Tag Archive for: basement waterproofing

Top Four Reasons to Choose Basement Waterproofing

Seal the Deal with Basement Waterproofing from Zablocki

Whether you’re building a home for the first time or have proudly called your current address home for decades, there’s never a bad time to consider basement waterproofing. It might sound strange to consider basement waterproofing after a house is built, but the elements rarely care about how long we’ve lived in our home; the rain, snow, leaks, and mold come as they please but only leave when they’re forced out. In order to secure your home from unwanted water damage, mold and mildew, a sturdy sealant and accompanying materials are needed to ensure your basement stays dry, even during Milwaukee’s wet springs. Over our nearly three decades of experience, we’ve come across countless reasons for homeowners to secure their basements with Zablocki’s professional basement waterproofing services. Below, we’ve highlighted a few of the most important reasons to waterproof your basement. Continue reading to learn more.

 

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Reason 4: Limits Damage From Flooding

Flooding is the most prevalent natural disaster occurring in the States every year, meaning that, unfortunately, the odds aren’t in our favor if we live in flood prone areas. The Milwaukee area is no exception; while extreme flooding is rare, floods are quite common in areas of the surrounding area and are sure to cause extensive damage to our basements if left untreated.

 

Reason 3: Foundational Crack Prevention

Excessive water can cause devastating damage to our homes’ foundations, leading to a host of structural issues and safety hazards. But it doesn’t take a flood to cause foundational damage; once moisture makes itself at home in the grooves and cracks of our basement’s foundations, it expands and contracts (depending upon the temperature), causing undue and preventable damage.

 

Reason 2: Keeps Out Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew love a damp environment, especially if it’s a warm environment, at that. And if you’ve been in the Milwaukee area even briefly during the summer, you’re aware of how humid it can be (thanks, Lake Michigan!). Adding a layer of protection with our basement waterproofing services can mean the difference in a warm, dry, and mold- and mildew-free basement and a warm, wet haven for mold and mildew.

 

Reason 1: Increases Your Home’s Value

It’s no secret that houses are becoming more and more expensive and finding (or building) one that is within your price point can be difficult in the Milwaukee area. But one way to ensure your home’s value increases with time is to add basement waterproofing. In the event that your put your home up for sale, potential homeowners are more likely to consider your home if they know the foundation is structurally sound and their future basement is sure to be kept dry.

 

Protect Your Home and Your Investment

When you choose basement waterproofing services from Zablocki, you’re relying on 30 years of professional experience and skill to deliver the best product in the Milwaukee area. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about any of the services we offer are curious to learn more about why you should choose Zablocki for your basement waterproofing needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. Choose Quality. Choose Zablocki.

Protect Your Basement From Winter’s Thaw & Spring’s Deluge

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April Showers Bring Mayflowers While the Basement Sours

Prevent Floods, Molding, & Irreparable Damages

When the temporary mountains of greyed and salt-encrusted slush that once resembled snow begin to melt across the Milwaukee area, the city and suburbs come to life, eager to escape the confines of a Wisconsin winter. After five months in close quarters, seemingly every person in the Milwaukee area sheds their shelters for warmer, longer days, we (understandably) attempt to soak up as much sun as we can between those unpredictable and quintessentially Milwaukee days of frigid mornings and balmy evenings. Yet while we flee our homes for the shores of Bradford Beach or points further afield, our basements are bearing brunt of the thaw. Consider this: our basements are literally the cornerstones of our homes, and keeping them safe and sturdy are integral maintaining a comfortable home. These safety measures include keeping your basement free of water, whether leaking, standing, or pipes in danger of bursting. If you’ve already begun your mad dash to get out of the house, pump the brakes and continue reading to learn more about the importance of basement waterproofing.

