A musty smell in the basement permeates your entire home. Did you know that of all homes with basements, over 98% will experience some type of water damage? In fact, in the year 2013, water damage accounted for 26.4% of all insurance loss claims in the U.S. Whether you are looking for Chicago basement waterproofing services to avoid a future problem or are fixing leaks in basement walls in Omaha, finding the correct company to help with your water problems is critical.
The best situation, of course, is to fix possible problems before any real damage occurs. For example, If your foundation has cracks wider than one fourth of an inch wide, or if you have stair step cracks in blocks or bricks, you should contact a company that offers foundation repair. They will be able to explain what measures you should take to fix problem before more damage occurs. Sealing foundation cracks now can help prevent water damage and further wall deterioration now.
A Chicago basement waterproofing expert can give you tips to prevent problems in the future. A St. Louis foundation sealing service can talk to you about basement problems that are unique to that region. For example, did you know that the soil around home foundations should slope at least six inches for every 10 horizontal feet? How you landscape and build up the dirt around your foundation can help you prevent costly water damage. Outdoor plants, for instance, should be placed a minimum of two feet from the foundation and low enough in the soil so as not to direct water toward the foundation. Again, seeking advice before you have a problem just makes good sense, especially if you live in an area that is prone to flooding.
If, however, you do experience water damage in your basement, you need to take immediate action. Remove any organic items such as bedding, towels and upholstery that have been damaged by the basement water. If you can not find a way to get these items dry within 48 hours, throw them away because at this point they will start to mold. Water, mold and silt caused by flooding require quick, and often costly, clean up. According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), floods are the number one disaster in the U.S. Flood claims average over $3 billion per year.
Before your family finds itself in a costly repair or clean up situation, consider taking the necessary steps to avoid the most common basement pitfalls. Start by contacting a regional contractor who knows your area and what preventative measures you should be taking. A Chicago basement waterproofing expert, for example, will have different advice in Illinois than a foundation specialist in the Rocky Mountain region.
