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Many homeowners deal with frequent basement flooding during rainier seasons. Without foundation waterproofing to repel outside moisture, water from heavy rainstorms can seep through cracks in the concrete and end up in the cellar. Use this overview of what you should and shouldn’t do when the basement floods to get your home dry again and avoid future problems. 

Do:

Look for structural damage.

During heavy rain, floodwater can wash away soil that helps stabilize the house’s foundation. Once the soil erodes, water will pool against the foundation. Pilings can shift and break, foundation walls could crack, and mortar can corrode as a result.

foundation waterproofingAll of these issues impact the structural integrity of your home. Check for cracks in interior and exterior basement walls, flooring, and ceilings. If the foundation has shifted, it may no longer be level with the lawn, either.  

Start the dry-out process immediately. 

A damp basement is an ideal environment for mold to develop. To salvage your belongings, remove any standing water as soon as possible. Open windows and doors to let air circulate so that moisture evaporates more quickly.

Make sure to turn off the electricity, as live wires could be submerged in the water. If you have waterproof protective gear, you can start manually extracting water with a mop and bucket. You can also invest in a sump pump. Once the puddles are gone, use a vacuum to dry surfaces.

Don’t:

Forget to file a flood insurance claim. 

Depending on why the basement flooded, your insurance might cover the cleanup and restoration work. If flood insurance is part of your policy, contact your insurance company and let them know what happened. Take pictures of the basement and your belongings to include with the claim. The images will be used to show proof of losses. 

Overlook the benefits of foundation waterproofing. 

After the basement is returned to normal, contact a foundation waterproofing contractor. They will take steps to ensure the house doesn’t flood in the future. Possible solutions include sealing cracked bricks and concrete, installing drainage tiles, and applying membranes to foundation walls to serve as moisture barriers. Contractors can also provide tuckpointing to restore the structural integrity of masonry after flooding.

 

For foundation waterproofing services to protect your home and prevent interior water damage, contact Stutzman Sealants & Sons in Lincoln, NE. With over 30 years of experience, these technicians provide mortar, chimney, masonry, and concrete repair in addition to foundation waterproofing. See an overview of their services online or call (402) 467-4144 for an appointment in the Lancaster County area. 

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