09 May The Dangers of a Wet Basement
A chronically wet basement can be very bad for your home. The water and moisture may indicate a structural problem that could be simple and quick to fix with timely wet basement repairs. It also might be costly due to the types of structural damage that often enable water and moisture to enter basements, like cracks in the walls or foundation. Here are some potential dangers you could face by ignoring your wet basement.
The Growth of Mold and Mildew
The potential for mold, mildew, and other fungi could affect the health of those living inside homes with chronically wet basements. According to HomeAdvisor, fungi and molds affect approximately 38% of the basements that have recurring problems with moisture. Mold and mildew can irritate the lungs, cause respiratory problems, and complicate preexisting health conditions, such as pneumonia. If you ignore wet basement repairs to fix the problem, these substances might make your home uninhabitable.
A Breeding Ground for Pests
Wet basements could become breeding grounds for invasive pests that might spread disease. Mosquitoes could lay eggs and breed in standing water in the basement, which would put the household and any pets at risk of contracting an illness. Fleas, mice, and rats also might find your wet basement as an ideal location to breed. When you have pests multiplying inside your wet basement, your family’s health could suffer without wet basement repairs.
Slip-and-Fall Injuries
A wet basement could compromise your footing by leaving a slick film on the floor. If you frequently enter your basement to do laundry, access storage, or for any other purpose, you might find it difficult to maintain your footing. A simple slip-and-fall accident can be potentially deadly if you strike your head on the floor or shatter a knee or hip, and most basements have a very hard floor made of concrete. You also might suffer lesser injuries that cause significant pain and affect your ability to get around until you heal from your injuries.
Weakened Structural Integrity
Wet basements could cause concrete to weaken and wood to slowly rot. Small cracks could become larger ones over time as water erodes the materials away, especially for homes where freeze and thaw cycles occur frequently. If left ignored, the problem might make a home uninhabitable by undermining its foundation or support structure.
Our wet basement repair specialists are available to inspect and repair your basement at your request. Contact B & B Basement Repairs LLC today for more information or to get started with our services. We look forward to helping you maintain your basement.