How to Cope With the Aftermath of Flooding in Wisconsin Basements

Oconomowoc, WI - Flooding damages are exceeding $28.5 million in Milwaukee County after a near-record deluge flooded basements and swamped local businesses. Homeowners will work for months to reclaim their water damaged basements, but Scot Buckley, owner of Oconomowoc-based Buck Buckley's Total Basement Finishing, warns against taking shortcuts or using cheap material to restore damaged walls and floors.

These cheap materials tend to be porous, which means once heavy rain falls and leaks break loose, this porous material will absorb all the water. The flooring and wall paneling that many homeowners believed to be cost-effective could be soaking up flood water and leading to toxic mold growth.

Time after time, Buckley witnesses homeowners' money being wasted away because they use dry wall, wood studs and carpet in their basement. These are those products that will not withstand prolonged moisture, and should be avoided!

Buckley explains that once a homeowner erases the desire to use drywall and eliminates the "basement for cheap" mentality, the homeowner's basement will finally have the chance to be worthwhile and effective!

"If I place the right materials in a basement that are mold, mildew and moisture resistant, I will never ever have to worry about mold mildew and moisture and other unhealthy living conditions ever again," Buckley says.  "The goal is to try and turn your basement from a liability into a beautiful living space."

As for products, Buckley recommends the EverLast Wall Panel system, which has a durable and washable vinyl surface.  These panels measure 4 feet wide by 2.5 inches thick, are made of high density closed cell foam R13 insulation with a cement board panel on the face and a durable vinyl finish. There aren't any wood studs either!

Buckley reminds homeowners that even though a basement may maintain some degree of moisture, by simply purchasing a SaniDry dehumidifier, the homeowner will notice a significant decline in moisture causing odors.

For more information about basement waterproofing in Milwaukee, contact Buck Buckley's Total Basement Finishing today.