Abnormal Winter Flooding Impacts Homeowners in MO
What a strange winter it's been! Missouri was home to an unusual rainfall event on December 26th through the 29th when seven to ten inches of rain fell along a sixty-mile corridor running through the St. Louis and Jefferson County area. The ground was already saturated due to the wettest November on record, combined with another heavy rain event on December 13th and 14th.
A total of over fifteen inches of rain fell in November and December of 2015 and the ensuing flooding closed interstates, shut down Amtrak service and stopped barge traffic on the Mississippi River. Fifteen flood fatalities were reported and thousands of homes and hundreds of businesses in Missouri were damaged by floodwaters. On January 2nd, President Obama declared the state a federal disaster area.
Floods Damage Foundations
If your home or business was impacted by heavy rain or floodwaters, you need to make sure your foundation and basement or crawlspace were not damaged. The experts at Pro Foundation Technology, Inc. can inspect your property and determine if there is any damage.
There are some indicators of a compromised foundation that you can keep an eye out for, also. Be concerned with cracks that appear in floors, walls or ceilings, especially if they go around corners. Doors and windows that are either sticky or don't stay open or shut may mean your foundation is not square. A damaged foundation can cause your chimney to tilt or walls to lean or bow. If you discover any of these situations in your home or business, call us immediately. We can help keep a small problem from becoming a large problem.
Floodwater in Basements and Crawlspaces
Most homeowners experience some water in their basement or crawlspace at some time, but when events like this occur, there is little more you can do than build a sandbag moat and pray. Flooding is dangerous as the water can be contaminated with chemicals and waste, creating a health hazard in addition to damaging your property. Even a little water can be a concern. Mold and mildew can grow, as well as impact your family's health. Excess water attracts pests, such as water bugs. Furniture and stored belongings can be ruined, in addition to any structural damage that may occur.
If you have water in your basement or crawlspace, contact one of Pro Foundation Technology's professionals and have us inspect your property and determine the cause and if there is any damage to your foundation or other structural situations. We can repair any damage that has already occurred, preventing any future occurrences. We can assist you with exterior and interior drainage systems, such as waterproofing and sump pumps.
If your basement floods, even after the water has been removed, you need to make sure your basement or crawlspace is dried out. Mold growth can make your family ill and can also eat away at any wooden supports. If you notice musty odors, rotting wooden supports or water stains, you should contact the waterproofing experts at Pro Foundation Technology as soon as possible.
Filed under Basement waterproofing
Tags: crawlspace mold, foundation repair, Missouri, Water seepage, Wet basements