 

Save Time, Money, & Hassle

When spring arrives, likely the furthest thing from your mind is anything to do with your home, (outside of the handful of spring cleaning chores that get handed off to the kids). However, it’s of the utmost importance that we don’t neglect the room(s) about which we often forget: the basement. Let’s face it: it seems that this part of the house is often the most unvisited, and, accordingly, the least thought about. When we ignore our basements’ foundational health, we inadvertently dismiss the structural integrity of most homes. Foundation contractors have long warned homeowners and landlords of the dangers associated with poor basement waterproofing methods.

 

Never Too Little, Never Too Late: Waterproof Your Basement

Unfortunately, when the aforementioned warnings are not heeded (or simply overlooked and forgotten), tragic consequences can result. Namely, standing water in your basement can signal a host of devastating challenges — many of which involve wet basement solutions from qualified basement leak repair teams, foundation contractors, and waterproofing contractors. The latter may sound odd, but if you’ve experienced a flooded and/or water-damaged basement, you surely understand the importance of hiring well-qualified and professional basement waterproofing contractors. Waterproofing walls is an excellent first and preventative step that prepares you for a  waterproof basement. When you choose Zablocki Waterproofing for all of your basement waterproofing needs, you’re choosing unrivaled basement waterproofing skill, costs that adhere to nearly any budget, and care that remains unsurpassed by Milwaukee area competitors.

 

Don’t Let The Slush Find its Way Into Your Home

We at Zablocki have seen our fair share of Wisconsin winters, and know all too well the ramifications of a slushier-than-normal spring. This empathy has found its way into our dedicated and client-focused basement waterproofing business; we want our Milwaukee area neighbors to be able to enjoy the longer days and warmer rays without the worry of a flooded or ruined basement. Think you’re on your way to a flooded basement? Give us a call today to learn more about how Zablocki Waterproofing can begin protecting or repairing your basement. Already have a basement repair project in mind and are curious about the cost, timeframe, and intended results? Even better. Check out our consultation form to schedule your free Zablocki Waterproofing consultation today. Don’t spend your spring looking for wet basement solutions or other frustrating, belabored, and costly basement leak repairs. Let Zablocki Waterproofing keep your home safe, dry, and ready to take on the slush.

Don’t Let Water Stagnation Ruin Your Vacation

Keep Your Basement Dry While You’re Away

Those of us who’ve lived in Wisconsin for several years (or have had the pleasure of visiting during the winter months) know the challenges associated with traversing and dealing with the snow — and the human-made, roadside mountains piled high with the stuff that last well into spring. While we clamor for warmer climes and begin to plan our spring and summer vacations, our basements are quite literally soaking up the warming, humid air. Flush with additional moisture, our Milwaukee area basements are becoming optimal hosts for mold and water damage. While we’ve outlined the potentially devastating effects mold can have on our basements with some brevity, the importance of waterproofing basement baseboards, walls, and floors shouldn’t be overlooked in the excitement of vacation planning. Curious about the best approach to ensuring your home is kept dry and safe while you’re away? Keep reading to learn more about Zablocki Waterproofing’s client-focused approach to waterproofing basement walls, basement leak repair, and foundation waterproofing services.

 

Your Travel Logistics and Your Home’s Foundation, Both Sealed Shut

We’d be hard-pressed to find a Wisconsinite who hasn’t at least dreamt of escaping the white-washed hills, plains, and shores of the Third Coast during winter. But before you click “book” on your winter escape, consider the ramifications of not waterproofing basement components; once a basement has flooded, it’s always best to seek immediate, professional wet basement solutions services to mitigate any further (and potentially irreparable) damages. While this may sound like common sense, it can be a bit difficult to recognize and react immediately to a flood basement — let alone contact foundation contractors or basement leak repair professionals from far-flung destinations. Just as you consider selecting travel insurance or ticket protection for your vacation, choosing basement waterproofing services prior to your trip not only adds peace of mind that is invaluable during our trips out of the city, state, or country. Curious about the services we offer at Zablocki Waterproofing? Give us a call to learn more about how Zablocki’s basement waterproofing services can help make your next vacation one of the most care-free escapes in recent memory.

