How Will I Know If My Basement Has Water Damage? | SERVPRO® of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cedar Mill/Oak Hills' restoration experts are on call and ready to help you determine the best course of action.

A basement is a great asset to a home. Whether used for storage, additional living space or workout area, especially for those of us in Oregon who experience lots of cold, gray and wet winters, it also provides a safe place to go in the event of a storm.

However, because basements are in the ground under the house, they often see more water damage over the course of your home’s lifetime than other parts of the house.

While water damage is not a certainty, it is more common for homes with basements, so try to be extra careful in paying attention to the smell, appearance and feel of your basement so it doesn’t become a problem later. We’ll look at some ways below to identify any potential signs that there is water damage in your basement.

Three Major Tell-tale Signs Your Basement Has Water Damage

Musky odors. Water that gets into your basement can be clean, but the longer it stays and stagnates, the more likely it is to become pungent and unpleasant when it evaporates. It is a common misconception that all basements stink and have a distinctive musty smell, but this shouldn’t be the case. This smell only happens when mildew and mold are present in your basement, so while it is important to watch for signs of mold, it’s equally important to smell for it.

Flaking paint on walls. Well-intentioned homeowners often apply waterproof paint to interior areas that may experience a leaking problem, particularly the basement. The problem is that this paint will only mask the water damage for a short period of time and it can lead to larger problems down the road. Water that seeps in can work away at this paint and can lead to cracking, bubbling or peeling.

Foundation cracks. Even though homes shift over time due to various reasons, cracks in a home’s foundation are not normal and can be indicative of serious water damage. These cracks are not limited to the unfinished concrete in the basement, but can appear on the ceiling and walls as well. Hairline cracks are not cause for an immediate solution, but if they grow, so should your concern.

If your basement is showing any of these signs of water damage, let us come by and assess it. Our water restoration technicians can help you determine the cause of the problems and find a plan to treat it properly. Contact us ²⁴⁄₇ to learn more.