Failure to dry out anything that came in direct contact with the water in a basement or crawl space, such as home structure, storage items, wet carpet, drywall, cabinets, and furniture, will likely lead to extensive water damage.
People who suffer from allergies and repository conditions are more sensitive to health problems associated with damp indoor environments. Moisture promotes bacteria, pests, dust mites, and mold, which can worsen existing respiratory health conditions. According to the EPA, as much as 50% of the air you breathe upstairs comes from your basement or crawl space.
Clean and dry damp/wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. Even if the damage doesn’t look extensive, water damage can be extremely dangerous.
Initial water cleanup can include towels and mops for smaller damage and wet-dry shop-vacs or floor sump pumps for more extensive damage. The most important part of the cleanup process is drying out the area completely. Water can be trapped in areas where you may not have access to (behind finished walls). High capacity dehumidifiers and in most cases, commercial dehumidifiers and fans, will be needed to reduce the risk of later damage such as mold.
It is important to know that you may need to remove items that have come in contact with water such as; carpets, carpet padding, furniture, storage items and other organic material. Most of these items cannot be dried fast enough to limit the and avoid long-term damage.
- Take action within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
- Remove the water by using a sump pump, broom, mop, or a shop-vac.
- Remove any debris that have come in contact with water.
- Remove furniture, carpets and other household items that were wet or damaged water.
- Wash and disinfect all areas that have been flooded.
- Use fans to help circulate the air (Only when safe to use electricity).
- Open windows to increase air circulation, ventilation and drying.
- Use dehumidifiers with windows and doors closed
- It may be necessary to remove insulation and wall-to-wall carpeting that were soaked to avoid future indoor air quality problems.
- Continue the drying process until humidity levels return to normal (45-50%). This may take days and or even weeks.
Keep gutters clean and extend downspouts away from the house and foundation. This will help limit roof water from collecting and pooling around the foundation.
The grade around your foundation should slope away from the house to keep rainfall from collecting and pooling against foundation walls.
Make sure your sump pump is working properly. Make sure the sump pump is plugged into a working electrical outlet. Sump Pump Systems should be serviced (preventative maintenance) at least once a year.
A sump pump with an automatic level switch should be installed into a basement sump pit (sump liner). When water enters the sump pit, the sump pump will pump water out of the basement (below grade) and away from the house.
A battery backup sump pump will automatically pump water out and away from the house when there is power loss or if the primary sump pump fails. A battery backup sump pump will also pump water out if the primary pump becomes overwhelmed.
Inspect your basement and repair any cracks. Make Sure There are No Cracks in the foundation wall.
Inspect basement windows for leaks. If they are leaking, repair them or have them replaced. If your basement windows are below grade, clean any debris around the windows and consider installing Window Well Covers.
IMPORTANT: If you do experience a flooded basement, avoid electrical shock by not stepping into basement with water. Contact your local Fire Department or Utility Provider for safety.
MA & RI Areas
Our high standard of quality ensures a healthy basement with a Nationally Backed Warranty.
The Healthy Basement Certificate is about maintaining a basement that promotes a healthy indoor living environment. Air pollutants, excessive moisture and water entering the basement can produce dangerous living conditions which may lead to serious health risks.
A criteria for a Healthy Basement Certificate has been established for each level of protection.
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