Wet Basement From Flooding Determine the Cause
March 16, 2010
Most wet basements are caused by surface water which does not drain properly away from the foundation of the house. The source of this water can come from roof water if there is no gutter, or from roof water if the gutters are plugged as well as from excessive watering of nearby gardens and shrubbery. Another common cause is from rainwater runoff coming from nearby yards, walks or driveway-especially if the landscaping forces the water to drain toward the house instead of away. If water is directed toward the home, the water will puddle up and sooner or later, soak into the ground and become a source of a wet basement.
Sometimes damp basements are caused by other things, such as the major flooding that has occurerd in the Boston area. A home that is built on a down slope or on the base of a hill is very vulnerable because surface water has a better chance of soaking into the ground and following the laws of gravity to reach the foundation. The foundation will block this water for a while, but sooner or later, the pressure from the water will cause cracks in basement walls and the water will make its way inside. Rivers that are close by can overflow during a heavy storm-especially in the spring time, which can directly flood a basement as well as contribute to groundwater build-up which can eventually seep into a basement. Some homeowners can live in a new home for years and not experience groundwater seepage due to drought. However, when a particularly heavy rainstorm moves into the area and adjoining rivers and creeks swell and overflow, they may be suddenly faced with a basement full of water. Cleaning up from the water damage is a major challenge for homeowners and business owners alike.
There are drains installed around the outside of a house under the basement floor to get rid of subsurface water and to eliminate the build-up of ground water. If these drains get clogged they will not handle the water. These drains can also be damaged during landscaping projects without the homeowner being aware of it.
If you find that your basement is becoming damp and you cannot determine why, take a look at all of these possible reasons. You may need to call in a contractor who can check everything in order to find where your problem originates from. You should also consider installing new gutters and long downspouts that are directed several yards away from your home. Be sure to be aware of your property lines so that you do not direct your unwanted water onto a neighbor’s land that may cause him problems as well.
spring weather brings on flooding conditions
March 8, 2010
The spring and summer are typicall the most favored season of the year. It brings good weather that allows people to have barbeques and go to beaches. This season makes it great for people that have been stuck inside from winter to get out of the house and take vacations. As nice as this season is it can also bring the worst storms of out of all the seasons. Strong storms can form resulting is flooding that can cause intense damage to communities. Flooding is the most common and devastating disaster to occur.
Large storms can create flash flooding which can hit communities in minutes with devastating force. In the emergency of flash flooding if there is time make sure that important documents and personal items are moved to upper levels of the home. If there isn’t enough time to gather items get to higher grounds as quick as possible. In some case the location of a home can put it at risk during stormy weather. If homes are located near a body of water such a lake or river heavy rains can cause water levels to raise leading to floods. Intense floods can cause erosion and damage properties. Excessive amounts of rain can also cause mud slides. Mudslides start off slow, but can pick up speed with tremendous force in an instant. These mudslides can sweep away homes and vehicles. Heavy rains can overflow drainage systems flooding homes and other properties. Flood waters can be backed up into basements and crawlspaces. These overflowing waters can back up sewage waters in which can lead to sewage damages. Heavy rains can also flood streets making hectic difficult driving conditions. Excessive amounts of rain and high winds can also damage roofs leading to water damaged attics. Clogged gutters can allow rain runoff to puddle around the foundation of the home which can lead to a water damaged basement. If properties are damaged by water it creates a higher risk of mold forming. In the event homes or business are damaged by water it is important to check if mold have formed. Mold can form and spread within forty-eight hours of a water loss.
It is important to be safe and aware during severe storms that can pose a threat of flooding occurring. Watch the television or listen to a radio to keep updated on a storm. Remember if you have to go into flood waters go through standing waters and not moving waters. Also test the security of the land with a sturdy stick or pole to ensure the ground is safe to walk on.
Tips to Prevent Water Damage from Household Leaks
February 26, 2010
One doesn’t need to be faced with a big flood in order to experience water damage. There are many things within the home that can cause small leaks and this can be just as bad as having a basement flood during a storm. Fortunately there are some things which can be done.
Often, where there is a tiny leak, it can go unnoticed for weeks or even months on end. That’s not to say there’s no way of finding them. Ensure that one knows how to read the water meter then turn off all faucets and any appliances that may use water. Keep checking every few minutes over the course of an hour or so. If the value stays the same then there’s no leak. If it increases, even if this is negligible, there might be a leak somewhere that needs to be addressed.
Water damage in the bathroom can not only cause discoloration of the tiles but it can also be dangerous since it makes it very easy to slip. The biggest culprit in this is the caulking around fixtures such as the bathtub and toilet. Check these areas for any signs of cracks or mold growth. If one notices any of these, re-caulking will have to be done. However, it’s also a good idea to call in a plumber to ensure that pipes within the wall aren’t leaking and causing the effects seen.
