In Northern America basements are a common addition to most household structures. They can be used as storage, an office, family room or even converted into another bedroom. When the house is built the basements typically come pretty bare. Some are sheet rocked but many are just framed. Few come with carpet or even tiles. The cost to finish out a basement can be high especially when you consider the cost of flooring, sheet rock, paint and any extra framing that may need to be done. Obviously with the amount of money put into the room, a homeowner will most likely want to prevent basement water damage.
As a homeowner, how can you prevent water damage in the basement and why would you want to? As previously mentioned, not protecting the basement against water damage can be costly but not only that it can also be dangerous. There are electrical wires running throughout the entire basement and water contact with any of them could be fatal. Now that you are aware of the damages as a homeowner I’m sure you want to know how to prevent this damage from occurring. First, it’s key to note that regular inspections of the following will help; HVAC systems, ventilation, condensation from pipes and most importantly the foundation. Not only can proper maintenance of the foundation prevent major water damage but it can also prevent a costly foundation repair in the future.
HVAC systems consist of the heating and air conditioning. It’s essential to check the drain pans to make sure that they are free of water and debris. Also remember to look at the seals and the duct work. Any leaks would cause a small drip but, over time the leak could get bigger and cause a flood. Keep an eye on the pipes as well. Condensation can build up over time and while this won’t cause a flood, it can cause mold or mildew as well as rot. Another good way to look for indications of a leak is by checking the walls and ceilings. If they are cool or moist, this could be an indication of a leak happening behind the wall.
While all of the techniques mentioned above are good ways to prevent water damage in the basement it is always best to have a professional do routine maintenance to ensure that everything is working properly.
