, and this makes them more prone to experiencing water damage than other part of your house.

The Top 3 Signs of Basement Water Damage

Musky, unpleasant odors. There is a common myth that all basements have a smelly odor, but this is not the case. Water that gets into basements can be clean and then evaporate, but if it has sat around for too long, it can turn quite pungent and unpleasant. The smell from this aftermath is coming from mold and mildew that are present in the environment, so even if you don’t see any mold, the smell will confirm its presence.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. Trying to prevent any damage, some people may apply waterproof paint to the interior walls of a basement, especially if they suspect a leak could happen. Unfortunately, this paint will just hide the issue for a bit, but will eventually turn into a compounding issue later on. Moisture that creeps in will, over time, work away at this paint, and it can lead to cracking, peeling or bubbling.

Cracks in the foundation. Homes shift over the years, but finding a crack in the foundation is not normal and can indicate water damage. These cracks can appear in the floor, ceiling or walls of your home, and many times are signs that there is water putting pressure on the home in a way that is likely to cause cracking. While a hairline crack is not a reason to sound the alarm, if it grows in length or width, it should be treated immediately.

Have you noticed any of these “symptoms” in your basement? Contact us and let us help you determine the root of these issues and how we can help treat it.