Do you want to fix basement water damage? Here are a few things you need to do.
A wet basement isn’t bad only because it gives off a pungent smell. It also has a negative impact upon the value of your property. Moreover, if a wet basement is left untreated, it can pave the way for mold and mildew. Both mold and mildew weaken the structure of your home and affect your health.
Some wet basements are much easier to fix as opposed to others. It all boils down to the water source that must be fixed. With the help of a professional restoration company in Portland, OR, like ours, fixing a wet basement becomes fairly easy.
In the following paragraphs, we will take a look at some of the ways to fix water damage in the basement.
Gutter Extensions
In case the downspouts fail to get the water further than 5 feet from your living space, it is time to invest in plastic or metal gutter extensions. They divert water away from your home, but they aren’t a permanent solution. Sometimes, you may stumble or trip over them and end up getting injured. As an alternative, you can call a contractor to install an underground drain pipe, which will take the water further away from your property.
Crown Restoration
Sometimes, the gutters work perfectly but the water still enters the basement from the foundation walls. If this is the case, it is a sign that the water isn’t draining away the way it should. Therefore, your home should be sitting on a crown made up of soil. This crown should be 6 inches over 10 feet in all directions. With time, the soil surrounding the foundation will settle, thus allowing the water to enter your basement. All you have to do is to get some soil and a spade to restore the crown, thus fixing the water damage in your basement.
Footing Drain Repairs
Sometimes, the water enters your basement through the joints, where the walls meet the floor of the basement. This usually happens due to hydrostatic pressure. In such cases, make sure to check the footing drains. If they are clogged, open them, clean them and repair them in case there are any damages.
Pumping Water
If nothing works out, you will have to pump the water out on your own. To make an interior drain system, use a saw to make a channel around the parameter of the floor. Then, chip out all the concrete and lay down a pipe. The pipe will drain all the water in a drain pan in the lower part of the basement, where the sump pump will remove the water from the house.
Conclusion
Water damage can have many negative consequences. So, try to deal with the problem as soon as possible. If you have experienced water damage and can’t manage the damage yourself, get in touch with a water damage restoration company.
