People in Birmingham are trying to dry out from our overly wet winter. Now the National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting historic flooding throughout the 2019 spring season. Do you know how to protect the valuables in your basement? Get tips on what you can do now keep your property safe and dry with the help of local experts from AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists.
Spring Forecast Trends
The first three months of 2019 left us all a little waterlogged in Birmingham with over 15 inches of rain. The NWS released news in March that above-average rainfall is expected to last well into the spring season, potentially bringing record-breaking floods to Alabama.
“The flooding trend will continue through May and may be exacerbated in the coming weeks as the water flows downstream. This is shaping up to be a potentially unprecedented flood season, with more than 200 million people at risk for flooding in their communities.” – Ed Clark, director of NOAA’s National Water Center in Tuscaloosa
Have you thought about the mementos in your basement if it floods? Many of us, pressed for space, keep some of our most sentimental valuables like old photos in places we shouldn’t, like the garage or unfinished basement.
Do you know what warning signs look for with water damage? Obvious signs of damage include:
- Standing water on the floor
- Evidence of water lines on your walls
- Mold and mildew growth
- Damp, musty smell that lingers
A white, chalky substance called efflorescence is also good indicator it’s time to call the pros at AFS to fix your musty basement.
Here are a few tips on how to keep your belongings safe and dry:
First, experts recommend you avoid putting any precious items in your unfinished basement.
“To keep your most valued memories safe, it’s really best not to keep them in an unfinished basement at all. Water, humidity, heat and cold are all things that could affect your valuables.” – Phillip Neal, Realtor Support at AFS.
If you must store them down below, Neal suggests storing your photos, family heirlooms and Christmas decorations in plastic totes. Also, be sure to store them off the ground to avoid damage from weather elements.
“It’s devastating to watch someone pull damp cardboard boxes out of their flooded basement full of damaged old photos. Because they’ve lost those things and they can never get them back,” said Neal.
Want to waterproof your basement?
The best option to prevent this from happening, he said, is to waterproof your basement. You can gain peace of mind as well as gain additional usable space. Also, if you’re thinking of putting your home on the market now or in the future, a waterproofed basement can add value to your home.
“Once your basement is fully waterproofed, you can store without fear of major water damage in most cases,” said Neal.
Get an expert opinion from AFS
AFS has waterproofed tens of thousands of basements in the Birmingham area over the past 20 years they’ve served the Magic City area.
Once on the schedule, AFS can waterproof your basement in as little as 3 days, start to finish. Call AFS today. They’ll come out and inspect your basement for free. Contact us today to set up your free inspection.
OUR WATERPROOFING EXPERTS ARE HERE TO HELP
Schedule A Free Inspection
