Water and Basements do not always mix

4/23/2024 (Permalink)

Basement walls with water damage

Nevada Flooding and Basement Water Damage | SERVPRO of Henderson/Boulder City

Nevada is no stranger to flash flooding. Because the terrain is mountainous and the ground is dry for most of the year, a flash flooding situation can happen very quickly.

While many homes in the Las Vegas area don’t have basements because of the rocky caliche that makes up a hard sediment layer under most of the city that is difficult to dig through, some homes do. This can present a challenge as this water from floods can make its way into the underground part of a home.

Below, we’ll look at some of the ways that you can identify water damage in your basement, or other parts of your home.

3 Signs There Could Be Water Damage Present

Musky, unpleasant odors. Water that gets into a basement could be clean, like rain water, but over time, if it becomes stagnant, the scent that it can leave behind after it evaporates is quite pungent. There is a common misconception that all basements have a musty smell, but this shouldn’t be the case for all basements. The smell often associated with basements is only possible when mold and mildew are present .

Flaky paint. Walls and masonry are often the first place people notice water damage. Many homeowners and landlords, in an effort to proactively head this off, will apply waterproof paint to interior walls. However, if water gets behind the paint, it will begin to work away at this paint over time and can lead to peeling, cracking or bubbling on the surface, despite its intended design to mask the issue.

Foundation cracks. Certainly, homes shift over time, but cracks in the foundation can indicate a larger problem, particularly water damage. These cracks can show up anywhere from the floor to the ceiling or the walls and can be a sign that there is water putting undue stress on the home that is liable to cause cracking. While hairline cracks are not an immediate cause for concern, if they grow, they should be treated immediately.

If any of these signs appear in your home, let us take a look and determine the cause of the issues and how we can help you treat it properly. Contact us today to see how we can help.