When a basement is flooded, a protocol must be followed, regardless of the cause. While this is usually a panic situation for many landlords and tenants, there are many things to consider before intervening. As far as the cause is concerned, it can be linked to the foundation,the windows and even the roof! Fixing the problem at the source is a priority to avoid further damage.
Call experts
In a major flood situation, it is strongly advised to call in claims experts. Their expertise will allow them to intervene safely and according to the rules of the art for an effective cleaning. Inadequate intervention can result in additional costs.
Pumping
In any case, when faced with a major flood, the water must be pumped outside. The use of a submersible pump is an example of a tool that is effective. This is connected to a pipe that will allow the ejection of water. Make sure all corners of the basement have been dry. It is to be expected that there will be a lot of mud inside that will have to be removed.
In the case of sanitary sewer backup, it is necessary to intervene with caution. Everything that has been affected by the sewage must definitely be discarded.
Drying
When water is discharged from the basement, the next step must be done very quickly. Drying is a crucial process for the health of a basement. Wet materials are not the real problem, but rather that they stay wet. If materials such as wood remain wet, mold will begin to develop very quickly. This is exactly the situation to avoid. We have to dry as soon as possible!
Using industrial fans and dehumidifiers, make sure all surfaces in the basement are dried. Removing finishing parts such as moldings can help speed up the process.
Can we keep everything?
Inorganic materials
We’re talking about materials made of:
- Ceramic
- Concrete
- Marble
- Metal
- Plastic
With good drying, it is very likely that you can keep your materials after a flood. These do not absorb water, so are less likely to be affected by mold.
Organic materials
When we talk about inorganic materials, we often think of wood. This type of materials should be treated more carefully, as water can be absorbed through pores. However, it is not impossible to dry these materials and restore them.
Note that materials will certainly have to be discarded if they have been affected by the water damage. Floating floor and acoustic ceiling tile are examples of things you can’t dry. Clearingwork is to be expected in this type of situation.
Water Infiltration by the Foundation: A Common Cause
Foundation cracks are frequently the cause of major water infiltration. Such a foundation failure can be a major gateway for groundwater and stormwater. An active crack can become very wide over time. A single torrential rain and water will easily enter the basement.
It only takes a few minutes and you can end up with inches of water.
What to do when the water comes in through the foundation?
Calling a foundation repair contractor is the right thing to do. What will he do?
- First remote diagnosis
- On-site visit and diagnosis: Identify the crack, assess the general condition of the foundation, analyze the levelling of the land and see the internal damage.
- Proposal of a solution: depending on the context.
VOPAA Inc. provides an emergency service for crack repairs. We are available 24 hours a day for immediate intervention.
The importance of repairing a crack
As you can see, these faults in the foundation can cause significant damage. Repairing a crack seems costly at first, but flooding your basement is much more expensive. It should be noted that a repair, waterproofing and installation of a French drain represent the ideal intervention.
Don’t put all the investment inside your home at risk and use VOPAA to protect your property from water infiltration.