What Are the Top Signs of Basement Water Damage? | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall is a full restoration company. Our restoration experts are on call and ready to help you determine the best

A basement can be a wonderful part of many homes. Not only is it great for storage, but it also provides a safe place for families when storms come, and it can be used as extra living space with some additional finish work.

However, the odds are overwhelming that at some point, because it’s built underground, your basement will experience a water leak.

You could get lucky, but if your home does have a basement, water damage is something you will want to be extra vigilant about just in case it becomes a problem in time.

Below, we will look at some of the signs that water damage is present in your basement—and should you need someone to investigate, our water restoration technicians are always here to take your call.

The Most Common Water Damage Signs

Unpleasant, musky odors. The water that gets into the basement isn’t necessarily dirty, but after it settles in, the scent can turn pungent and unpleasant after time. Many people assume that all basements smell musty, but this really should not be the case. This smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment, and while these are often hard to see, they are easy to smell.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. Homeowners often use waterproof paint to mask a burgeoning water issue. Unfortunately, this paint will simply mask the problem for a while and then lead to a compounding issue down the road. Incoming water will eventually work its way through the paint, leading to peeling, cracking or bubbling on its surface.

Foundational cracks. While many homes do shift over time, cracks in the foundation are not normal and can be indicative of water damage. You may notice these telltale cracks in your ceiling, on the floor or on interior walls. These often signal that water is putting pressure on your structure in a way that is liable to cause cracking. Hairline cracks are nothing to fret over, but if they become any larger, call us immediately.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more.