Water in basements can lead to costly problems for businesses, jeopardizing inventory, equipment, furnishings, and even the structural integrity of the building. Unchecked moisture infiltration may lead to fungal growth, unpleasant odors, pest issues, and deterioration that diminishes workplace safety and property value.
To prevent minor problems from exploding into migraines that lead to expensive repairs, you must know how to assess and address water damage in your basement.
Detecting Early Signs of Water Damage
Since commercial basements are vulnerable to water seepage and leaks, periodically inspecting for early warning signs allows you to get ahead of moisture damage. Look for these common indicators:
Musty Odors
A faint but noticeable musty or moldy smell in your basement can signal excess moisture and possible fungal growth. Don’t ignore such odors, as they usually worsen over time. Act promptly to find and address the source of dampness feeding microbial growth.
Wall/Floor Staining
Discolored patches or white, powdery residues on basement walls or floors indicate moisture incursion and potential mold issues. Note the locations and document with dated photos. This establishes a record should problems spread or leak sources remain elusive.
Bubbling Paint/Peeling Wallpaper
Bulging, cracked, or bubbled paint and curling or peeling wallpaper demonstrate trapped moisture behind basement walls. Left unchecked, chronic dampness propagates mold and damages porous wall materials.
Puddling Water
Any amount of standing water, whether from heavy rains, foundation cracks, or pipe leaks, encourages excess humidity. Quickly soak up puddles, trace leak sources, and improve drainage to keep basements dry.
Assessing for Structural Damage
While staining clearly signals water intrusion, also check basement walls and floors more thoroughly for hidden structural issues water can cause over time.
Inspect Concrete Surfaces
Scan concrete floors and foundation walls for networks of surface cracks suggesting chronic moisture or more serious water penetration weakening concrete integrity from underneath or behind. Look for hollow, crumbling areas indicating advanced deterioration.
Check Hidden Wall Spots
Peel back sections of damaged wallpaper or paneling. Use a moisture meter to test behind furnishings and storage. Measure humidity levels around plumbing runs and exterior walls for clues pinpointing unchecked water access.
Monitor Existing Repairs
Examine previous leak repairs, patched cracks, or prior sealing jobs. Note any gaps, detachment, or indications that repaired areas remain damp. This avoids assuming past fixes have adequately addressed problems.
Assessing HVAC Components
Inspect pipes, ducts, wiring, and equipment for rust, mold growth, or insulation damage. A chronically damp basement takes a toll on metals and other HVAC components.
Evaluating Inventory and Contents
Water incursion also threatens business inventory, documents, furnishings, and valuables stored in basements. Carefully check these items for moisture damage, even if they were stored off the floor. Water can penetrate containers, soak materials, encourage mold, and corrode metals. If significant flooding occurred, you’ll likely need professional restoration services.
Resolving Minor Water Damage Issues
For small areas of water staining or minor leaks, you can take specific measures that will temporarily alleviate basement moisture until you get someone to complete the full repairs:
Control Humidity Levels
Excessive humidity accelerates deterioration and mold growth. Use commercial dehumidifiers to maintain a below 50% relative basement humidity based on hygrometer readings. Also, make sure to improve airflow circulation with fans.
Block Sources of Dampness Intrusion
Caulk cracks in walls or foundations, seal openings around pipe penetrations, and manage exterior drainage from gutters and downspouts to redirect water away from the building. Be careful, as doing this on your own can lead to more problems than it solves, such as thinking you’ve fixed something only to find you weren’t quite as successful as you thought when major damage has already occurred.
Remove Standing Water
Extract ponded water with a submersible sump pump, wet vac, or mopping. Also, you need to thoroughly dry affected areas with fans, making sure that the airflow is focused on the moist areas.
Clean Surfaces of Contamination
Vacuum up mold with HEPA filtration. Also, scrub away mildew and disinfect damp sections of walls, floors, or furnishings with cleaning solutions containing at least 70% isopropyl alcohol. It’s also a good idea to contact a mold remediation specialist since mold can be highly problematic.
Knowing When to Call the Pros for Water Damage Issues
While containing minor moisture problems yourself can temporarily help, you still need the expertise of a specialist. Water damage can cause massive and costly issues in the long term.
Much of it can be hidden at first, meaning that if you don’t have the experience or expertise, you could miss something and end up paying a fortune for your mistake. If you still aren’t sure your situation requires a professional, consider the following:
Detecting Hidden Trouble Spots
Professionals have high-tech tools, such as moisture meters, infrared cameras, and chemical tests that uncover subsurface water intrusion you’d likely miss. A thorough diagnosis reveals the full scope of issues so proper repairs can occur.
Structural and Mold Remediation
Contractors determine if revealed water damage necessitates structural reinforcements or mold removal, adhering to strict regulations. Attempting extensive repairs without proper qualifications, equipment, or hazardous materials disposal exposes your business to significant liabilities.
Inaccessible Areas Needing Repair
Many important trouble zones hide behind basement walls or under floors. Demolition may be required to access them without compromising your building’s structural stability. Waterproofing contractors have the controlled demolition expertise to access these areas safely.
Large-Scale Drying and Dehumidifying
For widespread flooding or chronic moisture, mass water extraction using truck-mounted vacuum equipment paired with commercial dehumidification achieves the level of drying basement restoration specialists have the equipment to handle.
Waterproof Caulking & Restoration: Your Commercial Basement Waterproofing Partner
Has persistent moisture or extensive water damage occurred in your company’s basement? Are you concerned about inventory losses, business disruptions, failing facility infrastructure, or repair costs that may wipe out your budget?
Waterproof Caulking & Restoration has the commercial waterproofing expertise to solve your basement problems for good. Contact us at 484.265.9646 or online to learn more about protecting your business from costly basement water damage.