Everything You Need to Know About Basement Water Damage

Homeownership requires a lot of maintenance. From the roof and down to the basement, there are many different environmental elements that can and will impact the structure and integrity of your home. This is especially true when it comes to the basement. Basement flooding is a common occurrence and knowing how to respond to water damage is key to maintaining the strength and integrity of your home.

Common Causes

Gravity causes water to flow in a downward direction. Being that your basement is the lowest level in your home, it’s usually the last stop for water, and where it rests after flowing from its source. One of the most obvious causes for basement water damage is excessive rain. When a lot of rain pours in a short amount of time, it can overload your rain management system and cause excess moisture to find its way into your basement through cracks or other thresholds. Other causes include the slope of the landscape around your home and sewer backups. To combat these events, your basement should be properly sealed with a tar sealant on the inside and outside, have proper grading on your lawn, and a functioning sump pump in particularly moisture-prone climates.

Cost Estimates

The costs for repairing water damage can range from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on the severity of the damage. Address the water damage immediately to avoid the additional costs that come with mold and mildew remediation. See to it that the basement is completely dried out by using a wet vac and dehumidifier. Remove all the upholstered furniture and materials to also dry out and begin examining the drywall or wood elements for signs of mold.

Getting Insurance Involved

Hopefully, you added a flood insurance plan to your homeowner’s insurance policy. Call your insurance company or otherwise check your plan to see if you are covered for this type of damage. You’ll most likely work with an adjuster that will assess the water damage. Furthermore, make a list of all of your damaged property and consult a professional water damage team to inform you about the next steps in the process.

Waterproofing from All Aspects Waterproofing

If you are ready to get a professional to waterproof your home’s basement, contact All Aspects Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in the Washington, DC./Maryland/Virginia area. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, mold testing, and mold remediation, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling 1-866-999-3110 or 301-766-4420.  To see what we’re up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz.