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3 Health Hazards Hidden Within Your Wet Basement

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Wet Basement Stories
Wet Basement Stories

Have you noticed lately that your basement leaks when it rains — or that there are frequently puddles and other signs of moisture in your basement?

If so, you aren’t alone. It’s estimated that 98% of homes with basements will see some kind of water damage at some point. Additionally, water damage accounts for about 26.4% of all insurance claims per year in the U.S.

But if your basement’s leaks are small, you might not think there’s much reason for concern. Those puddles will simply evaporate, right? Wrong. Having even a small amount of moisture in your basement can create the perfect environment for a number of dangerous health hazards.

Could your basement water leaks secretly be harming you and your family’s health and well-being? Find out with these three hidden health hazards of leaky, wet basements:

Mold

Damp spaces — no matter how big or small — are the perfect environment for black and green mold to grow and thrive. Mold has been linked to respiratory illness, especially for children and the elderly, and will only become worse over time if a mold remediation isn’t performed. Because of this, it’s imperative to clean and dry your wet basement within 24 to 48 hours after a basement flood or leak occurs to prevent mold growth from taking place.

Pests

Did you know that pests like mice, rats and cockroaches thrive in dark, damp environments? As a result, a basement leak or flood can bring in some unwanted tenants. Cockroach and rat waste material in particular has been known to trigger asthma attacks, creating a highly unhealthy environment for anyone with asthma.

Bacteria and microorganisms

In addition to mold, a leaking basement can harbor stunning amounts of bacterial growth that no anti-bacterial cleaner will be able to get rid of. Damp wall boards and floorboards are the perfect place for these microorganisms to grow. This bacteria can cause chronic nose, eye, and throat irritation issues for people with allergies.

Have any other questions or comments for us about repairing cracks in foundation walls to prevent basement cracks and leaks? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

WRITTEN BY

Austin Werner

Austin Werner is the Owner of The Real Seal LLC, a basement waterproofing and foundation repair company. Austin believes that having a highly trained and happy team is the key to success. This is reflected through hundreds of 5 star customer reviews his company has received online.

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