It’s finally summer — and that means that much of the country is set to be hit with heavy rains all season long.
Unfortunately, for many Americans, this means the inevitability of water leaking into the basement. And if you were planning on selling your home in the near future, this could pose a major problem for you.
Few home buyers will make the choice invest in a home that has extensive flood damage and frequent water leaks. As a result, selling a home that has foundational water damage is often next to impossible. If you don’t want your home’s wet basement to ruin your chances of being able to sell it in the future, be sure to do these three things as soon as possible:
Decide whether or not to file an insurance claim
Homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover the costs of damage done by moisture, mildew or mold. However, if you have a flood insurance policy, you may be able to file a claim to repair basement leaks and cracks within your home. Just be careful — some insurers track your home’s risk level even if you simply inquire about a claim, but never actually file one.
Make any needed repairs immediately
If you notice that water damage has put cracks in your foundation wider than one fourth of an inch, you should contact a foundation repair company to repair these cracks. This should especially be a priority if you plan to put your house on the market soon. Additionally, if you notice black mold in your basement, you should contact a mold remediation company immediately.
Take preventive action against basement water leaks
Unfortunately, basement water leaks are virtually inevitable in homes with cinder block or cement foundations. More than 98% of homes that have basements will undergo some kind of water damage over the years. However, you can take a number of actions to help reduce the likelihood of water damage in your home, such as sloping the soil around your basement downward from the home so water is directed away. For optimal protection against water leaks, the ground around your home’s foundation should slope at least six inches per 10 horizontal feet.
Do you have any other questions on how to seal your basement or repair basement leaks? Ask us anything about the foundation repair process by leaving a comment below.
