The basement is one of the most overlooked places in a home.
Well, this should not be the case. The reason is that it can be used as an extra storage space.
It can even serve as a library or a play area for kids.
It can therefore serve a crucial role than most homeowners would think.
Since it’s located lower than the rest of the house, the basement is susceptible to flood-related water damage.
Due to the little significance of this space, most individuals can decide to ignore the problem altogether.
Do You Have Water Coming Into Your Basement?
This shouldn’t be the case because basement water damage can be detrimental. The reasoning for this is that it can really leave your home in shambles.
This article analyzes the cost of ignoring basement deterioration by floods in your New Jersey home.
Foundation Damage
Water can get into the lower parts of your house. While there, it could cause significant deterioration of your house’s structure. When exposed to water over an extended period, your home can start developing cracks. The foundation could even start shifting due to water pressure. This shouldn’t be allowed to go on for too long. The reason for this is that it could destabilize the structure. The end result could be the collapse of the entire structure.
Structural damage can be very expensive to fix. It could end up costing several thousand dollars, especially if the deterioration is extensive. This is not to mention the cost of replacing the damaged property that you have lost.
A small issue that could have been fixed by installing waterproofing could end up being quite costly.
Reduced Property Value
Unless you are selling at a very low price compared to market value, nobody is interested in purchasing a moisture-compromised home. Homebuyers definitely envision the future and cannot imagine themselves dealing with water damage.
When potential buyers come to inspect the property, they may detect unpleasant smells or unsightly marks. Once they see such signs, especially in the basement, they will certainly assume that your home is frequently hit by flooding.
As a homeowner in a competitive market like New Jersey, you need to ensure you are not giving potential buyers a reason not to purchase your property. Instead, consider changing their perspective by installing waterproofing to keep the basement safe and dry.
Growth of Mold & Mildew
Due to the damp environment down there, basements provide perfect spots for the growth of mold and mildew. Now imagine there being water. This can accelerate their growth.
Mold and mildew not only make your walls weak but the two also release harmful spores and compounds into the air, which could end up affecting the entire house.
The existence of fungal growth in your property will attract remediation costs, which can be very expensive.
Increased Energy Bills
Water damage increases humidity levels in your house. This means that your HVAC system will need to work a lot harder. This is so that it can maintain good living standards for you. The result will be higher energy bills.
To prevent such scenarios, consider doing basement waterproofing. It has proven to be a smart investment, which will help you avoid costly energy bills down the line.
Health Risks
Exposure to persistent dampness over a long period increases the chances of developing respiratory complications. Your home will have compromised air quality. This will be caused by excess moisture and mold fragments. This can lead to breathing difficulties and respiratory issues. If you have kids and the elderly in your home, then know that they are at a much higher risk.
The damp environment may also encourage infestations by pests like rodents and cockroaches, which can bring diseases into your home. It’s also good to note that standing water can serve as a habitat for bacteria and even pests like mosquitos, which can pose serious health threats to you and your family.
Lost Storage
As earlier mentioned, the basement is usually a great place to store valuable and sentimental items. It’s where most people store old photos, gifts, and other unused belongings. When water damage takes place, it not only causes financial loss but also significant emotional losses. Since you don’t want to experience such issues, consider installing waterproofing in your basement to keep it safe and dry at all times.
When you put in the needed effort, the basement can be as important as other parts of your home. Instead of ignoring it, you should ensure that it’s dry and looks great all year round. One way to do this is to install proper waterproofing. This will help prevent issues like property damage and decreased property value.
