The Most Common Causes of Basement Flooding And Water Damage Cleanup Water is the major cause of damage to properties as it comes from a wide range of sources, from heavy rainfall to leaky pipes and sewer backups. Once the water has entered the property, it will keep spreading through absorbent materials, causing more structural damage. Since basements are the lowest point of the house and water in the soil surrounds them, they are particularly vulnerable to floods. Below are the major causes of basement flooding and water damage cleanup in your home.
1. Improperly Installed Downspouts When properly installed and operating, downspouts always direct excess water away from your house and its foundation. They must be at least five to seven feet away from the basement floor and drain water away from the property and toward the street or your yard. If your downspouts are broken, water could accumulate beside your home. Water will seep into your basement through gaps in the ground as the soil surrounding your house softens.
2. Gutter Debris Gutters are an important feature of your home’s rainwater collection system. They direct excess water away from the foundation by directing it from the roof to the drains. They easily clog with branches, leaves, nuts, and other waste, and since they are not visible, it’s easy to miss them. Clogged drains cannot direct water away from the property, and they overflow after rainstorms, resulting in waterfalls that increase the risk of floods. Make sure to clean your gutters regularly, and consider placing coverings over the tops to keep debris out.
3. Poor Basement Sealing When a house is built, the basement tiling and foundation must always be sealed properly. This is especially crucial in locations where torrential rain, storms, and other extreme weather disasters are common. Hurricanes bring with them strong winds and a lot of rain, which can result in a flooded basement. Also, snow-prone regions are at risk of flooding from melting