A basement flood is one of the most traumatic experiences any homeowner has to deal with. Any destruction that happens to your house is something you will have to recover from emotionally and physically. Since, we aren’t counselors today we will just address the physical recovery from a basement flood in Baltimore.
A basement flood in Baltimore is usually considered when there is six inches or more of standing water in the basement.
If you have this kind of water, the first thing to remember is not to drain it too fast. The impulse is to drain it as quickly as possible. If you drain the basement too fast it could cause the basement walls to collapse from the exchange of the hydrostatic pressure. The right thing to do is slowly drain it and dry it out as soon as possible. Most of the damage comes during the days and weeks after the flood when the environment stays wet causing mold growth and rot. Try to get the basement completely dry within three to four days to avoid any problems. Remove any damaged material, wall coverings and flooring. The basement should be stripped. Try to dry out and salvage anything you can. If your basement is finished there may be even more emotional (and financial) recovery to go through. Replace the basement finishing with waterproof materials. Traditional sheetrock and carpet are not the best choices for basements.
Running a dehumidifier for about a week after the basement flood will also help ensure the basement is completely dry. A home inspector can also use thermal imaging to test for left over moisture.
The biggest piece of the puzzle to recovering after a flood is making sure it never happens again. Basement waterproofing is about prevention. While there is a chance your waterproofing system failed resulting in a basement flood, if it is in good working condition, well-designed for your house and climate and well-maintained it should prevent basement floods.
Exterior basement waterproofing is designed to keep water out. Interior basement waterproofing is designed to work two-fold: keep water out and get any water out that might get in. A professional basement waterproofing contractor will look at your house and your situation to help you decide what is the best waterproofing system for you. You may want to have multiple contractors assess your situation and provide you with a quote. Sometimes different companies recommend different systems. It is good to see get different opinions because there isn’t just one way to waterproof a basement.
Having started in 1990, we boast expert staff members with collective experience in the industry going strong for over 50 years. We promise our clients superior workmanship and quality in basement waterproofing and foundation repair at budget-friendly prices, capped by a fantastic client experience to ensure your ultimate satisfaction.
We are a local and family-owned business committed to providing top-notch basement waterproofing service and workmanship. We are also actively involved in several non-profit projects for the betterment of our community. In 2020 we celebrated our 30th Anniversary.
