Any room or story in the house can certainly get flooded. However, basements will still be much more prone to noticeable flooding problems than other sections of the house. People in some areas might not have homes with basements, which means that the first floor of the house will be more likely to be a problem in that way. That said, when homeowners need water damage treatment services, the professionals at these companies frequently have to start with the basement.
It’s important to establish whether it was accidental water damage if it does occur. The average cost of water damage can vary, but the people who have accidental water damage insurance coverage will be dramatically more likely to have affordable water damage. If the damage was caused by the weather, people obviously couldn’t have entirely prevented it.
Still, some companies might expect people to take some steps to make sure that their basements and other stories are at least slightly protected from the water. It’s also important for people to make sure that their water heaters and pipes are in good shape, since a burst pipe or a broken water heater can also cause instant water damage anywhere.
Have you noticed that your basement leaks when it rains — or that there are frequently puddles and other signs of moisture in your house’s lowest level?
If so, it means water is seeping through your home’s foundation. And while this might not sound like a serious problem, you’re putting your home’s structural integrity at risk, which can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in damage over time!
Luckily, keeping water out of your basement is actually much less complicated than it may initially seem. Just take a look at these three simple, virtually guaranteed ways to prevent basement cracks and leaks:
Waterproof your basement
The best way to ensure no water leaks into your basement? Invest in a professional home waterproofing procedure that will make your basement completely resilient to moisture, even during rainstorms and floods. Best of all? Summertime is the optimal time of year to have these procedures done, as many contractors are looking for work. While the cost of a home waterproofing procedure might seem intimidating, these costs are nothing to the cost of letting your foundation deteriorate from water damage.
Keep your gutters clean
Did you know that dirty, debris-filled gutters can cause basement leaks? This is because your gutters are essential for directing rainwater away from your home — and if they’re filled with leaves and other clutter, they can’t do this. Also, make sure your gutter downspouts point away from your house.
Get a sump pump
Another affordable way to keep moisture out of your basement is to invest in a sump pump. These devices pump water out of your basement and into the surrounding earth, keeping your basement dry and damage-free. If you already own a sump pump, you should be regularly checking it to ensure it’s still in good working condition.
Have any other questions, comments or thoughts on preventing basement water leaks and foundation repairs? Let us know in the comments below. More.