 

Scope it Out: Give Your Basement a Once-Over Before Taking Off

While we’re proud of the keen sense of tracking down linchpins for potential water damage or flooding spots we’ve developed over our 25 years of basement waterproofing services, there are a few signs of disrepair for which you can look prior to deciding which basement waterproofing or foundation waterproofing service(s) best meet(s) your needs. These potentially harmful signs include, but are not limited to:

  • Damp or “sweating” walls
  • Cracked walls or crumbling sheetrock
  • Chipping or splintering wood surfaces, especially around window sills and linings

If any of these conditions are manifesting themselves in your basement, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation, schedule an assessment, or learn more about how we at Zablocki can help keep your basement leak- and stress-free.

 

Don’t Neglect Your Basement

We know it can be easy to forget about our basements’ cleanliness, maintenance, and tidiness. Let’s be honest: if we don’t frequent our basements for reasons other than grabbing the one or two odd items, the thought of spending more time in an unfinished basement isn’t always the first choice for a night in. Moreover, families across the Milwaukee area are recognizing the benefits of a finished basement, which affords you and your family additional defense against water damage, mold, and unsavory air quality. Wondering just how Zablocki Waterproofing can assist in keeping your home high and dry? Reach out today to begin your free consultation or to learn more about our basement waterproofing and foundation waterproofing services. After all, you deserve the break— not your pipes.

Beat Basement Mold

Fortify Your Foundation

Basements hold many things: memories, overfilled boxes, embarrassing record collections from decades gone by, and the potential for mold. Unfortunately, somewhere between the box of stuffed animals and the bin of dusty ‘80s records there exists the probability for mold. While we’ve touched on the creeping dangers of mold, the best approach to treating mold is to prevent it before it has a chance to spread its spores. Our basement waterproofing and foundation waterproofing methods are incredibly effective steps to take to stave off mold’s aggressive advancement. Still curious about how Zablocki’s nearly 30 years’ experience with wet basement solutions can help fortify your basement from mold? Read on to learn more about the basement leak repair, foundation repair, and foundation waterproofing services we offer.

 

Stamp Out Mold Before It Moves In

While it might seem inevitable that nearly every basement will become a breeding ground for mold, our basement waterproofing methods keep mold out, rather than dealing with it when it unwelcomingly settles into your untreated walls, ceilings, and those tight and hard-to-get-to spaces that mold loves. Once mold spreads, it can be an arduous task with which to deal. Consider this: the Milwaukee area’s humidity engenders the perfect conditions for mold. Between the rush of slush in late winter and the early rains of spring, particularly, mold stands quite the chance of not only surviving year-round, but thriving and flourishing (read: breeding and expanding) during this time of year. Worse is that these lavish conditions for mold exist well into summer, signaling a potential onslaught of nomadic mold spores and, indeed, patches that have the potential to spread into air ducts and vents, creating a hyperloop of sorts for mold. But don’t think for a second that this the end of the story for all basements. When you choose Zablocki Waterproofing for your wet basement solutions, you’re protecting yourself against:

  • Aggressive breeding/spreading of spores
  • Mold collecting on, around, and within your stored items, such as boxes, fabric, wallpaper, wood, paint, and other valuables and home materials
  • Potential mold brought about after a flooded or overly dampened basement due to previous, poor quality basement leak repair
  • Unhealthy air quality for you and your family

We ascribe to the idea that basements should be the areas in our homes that require the least amount of continual thought and maintenance, yet still provide efficiency and escape when we need some space or just a calm escape for but a few minutes. Keep your basement conducive to your needs, and keep mold out with Zablocki Waterproofing.  

 

No Matter the Method, We Keep Your Basement Dry

Whether you’re looking to implement basement leak repair services, or you’re taking the preventive step of utilizing our unique basement waterproofing services, the Zablocki difference will be evident in your basement’s air quality, walls, floors, baseboards, and all of those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. Don’t let mold take over your basement. Get in touch with us today to schedule your free consultation or to learn more about how Zablocki Waterproofing can help keep your basement dry, safe, and ready for new memories.

