If you have an unfinished basement that hasn’t been properly waterproofed, you are endangering the precious possessions stored in there. If your basement has flooded before, it most likely will flood again, and if it hasn’t – it doesn’t mean it’s safe. It often takes just one big storm to overflow your gutters and turn your basement into a swimming pool.
At Guardian Basement Waterproofing, we strongly recommend to get your basement inspected and waterproofed even if there’s no sign of trouble. And while you are deciding, follow these basement storage tips to keep your items safe.
Don’t store anything directly on the floor. Even if your basement doesn’t flood, the items may absorb moisture from the concrete and even develop mold growth. Needless to say, if the basement does flood, forget about saving whatever was on the floor. Shelving units are perfect for storage and will help keep things organized.
Store items in airtight bags or containers. Everything that fits into a bag or a container should be kept in one. This is especially important for fabrics if you don’t want them to absorb that stuffy musty smell. It will also help keeping mold, pests and other small insects away. Rodents can eat through plastic, but you should notice the hole soon enough if you are inspecting your items regularly, which leads us to the next point
Examine your basement regularly. Just come down there and walk around your shelving units looking for any signs of rodents, mold or water damage. Particularly check on things during or after a heavy rain, so that any leaks can be addresses immediately.
Avoid storing anything of great value in the basement if it’s affected by water and humidity. Your mom’s wedding dress, your first stuffed animal – the better you care, the longer they’ll last. To save yourself disappointment, keep the most precious items above ground where you can always see them and know they are safe.
Don’t store electronics in a place that is not climate-controlled, especially for a long time. The outside plastic case might look intact, but the inner components can be easily damaged by rust or direct water contact.
Keep an inventory of your basement stuff. In case you have to file an insurance claim, you need to know what exactly got damaged.
Don’t let the furniture touch the floor. If you have a moisture problem in your basement, it may lead to metal parts rusting, wood – rotting and fabrics – molding. If possible, hang or suspend small furniture; if not – wrap the parts that come in contact with the floor.
As a Maryland basement waterproofing company, we’ve seen plenty of flooded basements and damaged possessions. Don’t let this happen to you. Be proactive and get your basement waterproofed, so that you can finally feel safe about the items you store down there.
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