Water damage isn't just a problem on drywall and other softer materials, it can also cause major issues with concrete. This means unfinished concrete floors in garages, or concrete basements, can be at a high risk of needing water damage remediation.
Causes
Any type of flooding can cause damage to concrete. The most obvious is acute flooding, such as from a burst plumbing pipe or severe rain that instantly floods the room. Generally, you are aware immediately of this type of flood, so quick action is taken to drain and dry out the area. This means the damage may be minimal.
More insidious is the damage from ongoing water exposure that goes unnoticed, as these can become quite extensive. For example, small cracks in the foundation allow water to seep in slowly over time. Water pressure from the surrounding soil around a foundation can also allow water to slowly seep into concrete basement walls, as can slow leaks around windows or from a plumbing line. A commonly overlooked cause is poor ventilation from appliances like dryers.
Identification
It can be harder to spot moisture seeping on concrete compared to other softer materials. A visual inspection may uncover darker wet spots or spots that have begun to change color due to mold growth. If there is paint on the concrete, it may begin to blister or peel if there are moisture issues. A musty odor in the room may also indicate water damage.
The best and most accurate way to judge water damage is to use a moisture meter. This device will provide a relatively accurate reading of how much moisture is present in the concrete. If there is a lot of moisture, then it's time to schedule repairs.
Repair
The source of the moisture must first be found. This means identifying and repairing plumbing leaks or having any cracks in the floor or foundation walls repaired. If the source is from windows, then repairing and sealing the window frames may be necessary. For trapped moisture, you may need to install ventilation systems.
Once the source is repaired, your restoration service will use water extractors and industrial fans to dry the concrete as fast as possible. Surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected so any mold present is destroyed. Then, the surfaces can be sealed against future water damage and repainted as necessary.
Contact a property water damage restoration service for more help.
Share8 June 2023