How Does Basement Waterproofing Work?

Unfortunately, due to gravity and water’s ability to permeate almost any material, it is extremely easy to find yourself facing the frustrating scenario of a flooded basement. Sometimes a flooded basement happens due to heavy rains and it hits you as a sudden occurrence. Other basement leaks though can be due to a slow permanence of water. If you see the signs of water damage in your basement, you may be realizing quickly you have a much larger problem than a small puddle. Water leaks in your basement and foundation can lead to serious issues, even compromising the integrity of your home’s structure.

If you have reached the point in which you realize you have to do something to fix the problem, you likely have considered the method of waterproofing your basement. As your local Milwaukee basement waterproofing experts, we are here to provide you with the resources and information you need to make the best decision possible for your home. Read on to learn more about how basement waterproofing works and to determine if this solution is the right one for your situation.

Not all solutions are created equal

Basement waterproofing can be loosely applied to mean a variety of things. Unfortunately, some of the methods companies employ that are called “waterproofing” are actually more like water removal and control. Some of these methods can be extremely useful. For example, a sump pump is a method of controlling and removing water that is already entering your basement. Sump pumps can be very helpful in mitigating damages during heavy rains and extreme flooding scenarios. However, water control should not be confused with actual waterproofing.

Waterproofing your basement should provide a long term solution to your wet basement. The first thing basement waterproofing should involve is a proper, professional assessment. How can you fix a problem without first fully understanding it? You wouldn’t take your car to a mechanic when it is making a strange noise and be comfortable with him replacing any old part right away. You would want him to diagnose the issue first and then provide you with a solution that matched the car’s actual problem. In a similar way, not all basement leaks are the same. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution for water basement leak repair. What is causing your leak must be determined first.

Some common causes of basement leaks are the following:

  • Ineffective gutter, downspout, and drainage systems
  • The type of soil surrounding your home
  • The condition of your foundation
  • Actual leaks in your basement walls
  • Pressure from settling soil and buckling basement walls
  • Malfunctioning sump pump

These are just a few of the reasons your basement could be flooding and your leak could be a due to a combination of issues. At Zablocki we begin every basement waterproofing project with a thorough assessment of the situation. Then we will offer our diagnosis and possible solutions to you, the homeowner. You will never be left in the dark and we will never start on work until you fully understand and sign off on the work to be done.

Combination of Waterproofing Solutions

Once you have thoroughly determined the problem you are facing, the waterproofing process can begin. So what exactly does waterproofing a basement involve? The answer to that depends upon the problem your basement is facing. Some of the solutions we offer are the following:

  • Sealing the Foundation: If your foundation is causing the leaks and the soil surrounding it is aggravating the problem, we will address both issues simultaneously. Here in the Milwaukee area, clay soil can often be the culprit. This soil type often prevents water from draining away from your foundation. In this case, we will work on exterior waterproofing your foundation’s exterior walls. This will create a foundation sealer and prevent water from entering where it isn’t wanted. We will proceed to also backfill the area around your home with stone so as to mitigate water collection.
  • Fixing Your Drain Tiles: Underneath your basement are drain tiles which act as a system for carrying water to your sump crock. Unfortunately drain tiles are often damaged and clogged. This can happen due to tree roots or other obstructions blocking the flow of water, which ultimately causes basement flooding. We will work to pinpoint the exact trouble spot for you and replace the drain tiles that are damaged. At the same time, we can provide you with corrugated plastic to run from the base of your interior walls to your drain tile system to help ensure proper drainage during heavy rains.
  • Support Beam Installation: Sometimes when soil begins to settle and press in on your basement walls, they can weaken and crack. This leads to not only leaks in your basement, but will also place the integrity of your entire home at risk. We provide support beam installation to help prevent this. The process for installing support beams involves excavating the exterior, placing telescoping screw jacks along the inside wall, and adjusting the screw jacks until your walls stand straight and tall. If your walls are too damaged to simply be straightened, we can also rebuild the walls to match existing walls.

