If you experience a flooded basement your insurance may not cover the damage. If your basement is finished the damage can run into the tens of thousands, take months to repair and if the flooding is a result of failed waterproofing it more than likely it will not be covered under your homeowner’s policy.
Most home owners assume that the damage will be covered only to find out that their policy will only cover flood damage if it is a result of the sewers backing up into their basements. Basement waterproofing is considered a maintenance item much the same as your roof. Unlike a roof, basement waterproofing is not readily visible. Most home inspections do not focus on the foundation and the condition of the waterproofing.
We had a call from a customer today with water penetrating his basement wall. The water had soaked the drywall and carpet. The home owner had removed a piece of drywall and was horrified to find the back of the drywall and the studs covered with mold. He had called his insurance company and was shocked to find out that this type of damage was not covered.
If your basement has leaked in the past you can be assured that it will leak again. Cracks and holes in the foundation where the waterproofing has failed will get bigger with every freeze thaw cycle
If you suspect that your basement may be at risk for waterproofing failure we would be happy to give you a free inspection and recommendation. Unlike a tradition home inspection we look for water migration through your basement walls and foundation. We use a series of specialized tools to detect waterproofing problems including infrared cameras, moisture meters, and scope cameras. We can also recommend a series of recommendations that can improve your homes resistance to water.
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