How Can I Tell if I Have Water Damage in My Basement | SERVPRO of East Cobb

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Cobb is here to help 24-hours a day. If you've experience water damage call us at 770-424-0400.

A basement can be a great addition to homes in many areas of the country. In addition to providing extra storage or play space, it can be fitted for living areas and provide necessary shelter in case of potentially damaging storms.

However, being surrounded by moist ground on two or more sides can mean that over time your basement becomes prone to taking on some of that moisture.

While this is not a certainty, statistics show that a large percentage of homes with basements will experience water leakage or damage of some kind.

Let’s examine a few of the most common signs that water may be present. And if these apply to you, remember that your local SERVPRO water technicians are close by and on the job for emergency situations.

Common Signs of Water Damage in a Basement

• Unpleasant and Musky Odors - The water from the surrounding ground areas may in fact be clean when it first enters your basement, but no matter—over time, it stagnates and creates that signature pungent smell. This is true so often that many people think all basements inherit a musty smell, but this really shouldn’t be the case. This smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment, and while these may not be visibly noticeable at first, they are easy to smell.
• Flaking Paint on Masonry or Walls - People often coat the basement in waterproof paint, thinking that will shield it completely from water damage. Unfortunately this paint will simply mask the problem for a while leading to a bigger problem when the water eventually breaks through, revealing bubbling, cracking or flaky paint.
• Foundational Cracks - Foundations may shift over time, but a crack is not normal, and it may indicate significant water damage. Cracks can show up in the floor, the ceiling or in your walls and are often harbingers of moisture damage that’s putting excess pressure on your structure. Hairline cracks are no emergency, but call us right away if they get bigger.

If you notice any of these signs in your Cobb County basement, let SERVPRO of East Cobb take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. If you have experienced water damage give us a call at (770) 424-0400 or click here and one of our loss coordinators will contact you as soon as possible.