The Zablocki Difference

Keep in mind that not all companies are equal when it comes to basement waterproofing. Our waterproofing contractors are experienced and capable of handling even the trickiest of situations. We are committed to finding you an actual waterproofing solution, not just a quick fix. Talk to us today about our process for waterproofing your basement in Milwaukee.

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The Creeping Dangers of Basement Mold

With the humid, wet climate we live in here in Milwaukee, foundation repair is extraordinarily important. If you have a leaking basement, or you suspect there are cracks forming, you need to take care of the issue immediately. Talk to us about foundation waterproofing at the first sign of trouble. Why exactly is it so important to take care of the issue right away? Recently we talked about the serious concerns your home could face if you neglect foundation repair. However, another danger you and your family are at risk of when you neglect basement waterproofing is the danger of mold and mildew growth.

While pretty much anyone would say they do not want mold or mildew growing in their home, some people do not realize how serious of an issue this actually can be. Mold and mildew growth puts you and your family at risk for both minor and serious health complications. Learn more about the creeping dangers of basement mold here.

How Will Mold Affect Me?

Beyond just making your home smell bad, what dangers do mold and mildew actually pose to you and your family? The following are all complications that can arise due to the inhalation of mold and mildew in the home:

  • Nasal stuffiness
  • Skin irritation
  • Throat dryness and roughness
  • Coughing and wheezing
  • Eye irritation
  • Serious lung infections
  • Asthma attacks
  • Headaches

Mold is not a problem you should assume will solve itself. Particularly if the cause of mold is a leak in your basement. In fact, one of the reasons we strongly advise having a professional assess your need for basement waterproofing is because many over the counter fixes, like waterproofing paint, will actually trap moisture and mold in your walls.

Mold can form anywhere moisture builds up. You can wind up with mold growing in walls, carpeting, flooring, windows, vents, HVAC systems, insulation, and more. The number one rule in preventing mold is preventing moisture build up. This is where foundation repairs and basement waterproofing play a huge role in protecting you and your family from the health risks of mold.

If you do have mold growing in your basement, take care of the situation as quickly as you can. First, contact our team to come diagnose the reason you have a leak in your basement and to find you a solution for the root of the cause. Next, find a way to rid your home of any existing mold. You can either hire a team who specializes in mold remediation, or you can clean your home yourself if the mold has not spread too far. You can remove mold from hard surfaces using a bleach solution. Mix one cup of laundry bleach with one gallon of water to use on hard surfaces. Keep in mind that some molds are far more dangerous than others, so wear protective gear when removing mold.

Solve the Actual Problem

Remember, just removing mold as it grows in your home is not the real solution to the problem. It is important to actually get to the root of the issue and handle the reason why you have so much moisture building in your basement. Talk to us today if you are in need of foundation repair or basement waterproofing in Milwaukee. We want to help keep you and your loved ones safe from the dangerous risks of mold growth.

What Happens When You Neglect Foundation Repair

how expensive is foundation repair in Milwaukee?Being a homeowner can sometimes feel like a bit of a balancing act. Your home needs the right maintenance and repairs to protect your financial investment, but sometimes there isn’t enough money to go around. You end up picking and choosing the things that are the most urgent so you don’t completely drain your bank account. One of the things many homeowners choose to wait on when it comes to home repairs is their foundation. Unfortunately, our foundation repair team in Milwaukee knows this is one area that can’t wait.

What’s the Worst That Could Happen?

Your foundation is a vital part of the structure of your home. If your foundation is cracked or sagging, it’s not going to fix itself. In fact, the longer you let it go, the worse the damage is going to get. It can also affect other parts of your home and cause damage there as the foundation worsens, including cracked or sagging walls, moisture issues, or even weakening joists. All of that means the longer you wait to pay to repair your foundation, the more you’ll be paying to repair other areas of your home.

