Basements Are Common Places for Flood Damage

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Common Places For Flood Damage

The season when thunderstorms riddle the area is here. The weather can go from pleasant to disastrous very quickly. Any time severe storms hit our region, numerous problems can take place. Rainstorms this time of year can bring a lot of water in a short period of time. Excessive rain can flood your yard possibly causing water to enter your home. Basements seem to be a prime location for water because gravity pulls water into them. Window wells can fill up causing windows to start leaking from the seals. High-speed winds can also blow rocks or tree branches into basement windows causing water to flow into your house. In some cases, water can come in from door seals on the main level of the building and leak into the lower level basement.

Whenever water enters a structure due to a severe thunderstorm, the basement gets inspected for potential issues. Many cases of flood damage prove that problems with basements are common. Our SERVPRO technicians are experienced in dealing with several different issues relating to storms. However, when basements get affected, the negative effects can be more extreme than when water enters other levels.

Anytime excessive moisture enters a building the first thing our SERVPRO restoration crew does is repair the source of the structural leak. If the water comes in from lower door seals, then they get blocked off so that water cannot continue to enter. If the source of the damage is moisture coming in from a basement window, then we can first use a sump pump to extract water from the window well. After the standing water inside the well gets removed, we then board up the window so that rainwater cannot get into your home and create more problems.

If water enters your lower level either from a window or from above, the damage has the potential to be very extensive. When water comes from a window, our SERVPRO experts test the drywall and window frame for moisture from the point of entry down. If water enters your basement from the ceiling, then building materials from the top of the level down to the floor must get tested for moisture content.

The more water that enters your home after a storm the worse the damage can get. As soon as you notice wet building materials or contents after a storm, it is wise to call in the professionals immediately. For prompt 24 hour assistance, call SERVPRO of Kingsport/Bristol at 423-245-5552.