Air conditioning units are notorious for developing small leaks. If they’re the sort which are placed outside the home then this may not be a problem, but inside units can easily cause water damage to flooring. It’s a good idea to have all air condition units in the home checked by a trained technician once a year or so. This will determine if there are any obstructions and allow for the problem to be dealt with before it really becomes an issue.
Washing machines, by their very nature, deal with water. Unfortunately that water has a bad habit of seeping through any loose or deteriorating hoses. The amount may be so small initially that it’s easy to miss, especially if it settles under the machine. Washing machine hoses should be inspected every couple of months to ensure that the connection is secure and it doesn’t need to be replaced. The same goes for any machine that regularly uses water, such as the dishwasher.
Pipe cleaners are a homeowner’s friend. Don’t be afraid to use them. There are many products on the market which simply need to be poured down the drain and they remove any sludge that may have built up. Obstructions are one of the most common causes of pipe leakages so it’s important to deal with them early.
Electronic restoration can salvage computers and tvs
February 5, 2010
Most people wouldn’t expect that you can clean water and fire damaged electronics with water. There is a technique specialists use to clean fire and water damaged electronics. If your personal electronics become damaged by water or fire you might want to consider using a restoration company that offers electronic restoration services. Most techniques used to clean a TV or computers aren’t achievable by home products, but there are a few things you can do to lessen the damage to your belongings. Make sure that the electronic devices are out of out the way of water if possible. Don’t risk shocking yourself over a computer. Before the restoration company arrives determine what you want to be cleaned. The sooner the device gets to a restoration company the better chance of it being saved. It’s better if the device is still wet because if it dries that means corrosion or rusting of components can happen.
Before the restoration company starts the cleaning process they will determine whether it’s even salvageable. Most steps are similar for cleaning a fire or water damaged electronics. Not only is the outside wet or covered in soot the inside is to. The specialist will disassemble the device whether it is a TV, computer, or radio. They have special degreasers and washing chambers made for cleaning electronics. If the electronics have been in water it’s important to get the contaminated water off metal parts such as mother boards and hard drives to prevent rusting and corrosion. Soot from smoke can cause staining so a fire wash can remove soot and help stop staining. Deionized water is what is used to clean the electronics. It is water that has had the minerals pulled from it making it safe for electronics.
After the washing faze is done the electronics will be put into drying chambers. The drying chambers consist of dry heat air at about one hundred and twenty degrees. This is the idea temperature that the pores open. Even after the device is washed there could be a smell to it from the fire opening the electronics pores making it smell like smoke. A scented mixture is put into the drying chambers so when the electronics heat up to one hundred and twenty degrees its pores open again removing the smoke smell and replacing it with the new fresh scent. The electronics are put into the drying chambers for at least twenty four hours maybe longer depending on how bad the smell is.
When the washing and drying fazes are done the electronics are reassembled and tested. The whole goal to electronic restoration is to make the device work like new. Sometimes the device can have a little bit of melting or staining. It is your choice whether you want this device back. If not let your restoration company and insurance agent know. You insurance company will usually replace the item or give you money for how much it was worth before the disaster.
Water damage can be especially difficult in commercial properties
January 20, 2010
There are all different types of commercial buildings, but they can all become victim to water damage. It’s important to keep up on maintenance to ensure your building withstands a full life. It’s better to be cautious about the elements then to have to deal with thousands of dollars in repairs from putting off a leak. A good source to find out if there’s something wrong with your building is to listen to your tenants. The complaints are a good indication that there could be some sort of a problem. If there is complaints about mustiness there could be a mold problem. Frequent problems of water in work stations could be a sign of roof or piping problems.
Roof tops should be inspected monthly to ensure drains are working properly and there isn’t any cracking in the roof. Flat topped commercial buildings are sufficient with vents, skylights, and other building system elements. These can become problems because the drains are directly over head with can become blocked with branches and dirt be blown around. Making sure drains and other features aren’t blocked or crack this can save you a heaping amount in repairs. Be caution with excessive amounts of rain and snow. Ensure that snow isn’t blocking any drains and rain waters from flowing freely through drains.
Exterior walls of the building are also another entry point for water to come in. Plumping and irrigation systems, exhaust vents, windows and doors are just a few sources for water leaks. Cracks in the wall from the building settling can allow water to seep through. Make sure these types of areas are properly sealed and if you notice water starting to cause a problem and to have it taken care of right away before it cause anymore damage.
Having damaged or improperly sealed windows can lead to leaks. Make sure that windows aren’t cracked or broken. If you notice areas around the windows are damp or there is fogging. This can be an indication that there is a seal problem. If the windows are a part of a wall drainage system make sure that weep holes and openings aren’t clogged.
There are other precautions you should take monthly to insure that your building is in top shape. Inspect plumping draining system to insure their not clogged or damaged. Test basement sump pumps to make sure its pumping out water. Directing irrigation and draining systems away from the foundation can help stop basements from flooding. Even the most well maintained and operated buildings can experience water damage. Following these tips can help minimize the event of water damage happening to your building.
