Wet Basements: A Year-Round Problem In Massachusetts

Posted by M.A. Restoration Inc. on October 4th, 2019

Whether your Worcester home’s basement is a fully furnished, luxurious walk-out or a dark room for storing Christmas ornaments, the risk of water damage is always a threat. Even we at MA Restoration Inc. know that simple physics dictates that water always flows to the lowest point, so your bottom floor can accumulate moisture from external sources (rain, snow, floodwater) and internal sources (broken pipe, built-up water vapor.)     

Signs Of A Problem

In many basements, you can smell the problem before you see it. Mold often has a characteristic musty smell. Many varieties of fungi thrive in damp, dark spaces. As they flourish, they eat and digest the food source and release the smelly waste– volatile organic chemicals (VOCs.) Mold frequently has spores that can be inhaled, cause respiratory issues and trigger allergies.

Sometimes you can see the actual water. Water seepage frequently occurs when water is coming through cracks in the foundation or other porous material. It’s quite common to see dampness or staining around floor cracks when sleeping is taking place.

Often you can see the damage resulting from the water. Frequently a crack will form in the wall since concrete shrinks as it cures. Rust oxidation is a clear indication of moisture exposure; look for a reddish flaky layer of iron oxide on steel and iron. Wood rots or disintegrates from constant exposure.

Depending on the building material, constant water on the walls can change the sheen or finish. Efflorescence is a white, powdery, mineral deposit seen on brick, concrete, and tiles. Minerals, such as salts, are carried by water thru masonry materials. As water passes through the foundation’s wall, the minerals within the water are dissolved within the masonry material. When the water evaporates, the minerals are left on the surface in a white, powdery film.

Safety Tips For Flooded Basements

If you find water in your basement, be safe. Call a water restoration specialist in Worcester to investigate and initiate repairs. While you wait:

• Gas Leaks: If you smell gas or rotten eggs get out of your house immediately and call your utility company or fire department. Don’t re-enter your home while you wait for authorities to arrive.
• Electric Shock: If the flood water has reached your electrical outlets and appliances you should NEVER touch anything. Turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker if you can do so safely and call a professional electrician. Turn off the circuit breakers to your basement’s power if you can do so safely. If at all possible do not go into your basement. 
• Structural Damage: The structural integrity of your home is seldom affected by floods, but it does happen. If you suspect this type of damage has occurred,  stay out of your basement.
• Raw Sewage: If your basement flooded due to rain, it’s not uncommon for the water to contain bacteria from raw sewage. You should only enter your basement if you are wearing protective clothing to prevent your skin from coming into contact with the water. Wear safety glasses and a face mask and be sure to thoroughly wash anything that the water touched.

Is The Damage Covered By Insurance?

Probably… homeowners insurance may help cover damage caused by leaking plumbing if the leak is sudden and accidental, such as if a washing machine supply hose suddenly breaks or a pipe bursts. However, homeowners insurance does not cover damage resulting from poor maintenance. So, if damage results after you fail to repair a leaky toilet, for example, homeowners insurance likely will not pay for repairs.

Floods are never covered by a normal homeowners policy. Depending on where your home is located in Massachusetts, you may be able to purchase flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, which offers basement coverage insurance. While flood insurance does not cover basement improvements, such as finished walls, floors or ceilings, or personal belongings that may be kept in a basement, such as furniture and other contents, it does cover structural elements, essential equipment and other basic items normally located in a basement.

MA Restoration has years of experience with insurance claims and how to properly document evidence of damage. Count on them to help guide you through this confusing process.

Water Damage Cleanup In Worcester

When you suffer water damage in your basement, or in any room, look for a provider with knowledge and training. To effectively dry the area, MA Restoration uses the most effective cleaning equipment plus extensive experience in the construction industry to intelligently recover what can be saved and safely remove what is unsalvageable.