This St George summer has brought the heat. With daily temperature reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit and then some, we have had to find some ways to beat the heat. For many of us, that means spending more time in our basements where it is a few degrees cooler. That being said, did you know that basements flood more frequently than any other area in the home? Because it seems to happen so often, and most of the long-lasting effects are hidden behind walls and under floors, many homeowners overlook basement floods and fail to recognize the dangers that accompany water damage in the basement.
Some of the effects of water damage in the basement that are easily to see are the damages done to your possessions. Furniture, carpet, drywall, textiles, and paper goods all suffer immensely when exposed to water. Mitigating damage to your possessions is a top priority and concern following any type of water damage, and should definitely be addressed quickly. However, most of these items can be replaced and pose no serious threat to the health or structural integrity of your home. Excess moisture in your basement , on the other hand, can actually lead to significant health and structural dangers.
Water can enter your basement in a number of ways. One common way water can enter is through cracks in the very foundation of your home. When the foundation allows entry points for water, it causes those cracks to expand. As cracks in the foundation expand, the foundation itself becomes weakened. Other structural components of the home, like wood, sheet rock, and drywall are all very absorbent and will hold on to water when exposed to it. As these materials continue to absorb water, they will swell and warp. This warping compromises the integrity of floors, walls, and ceilings. Rot and deterioration will also begin to occur as expose to moisture and water is prolonged.
Damp areas in your basement not only lead to warping and buckling of structural materials, but also provide the perfect environment for mold to grow. With moisture available, mold can grow in as little as 48 hours. As mold growth spreads, fungus and other bacteria will also be introduced to your home. Exposure to these contaminants causes respiratory problems and puts everyone in the home at risk. Mold spores travel through the air, so it is not just the air in the basement that is compromised, but the air quality throughout the entire home becomes contaminated.
Along with respiratory problems from mold exposure, water damage in the basement also increases the risk for electrical shock. Water is a great conductor of electricity, so when it floods into your basement, all electrical components that have been exposed become hazardous. Standing water in basements is especially dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs. If your basement has flooded, do not take any risks and shut off all power to the area until the floodwater can be properly and thoroughly cleaned.
A wet basement is a serious threat to your health and your home’s structure. Whether you have had a major flood, or you notice a leak or dampness in your basement, do not procrastinate calling in the professionals. Ally 1 is ready to respond to your water damage cleanup needs in St George no matter the time of day, or night. We know how important it is to find and solve water damage as soon as possible, and that is why we offer 24/7 water damage cleanup services. So stay cool this hot summer, and call Ally 1 when you need water damage cleanup.
