No matter if you’re close to a river or floodplain, the truth is that all basements have a propensity for flooding. The water flows down from the high ground, meaning your basement could turn into a pool of water under certain conditions.
It’s usually just a quick rain that soaks the ground around the basement, and with an inadequate waterproofing solution, the water may seep into holes in the foundations of your home. The cellar must be adequately waterproofed by a professional who uses a tar-based sealant. In addition, it must have a “weeping tile” that directs the water away from your basement to a local sewerage system.
What to Do After Basement Floods
To minimize financial loss, you must act quickly. The likelihood of mold growth is higher when there is a lot of water in the region for an extended period. To reduce costs, follow these steps.
Remove Water
Get rid of any remaining water as fast as possible. In most cases, just a couple of inches of stagnant water could be removed using a wet vac. If you don’t own a damp vac, look into purchasing either borrowing, purchasing, or leasing one.
Significant water damage may need the services of a professional. If the damage is not too severe, you can use towels to absorb the water; however, they must be dried and cleaned as soon as possible so that mold doesn’t grow. Search for “Water mitigation Chatham” to get the best results.
Dry It Out
Utilize fans and dehumidifiers to circulate air, thereby stopping the growth of mold and mildew. Dehumidifiers should be kept at a minimum of six to eight inches from walls to guarantee proper air circulation.
Every week or so, clean and wash their filters to ensure that the fan operates appropriately. Make sure to run your air conditioner continuously. Discard any moist boxes.
Scrub Flooring
Clean hard surfaces using a solution of not more than one cup of chlorine bleach and one gallon of water. Ensure that you’re wearing rubber gloves and safety glasses throughout the process. Also, make sure you keep the area properly ventilated. Companies like PuroClean have more information posted on their website.
Examine and Clear Gutters
Put on your rubber gloves, and look over the drains and steps of your basement. Clean up any leaves, twigs, or dirt.
Take the drain screen off and thoroughly clean it; clear the drain with an apex or plumber’s snake If needed. Clean the gutters and downspouts on the outside of the home.
Freeze Your Assets
If you find that your precious documents or loved papers have become damp, you can immediately put them in the freezer. This is likely to stop mildew growth and slow down degeneration until you can address them later.
You can decide to put nothing valuable in the basement and use concrete blocks to keep things from the ground. If used in the basement, plastic storage bins are a great alternative to cardboard boxes.
Prevent Mold
Mold is a problem that extends beyond the physical harm to your home and belongings. It poses a significant threat to you and the health of your family. Avoid this by cleaning the walls.
Purchase Pine Oil and Clorox Bleach. Determine the bleach dilution rate and then use pumps to spray the solution on all floors and walls, including the regions where the water meter shows it is wet. Look up “Mould removal Chatham” for more best results.
