The beauty of a fresh blanket of new-fallen snow can transform a city street or a country hillside into a winter wonderland. The snowflakes drifting from the sky and landing silently on treetops and rooftops can give us a peaceful feeling as we take in the scene. But beware the dangers that these snowfalls can bring with them. Not all snowfalls are peaceful, and the aftermath of a foot of snow can be a ton of water damage and basement disaster.
Tag: water damage
Don’t Get Left Underwater! Follow These Steps to Avoid Buying a House with Water Damage
By: | Published October 29, 2019
Searching for a house can be exciting and, at times, overwhelming. Once you finally find “the one,” the last thing you want is to discover that you are the proud new owner of a house with water damage. Buying a house with water damage can be a nightmare, especially if you are unaware of the damage prior to the purchase. The following tips can help you be an informed buyer and avoid unknowingly buying a house with water damage.
Home Flood Protection Tips to Keep Your Basement Dry
By: | Published June 25, 2019
You flip the light switch and start down the basement stairs. Suddenly you freeze like a deer in headlights. The reflection of the basement light glares up at you off the several inches, or feet, of water covering everything in your basement. Your heart pounds in your ears and your stomach churns. Panic-stricken you turn the light off, wait a moment, and turn it back on. No, it’s not a dream, this is real – a real nightmare. Your basement is flooded.
Warped Paneling Problems: The Causes & Solutions
By: | Published May 28, 2019
To some, wood paneling is synonymous with orange shag carpet and avocado-colored appliances of the 1950s through 1970s. But paneling is making a comeback for many reasons. Paneling is a way to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. A rustic look can be achieved with reclaimed – or reclaimed looking – paneling. Wainscoting has become a popular decorating choice as well as running panels horizontally to give a room character. Many times, paneling is white-washed or painted a neutral color such as gray. Wood paneling is more durable than drywall or wallpaper and can even protect your walls.
Best Tips & Gadgets to Prevent Clogged Gutters & Home Flooding
By: | Published July 25, 2018
One of the most frequently overlooked home-maintenance projects is also one of the most important – cleaning the gutters. It probably ranks at the bottom of the list of enjoyable jobs; yet this “ounce of prevention” can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in home repairs if you just get out there and do it.
The tools necessary for cleaning your gutters can be as simple as a ladder and a pair of gloves. However, there are also several gadgets that can speed the process along; or at least be a great excuse to buy the latest and greatest attachment for your power washer!
Buying a House with Water Damage
By: | Published June 22, 2018
Buying a house, any house, is not a spontaneous decision. There is much to consider with such an important investment. Buying a house with water damage adds a whole new level to the depth of considerations when deciding on a home to purchase.
Below are a few steps and tips to keep in mind when contemplating the purchase of a house that has water damage. Carefully weighing the facts and being realistic about your budget and risk tolerance is crucial. The same items that could be a deal breaker for you may not even faze another potential buyer. Gather all the facts and if you decide to purchase, be vigilant about repairs and proactive about preventing future water damage.
What is a Michigan Basement & How Do You Protect it from Water?
By: | Published April 25, 2018
Whether you live in Michigan, Ohio, or another area, you may have heard the term “Michigan basement.” In this article we’ll explore what that term means and offer tips on how to protect your Michigan basement from water damage!
The Long-Term Cost of Water Damage in Your Home
By: | Published April 28, 2016
Cleaning up after a basement flood is never easy. You can spend hours or days pumping, mopping, bleaching, and filling your trash cans. Even when you think it’s over, water can still be causing damage. After a flood, your basement needs to be checked for water seepage, cracked foundation, and visible damage. If your basement is not properly cleaned and repaired after a flood, the money you save now is inconsequential compared to these three long-term costs you could face in the months and years to come.
The Long-Term Cost to Your Possessions
If there is a good side to basement flooding, it may be that it gives you the jumpstart you need to finally clean the basement. Unfortunately, you’re probably in for a lot more cleaning and purging than you anticipated. Besides the items which are an obvious loss, even items which you thought were untouched by the flood may be damaged. Let’s say you used plastic storage containers to organize your basement; in most circumstances, they provide excellent protection for your possessions. But if there were even a hairline crack in the container, it would be enough to let water get in and damage the contents.
Not only that, it takes a while for basement humidity levels to normalize after a flood. During that time, paper and fabric items stored in the containers can soak up moisture from the air and become a breeding ground for mold. Your best course of action is to remove everything from these containers and let them completely air dry. Drying the contents outdoors can speed the process, but keep the items out of the sun to prevent fading.
The Long-Term Cost to Your House
Cleaning the walls and floors of your basement are critical, and having them cleaned by professionals could mean the difference between a small cleaning fee and the cost of major structural repairs down the road.
On rare occasions, basement carpeting can be saved if it’s immediately cleaned by professionals and thoroughly dried. But this is only the case if the damage has been caused by “sanitary flooding” or flooding caused by clean water, for example, a leaky water pipe. Even then, the cleanup should be done within 12 hours of the flood and followed immediately with a drying process that includes multiple fans and humidifiers. Unsanitary flooding (from rainwater, for instance) or black-water flooding from raw sewage contaminates carpeting making it unsalvageable. Wood floors (solid or those with plywood backing) will often be unusable as well after floodwaters cause them to swell and buckle.
Basement drywall and paneling are easily damaged by basement flooding. If they’re not removed during cleanup, they MUST be disinfected (bleach is preferred) and completely dried to prevent mold growth.
If the basement area remains humid following a flood, it could lead to serious structural damage from dry rot. Dry rot is a term used to describe a particular kind of dry, cracking, rotting wood. It’s the product of a variety of fungus that thrives in semi-moist conditions. Dry rot doesn’t limit itself to wood, either; it can grow through damp mortar, concrete, masonry, and plaster.
Another area to consider is your electrical system. Once the house is pumped out and you begin recovery efforts, most – if not all – electrical equipment impacted by water is probably ruined. This can include:
- Cables and wires (even those sheathed in plastic)
- Circuit panels and circuit breakers
- Fuse boxes and fuses
- Switched disconnect boxes
- Switches
- Outlet receptacles
- Motors
- Circuit boards
- Non-submersible pumps
- Blowers and fans
- Lights
- Heaters
- Air conditioners
- Furnaces
- Boilers
You’ll need an experienced electrician and HVAC technician to assess the damage and perform repairs.
Finally, you may not realize the true long-term damage caused to your house until years later when you try to sell it. Real estate laws differ from state to state, but almost every state requires the seller to disclose damage caused by a flood. If your basement was damaged by flooding and you can’t document complete cleanup and repairs, that could be a big “red flag” for prospective home buyers.
The Long-Term Cost to Your Health
Beyond an unpleasant smell, a moldy basement can lead to very serious health issues. Prolonged exposure to indoor molds such as those found in a basement may lead to upper respiratory tract infections such as coughs, wheezing, and asthma symptoms, especially in people who have allergies. It can also cause fungal infections in people with compromised immune systems, including those recovering from cancer or those who have artificial joints or heart replacement valves. Some types of molds – most notably “black mold” – can cause serious bleeding inside your lungs, resulting in damage to other organs as well.
The long-term costs of water damage in the home can easily increase to thousands of dollars. Not only that, it can damage something truly priceless – your health. If you’re concerned about the possibility of water damage in your basement, Team EverDry is here to help! Contact us online or give us a call at (419) 841-6055 to schedule
a free 20-point basement inspection
