How Can I Identify Water Damage in My Basement? | SERVPRO® of Houston County

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Houston County is a full restoration company. Our team is on call and ready to help you determine the best course of action.

A basement is a great addition to a home for a number of reasons. The extra storage it allows for can be a fantastic resource, and it can also be a safe place to go during a thunderstorm or tornado. Especially during hot Georgia summers, it can be another livable space or workout area.

However, basements can bring their own share of challenges, particularly in the way of experiencing water damage. Basements are more likely to have water damage than other parts of your home, so being vigilant in checking for signs of damage can help prevent compounding problems later. Here we’ll look at some ways that you can identify water damage in your basement.

How to Spot Water Damage in Your Basement

Pungent odors. Basements are commonly perceived as having a distinct musty smell. However, most of the time, this smell happens when there is mold or mildew in the environment. Standing water can create a very unpleasant and pungent odor after it has evaporated, so even if you don’t see mold or mildew, the smell will give it away.

Chipping paint. Homeowners and landlords alike will often apply waterproof paint in an effort to prevent damages in a basement. Unfortunately, this well-intentioned plan will only mask water damage for a while and then lead to other problems down the road like peeling, cracking or bubbling in the paint.

Cracking in the foundation. As homes settle over the years, the possibility of shifting can cause hairline cracks, but foundation cracks are not normal and can be a sign of water damage. Cracks can appear in the floor, ceiling or walls and are many times a sign of water putting stress on the home in a way that is causing the cracks. While hairline cracks are not a cause for immediate concern, if they become larger, they should be professionally assessed immediately.

If your home has experienced any of these, especially in your basement, contact us today to see how our expert water restoration technicians can help you set a plan of action to treat it properly.