Ways To Repair and Prevent a Basement Flood
6/8/2022 (Permalink)
Whether used for storage or another living area, a basement flood in a client’s Bountiful, UT, home is a frustrating situation. Luckily, there are professionals available 24/7 who are trained and ready to get the home back to normal. Choosing a certified water damage restoration company provides peace of mind that whatever mitigation and restoration needed will be done fast and right with a focus on restoring and not replacing.
Steps To Fix a Flooded Basement
Whenever there is an excess amount of unwanted water, insurance companies are typically the first to be called. If the insurance coverage includes flooding, the next call should be to a company dedicated to minimizing secondary damage and ensuring the property is returned to preloss condition.
Basement Flood Restoration
Once a restoration team arrives, the first step will be an assessment to develop a plan of action. Although every situation is unique, fixing the basement often includes the following steps:
- Protective clothing and gear will be worn before entering the affected area.
- Saturated belongings are removed from the premises and taken off-site to be dried out, pre-tested for salvageability and cleaned.
- The water extraction process begins. This typically involves industrial-grade pumps to speed up the process.
- High-grade fans, air movers and dehumidifiers are brought in to begin drying the property. Depending on the severity of the damage, this may take several days.
- The walls, floor, ceiling and any other affected areas are cleaned, sanitized and deodorized. Technicians will also inspect for any signs of mold or other hidden damage.
- Once the basement is dried and cleaned, restoration repairs will be made.
Floodproofing Tips
Once a home has water in the basement, it’s vital that homeowners take steps to keep it from happening again. While natural flooding may be out of everyone’s control, there are ways to beef up the home to be resistant to other water issues. Four easy ways to help make that happen include:
Regularly clean downspouts and gutters
Any debris that builds up affects the water flow. Instead of moving away from the home, it will start coming down the sides and pooling against the foundation. The downspouts should be positioned so that water is directed a minimum of three feet from the foundation.
Rethink landscaping
An improper slope may be the cause of water issues. Bringing in some extra dirt and rock may be needed to ensure it flows away from the home. Flower beds, French drains and swales are other ways to direct the flow of water to greenery instead of the basement.
Inspect the foundation
One tiny crack opens the door to a slow leak that may turn into bigger problems. The exterior foundation and interior basement should be regularly checked for signs of a leak.
Install covers over window wells
Designed for easy installation and relatively inexpensive, these covers help seal out moisture from building up.
Homeowners dealing with a basement flood have a lot on their plates. Choosing a professional to handle the mess and taking steps to prevent flooding is essential to getting the home back to "Like it never even happened."