People often downplay a leaky basement’s severity. Yet, even a small leak can trigger major problems. It’s a common mistake that leads to costly damage.
Unfortunately, basement leaks are very common in both modern and antique homes, and the occupants of these houses often overlook the potential risks until they become severe and expensive to handle.
Visit wekeepyoudry.com to learn more about the dangers of a leaky basement and how they can help you.
Here are four reasons why you should take a leaky basement seriously:
1. Flood risks
The innocent leak in your basement could be the reason you’ll be spending thousands of dollars in a few weeks or months.
A study by the National Flood Insurance Program revealed that nearly 20% of flood insurance claims are attributed to water seepage and poor drainage, and leaky basements were the primary culprits in each case.
The risk of flooding will amplify for as long as you leave the leak unattended. A minor basement leak can release over 11,000 gallons of water into your home in a year. That’s enough water to engulf your living space.
Imagine living with the constant fear that a modest rainfall can turn your basement into a waterlogged disaster zone.
You must eradicate the risk of this happening. Find an expert in your area to fix this issue. You can find an expert by Googling “basement water proofer near me.” Contact the one with great reviews to seal off your basement walls as soon as possible.
2. Possible Mold Growth
Unchecked moisture from a leaky basement can create a perfect haven for mold spores to breed. Mold is something you should be genuinely worried about.
It’s not just about the mere aesthetic concern; there are serious health risks associated with having mold in your environment.
Both children and adults can suffer the consequences of the mycotoxins being produced by these mold growths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 4.6 million premature deaths worldwide each year can be attributed to diseases caused by mold and dampness in homes.
You must not jeopardize the safety of the inhabitants of your home. The consequences can be fatal.
3. The Risk of Structural Collapse
You can consider your basement as the foundation that keeps your home standing. When leaks are allowed to stay overtime, moisture slowly seeps into the structural components and weakens their strength.
When this happens, the load-bearing capacity of the walls will surely be compromised, thereby causing your building to collapse.
The tiny drops of water that you’re ignoring now could be the reason you’re facing homelessness in a few months. Make it a habit to inspect your basement for leaks and take the necessary precautions to curb them before they get out of hand.
4. Impact on Home Value
With a leaky basement, you’ll certainly not be getting a lot of juicy offers when you put your home up for sale. The leaks can also cause them to think that there may be other hidden issues in other parts of the building.
When potential buyers assess the level of damage that the ignored leaks have done to your structure, they are likely to pull back entirely.
You may be wondering how you can save yourself the hassle of getting lowball offers due to a leaky basement. The answer’s simple. Go online and look up ‘water proofers near me’. You should find a few experts that can help you remedy the situation.
Wrapping Up
Overlooking a leaky basement can have catastrophic consequences in the long run. It can cause damage to your health, living conditions, or even your finances. It’s always wise to inspect your basement at intervals to see if water’s seeping into any part of the structure. Make this a habit, and you’ll be glad you did.
