Because they are the lowest place in the home, it is no wonder that Basements flood more frequently than any other area. Unfortunately, many Maryland homeowners overlook basement floods and fail to recognize the dangers that follow when water damage occurs in the basement.
What are the Dangers of not Waterproofing your Basement on time?
Water can get into your basement a number of ways if not properly waterproofed. One way water can enter is through cracks in the very foundation of your home. When the foundation allows entry points for water, it causes those cracks to expand. As cracks in the foundation expand, the foundation itself becomes weakened. Furniture, carpet, drywall, textiles, and paper goods all suffer immensely when exposed to water. Damage to possessions is a top priority and concern following any flooding, and should definitely be addressed and taken care of. However, most of these items can be replaced and pose no serious threat to health or structural integrity of the home. But excess moisture in your basement can actually lead to significant health and structural dangers. Structural components of the home, like wood, sheet rock, and drywall all absorb water when exposed to it. As these materials continue to absorb water, they begin to swell and warp. This warping compromises the integrity of floors, walls, and ceilings. Rot and deterioration will also begin to occur is expose to moisture and water is prolonged.
Damp areas in your basement not only lead to warping and buckling of structural materials, but also provide the perfect environment for mold to grow. With moisture available, mold can grow in as little as 48 hours. As mold growth continues to spread, fungus and other bacteria will also be introduced to your home. Exposure to these contaminants causes respiratory problems, and put everyone in the home at risk. Mold spores travel through the air, so it is not just the air in the basement that is compromised, but the air quality throughout the entire home becomes contaminated.
Along with respiratory problems from mold exposure, flooded basements also pose the risk for electrical shock. Water is a great conductor of electricity, so when it floods into your basement, all electrical components that have been exposed are hazardous. Standing water in basements is especially dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs. If your basement has flooded, do not take any risks and shut off all power to the area until the floodwater can be properly and thoroughly cleaned.
Contact Basement Waterproofing Experts
A wet basement is a serious threat to your health and your home’s structure and is the major sign of water damage. Whether you have had a major flood, or you notice a leak or dampness in your basement, do not procrastinate calling in the professionals. American Eagle Prof. Services not only offers water damage restoration for your basement (or any other area of your home). But also offers basement waterproofing. We offer solutions for wet basements in both interior basement waterproofing systems and exterior basement waterproofing systems, to ensure that all the different ways water can get into your basement are addressed. We understand that tackling moisture issues in the basement is vital to your home’s safety and your family’s health, and waterproofing is beneficial to your home’s foundation, so give us a call to get your basement taken care of right away.
