When homeowners see cracks in the basement it is always cause for concern. Cracks can indicate a significant structural problem with your home that needs to be addressed right away. Luckily, cracks don’t always mean you’ll have to undergo a major construction project. Often, there are simple DIY fixes that can go a long way to keeping your basement dry and avoiding water damage cleanup in Greater Pittsburgh. The best way to avoiding these structural issues however is to know what causes them.
- Poor Drainage- Having inadequate drainage around your home is the most common reason your basement will start to have cracks. Drainage involves more than just a good gutter system, however. Your yard needs to be properly graded and your irrigation systems need to be on a timer. If your drainage is poor, you will be making frequent calls for water damage cleanup in Greater Pittsburgh.
- Concrete Shrinkage- After the basement floor is poured and the concrete dries, slight shrinkage will occur that can lead to small, hairline fractures in the flooring. These cracks can appear for up to one year after pouring the basement and are not a major cause for concern. Homeowners can seal the cracks to avoid leaks of water or radon gas.
- Concrete Settling- The floor slab can crack as it settles and the less supported section can sink, causing the surface to become uneven. These cracks will need to be leveled and stabilized by a professional. You’ll need to fix this issue immediately to avoid water seepage into your basement and having to handle water damage cleanup in Greater Pittsburgh.
Sometimes there is nothing you can do to prevent a basement flood. Cracks can appear spontaneously, especially if the weather has been disastrous. Check your basement frequently during times of heavy rain to ensure there are no sudden risks of flooding that will leave you needing water damage cleanup in Greater Pittsburgh.
If you didn’t catch the basement crack in time and your basement is flooded, call ServiceMaster of Greater Pittsburgh to handle the water damage cleanup at 412-528-6077. You can also visit us on Facebook.