But Here is the Good News…

Foundation repair might not be as expensive as you think. Our Milwaukee team offers free consultations on foundation repair so we can thoroughly evaluate the issue and suggest the necessary repairs. We pride ourselves on never overselling services, so you can count on us to do the work that’s necessary without charging you for repairs that you don’t actually need. Find out for yourself how affordable foundation repair can be by contacting our team today! Schedule your free consultation by clicking on the button below.

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Why So Many Families Are Finishing Their Basements

basement waterproofing in milwaukeeIt might seem like every home on your street has had their basement finished, and now you might be thinking about doing it, too. Our Milwaukee team is busy helping families with basement waterproofing services before they start finishing the space in order to protect their investment. So why are so many people finishing their basements?

More Multi-Generational Households

More and more families are living together in one home. Maybe your post-college grad moves home until they find a better paying job or your mom and dad need family close by during their retirement years. Whatever the reasons, more family members means you need more space, and the basement can be the perfect way to expand your living space without moving.

Great for Your Property Values

A properly finished basement can be a great way to increase the market value of your home. Adding additional bedrooms and bathrooms is especially valuable. Increased properly value means you’ll have access to more equity in your home, too. The key is to make sure you do things like basement waterproofing, or else you could actually hurt the value of your home.

Helps Sell a Home in a Competitive Market

It’s a really competitive housing market right now, so if you are trying to sell your home you’ll want to do everything you can to not only attract buyers but get the most out of your home that you can. Finishing a basement can make a home much more attractive, giving the buyer more livable space and more options for their family. If you plan on selling soon, it might be worth the investment.

If you are ready to finish your basement, let our team start the job! We offer basement waterproofing to ensure you don’t get water seepage into your walls, which could severely damage your investment into your home. We also offer basement wall support beam installation which can straighten the walls in your basement and make the foundation of your home safer and sturdier. Contact us today by clicking the button below to learn more about our Milwaukee basement services!

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Preparing For a Flood

flood 2Although floods are by no means regular in Milwaukee, we’re no strangers to rapidly rising water levels. To embrace a cliche, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to contending with such a powerful force as flood waters. Are you and your household prepared for a flood incident? If not, keep reading for some tips on preparing for a flood.

Packing Your Emergency Go Bag

In ideal circumstances, you’ll be able to evacuate the area long before flood waters reach your home, but you’ll likely still need to leave very quickly. Prepare an exit strategy beforehand, which includes getting out of your home and an evacuation route. Because you’ll be rushing out of your house, you’ll have little to no time to grab anything, so prepare a go bag ahead of time. What will go into your go bag is ultimately up to you, but here are a few suggestions:bag

  • Important policy numbers and phone numbers.
  • Basic first aid supplies, toiletries, and backup medications.
  • Food, water, and a plan for water purification.
  • Strike anywhere matches, flint and steel, or other fire starting tools.
  • A hand crank radio or one that runs on batteries, solar, etc.
  • Soap, toilet paper, and other items important for sanitation.
  • A whistle, knife, compass, signal flare, and other survival gear.

Basic Flood Safety Tips

flood 3When it comes to staying safe in flood situations, the most important thing to remember is that even a little bit of water can be a powerful force. It only takes half a foot of water before the force is strong enough to sweep you off of your feet, and just two feet of water will do the same to your vehicle. Avoid walking, driving, or swimming through flood waters. Besides the power, these waters are also probably contaminated with sewage, industrial bi-products, and other substances you don’t want to expose yourself to. The best way to stay safe during flood conditions is to seek higher ground as quickly as possible and avoid moving water.

 

Does your home need basement waterproofing services after heavy rains or flood conditions in the Milwaukee area? Contact Zablocki Waterproofing.

