You’re probably noticing water damage after the problem has already become severe. Out of all the rooms in your house, basements are most prone to water damage because of floods, clogged gutters, and foundation cracks. Unless you have a finished basement, you’re likely not regularly visiting your basement. Knowing the signs of water damage and when it’s time to call a water damage restoration company is paramount to preserving the structural integrity of your home.
While this isn’t an exhaustive list, here are the top five most common signs of basement water damage:
1. Water
All right, this one’s a bit obvious. But if you enter your basement and see puddles or any areas with standing water, then expect water damage.
Most basement water damage cases result from burst pipes behind walls and bathrooms or leaky water heaters. It’s not normal to have water just hanging around inside your basement, so you have to determine where the leak is coming from. Once you determine the source of the leak, you can call a professional to come in and fix it.
2. Mold
Mold grows in as little as 24 hours after water damage. Unfortunately, mold spores find the perfect environment in your basement.
Homeowners discover mold in two ways. The most notable is its smell. Mold smells very musky, so if you smell it the moment you enter your basement, you can bet mold is present. Mold needs water, organic materials to eat, and humidity to grow, so naturally, your basement is ideal.
Second, mold grows in clusters. It can grow on drywall, carpet, furniture, and walls. So, keep an eye out for any black or fuzzy growth in these areas, especially if they were previously victims of water damage.
We also recommend looking out for wood rot, discoloration, or peeling paint, as these are two common symptoms of basement mold infestation.
3. Wet Drywall
We mentioned that mold feasted and grew on drywall. However, if it feels damp to the touch, it may be a sign of water damage. If your home recently suffered a water leak or outdoor flood, it can create condensation when cool outside air meets warm inside air. When this happens, your drywall may become wet and stained. Water rings or water stains are the most common signs of water damage on walls, floors, and ceilings.
These yellowish or brownish stains are very noticeable. Homeowners should also be mindful of any soft spots on the floor or the wall, as this is another common sign of water damage.
4. Sinking Floor
Homeowners need to look out for sinking floors. Sinking floors are usually the result of soil erosion, which is common after a flood since the soil cannot stay tethered to the roots.
There’s nothing there to absorb heavy rainfall when this happens, which ultimately puts your foundation at risk of cracking and sinking. Floor sinking or slanting is a very serious situation and requires immediate repair.
However, this kind of situation isn’t always visible. If you notice that your home is starting to slant to one side, foundation issues caused by a flood may be to blame.
5. Efflorescence
While this may be a pretty name, the reality is not as cute. Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit left behind after water evaporates from either the floor or wall. It leaves behind a white, powdery substance that’s chalk-like.
Efflorescence is easy to spot and can be found inside cracks or along the area where the floor and wall meet. Though it’s easy to spot, it’ll keep coming back until the source of the water damage has been remedied.
How a Water Damage Restoration Company Can Help
Professional water damage restoration repair specialists have the tools and resources to identify and treat water damage at the source. They are familiar with the various types of mold that develop after water damage and have the proper cleaning chemicals to kill it at the source as well.
When you hire a professional water damage restoration company, you’re getting the added benefit of having someone treat the problem for you, so you don’t have to deal with the headache of solving it yourself. When you’re ready, the team at PNW Restoration can help.
Call PNW Restoration for Water Damage Restoration Services Today
Did you recently suffer basement water damage? Don’t handle the aftermath alone. Call the basement water damage restoration specialists at PNW Restoration for help. Our phone number is 971-247-3470. We also offer 24/7 emergency services. If you experienced a flood and need help, we’re the ones to call.
Don’t delay. Get help from PNW Restoration today.
