Basement Floods After a Storm: What to Do?

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

A roof with storm damage.

Basements are one of the most vulnerable parts of a home to flooding, and after heavy rain or snowstorm, many homeowners find themselves dealing with water-soaked ceilings and walls. As you begin to clean up and dry out your basement, there are several important things that you need to do to prevent future problems.

Shut off running pipes.

If the source of the flooding is a pipe, you'll want to turn it off as soon as possible. You can do this by shutting off just the pipe that leads to the basement. In any case, you can temporarily turn off all pipes until you figure out what's causing the basement to flood.

Remove all wet items from the basement as quickly as possible.

You'll want to move quickly and take out all of the wet items from your basement as soon as possible. Keep in mind that if you don't clean these items immediately, they will mold which can lead to further damage. Be cautious when removing wet insulation or carpeting because it may hold moisture for several days after exposure to water.

While you may think that a flooded basement can be easily cleaned up, it's important to remember that mold and mildew can grow very quickly under the right conditions. If not taken care of immediately, this problem will only get worse as time goes on and it can affect the health of your entire home.

Inspect for any cracks or weak spots in your basement walls.

If you find any cracks or weak spots, you'll want to repair them as soon as possible. If the source of water is coming from outside your home, then this may mean calling a contractor for help.

Call a Storm Damage Restoration professional.

Storm damage cleanup can be a complicated and confusing job, so you may want to call a storm damage restoration professional. These technicians can help with everything from removing water-damaged materials to restoring the air quality of your home after flooding. They will also help you with repairs and waterproofing to prevent future flooding in your basement.

Contact your insurance company about what coverage is available to protect against future floods.

Flooding is a common occurrence in the U.S. In fact, 90% of all natural disasters in the U.S. involve flooding. This is why you must have coverage in any case. If you have flood insurance coverage, contact your insurance company about what protection is available to help with cleanup and reconstruction of any damaged property. They may even be able to help you with the cost of your next home improvement project.

Conclusion

Right after a storm, many homeowners are surprised by how expensive it can be to deal with flooding in their basement due to extensive damage and necessary repairs. A storm damage cleanup professional can help you with the entire process of restoring your home after a flood. With some quick steps and by taking care of the damaged property as soon as possible, you'll get through this difficult time with minimal effort.