April showers bring May problems. That’s because April is the most active period for thunderstorms and shower rainfall. This means that thunderstorms and rain are more likely to cause damage to roofs, basements, and other structures during these times. And since basements are often the first thing to be affected by water in the ground, even the best-protected buildings can be at risk. So if you live in an area that experiences April showers, be sure to take precautions to prevent future water intrusion.
How rain can damage a basement through structural damage, water damage, and an increase of mold.
1. Structural damage
Structural damage is the most common damage caused by winter rain. Rainwater can damage the foundation of a home. The main cause of this damage is the weight of water. The weight of the water causes the foundation to crack, which can lead to structural failure. In addition, rainwater can cause leaks in your foundation, which results in the water expanding and pushing against the foundation. This can also cause structural damage.
2. Water Damage
Water causes a lot of damage to buildings, including the basement walls, floors, and ceilings. Also damages insulation, wood, concrete floors, cement walls, interior walls, and electrical wiring in basements, causing short circuit or explosion hazards that can cause fires or other problems. Furthermore, water can cause mold and mildew to grow in the basement, which causes health problems for people exposed to it.
3. Mold growth
Mold growth is another problem that occurs when rainwater enters a building through basement windows or storm drains; a wet basement is ideal for mold growth because it’s humid and dark, which are perfect conditions for mold growth. Mold can be harmful to people’s health: breathing in mold spores may cause allergies and asthma attacks due to allergic reactions called hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and mold can cause other health problems such as diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, and confusion.
The best way to prevent water intrusion is to waterproof a basement.
1. Keep the basement dry
If you have a basement, keep it dry. If you don’t put anything in there, that can cause water to get inside. The best way to do that is by using a dehumidifier or a pump system to pull water out of the basement. If you have a leaky basement, your best bet is to seal the cracks and holes with caulk or duct tape.
2. Seal the cracks and holes
Seal all cracks and holes on your foundation before winter rain comes, especially those around window frames and doors. It’s not enough to close them; you also need to block them off with some material such as plastic sheeting or plywood boards cut into squares about two inches larger than the openings themselves. This will hold backwater until it dries out in springtime. Don’t forget about those little spaces between door frames and walls and behind interior doors; they’re often overlooked but are usually just as important as the cracks and holes around windows and doors.
3. Drainage
If you live in an area that gets regular rain, it’s good to have a drainage system installed in your basement. The best way to do this is by installing a drain tile or drain pipe, which will allow water to flow out of the basement instead of pooling there for long periods, causing damage and mold growth.
In conclusion, the basement must be properly waterproofed to prevent water damage. We Toledo Basement Repair is the best basement waterproofing company. We offer a free estimate on any waterproofing or basement needs, and we can also off 10% off their next service call. Visit us today. You can also like us on Facebook!