Cleaning Up Your Basement After It’s Flooded

caution wet floorOut of all the moisture issues Wisconsin homeowners must face, a flooded basement can be one of the most intimidating. Even such a small amount as a couple inches of water in your basement can cause immeasurable damage, so it’s important to take action as soon as possible to solve the problem and clean up the mess. Keep reading for some helpful tips for cleaning up your basement after it is flooded. Not sure what’s causing your flooding problem? The foundation repair and basement waterproofing experts at Zablocki Waterproofing can locate the source of your moisture issue.

Cleaning Up Your Basement After It’s Flooded

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breakerSafety First

First things first, stay safe during your cleanup efforts. The very first thing you want to do before you even venture into the affected area of your home or commercial building is to cut off that area’s electricity. We all know what happens when we combine water with electricity, so be sure to cut the power before you do anything else. The second thing you want to do before venturing into the depths of the structure is suit up. Even if the flood was caused by excessive rainwater, there’s no telling what sort of bacteria and other illness-inducing things could be floating around in that water. You can opt to wear whatever protective gear you find necessary, but we recommend waterproof boots and gloves at a minimum. Lastly, if possible, get some fresh air moving by opening up some doors and windows.[grid_row_close]

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moving couchClear the Area

Once you’re sure that there is no power being routed to the flooded area, it’s time to start actually flexing those muscles. Begin by removing all electronics and any other belongings you can. Then, move whatever furniture you can. The quicker you move your things out of the water, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to save some of your stuff. Be sure to remove all rugs, and if the flooded area is carpeted, that will also need to be removed. Do your best to have fun with this part. If you sort through all of your waterlogged stuff with a negative attitude, the rest of the cleanup will only be more stressful.  [grid_row_close]

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spilling waterRemove the Water

The important thing here is to remove all standing water from your basement to prevent mold growth and other moisture problems. Depending on the amount of water you’re looking at, you may be okay with towels and mops, or you may need to rent a sump pump from your local hardware store. You may also opt to use a wet vacuum, but be cautious of where you plug it in, and avoid using extension cords. Either dump the water down the toilet if you have working plumbing, or dump it into other areas that will soak it up, such as your lawn. You may use the drains in your home, but hair other debris in the water may cause backup issues.[grid_row_close]

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dehumidifierDry the Area

If the flood affected any baseboards, drywall, subfloor, etc., you’ll want to remove this first to avoid mold growth. Once the basement has been cleared of all affected materials, it’s time to let it dry. You can use fans to speed up the process and open windows and doors. You may also opt to run a dehumidifier to limit the moisture in the air, but close the windows first, or you’ll be attempting to dehumidify all of Wisconsin. You may be disappointed to discover how much of your old building materials must be thrown out, but just think about all of the mold growth opportunities you’re eliminating.[grid_row_close]

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cleaning suppliesDisinfect the Area

Standing water plays host to all manner of bacteria and other nasty things, so be sure to disinfect every single surface that was touched by the water, and we do mean with a powerful disinfectant and something to scrub with. Be sure to also scrub any furniture you’re planning on salvaging from the flood. Anything and everything you’re planning on keeping that had contact with the water should get a good scrub down.[grid_row_close]

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trash cansSort Through Your Stuff

This part is never fun, but you’ll need to determine what can be saved and what needs to be thrown out. This will really depend on how much water was present in your basement and what types of belongings you had down there. Pillows, stuffed animals, and down blankets that have been soaked through should probably be thrown away while a blanket that only got a bit damp on one side can probably just go through the wash. Be sure to be responsible in the disposal of toxic chemicals, electronics, furniture, etc. Lastly, protect yourself from illness by not taking any chances. If something looks too waterlogged to be savable, then just throw it away.[grid_row_close]

We hope you never have to deal with flooding in your basement, but we hope these tips help you out if you do. Do you need foundation repair or basement waterproofing services in the Milwaukee area? Contact Zablocki Waterproofing, your leading foundation repair and waterproofing experts.