Record rainfall in Birmingham: How to spot water damage in your home, and who to call

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Rain, rain, go away! Birmingham logged one of the wettest months on record since 1895. Is your house protected from water damage? We talked to a local specialist at AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists to find out more.

Fifth Wettest Month On Record

Birmingham saw its fifth-wettest month on record in December with almost 12 inches in total rainfall. That’s a ton of rain! January isn’t far behind. This week’s downpour puts us well above average rainfall amounts in the Birmingham area for the month.

Water damage in your home

Unless your name is Noah and you live in an arc, all this rain could cause major problems within your home. Left untreated, groundwater can wreak havoc in your basement or crawl space — causing major issues like mold and structural damage. These problems can really put a dent in your health and your pocketbook!

We spoke to Cody Brakeman, Regional Sales Manager for AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists about the warning signs of water damage. Here’s what to watch for:

• Wet or damp basement floor
• Leaking or damp basement walls
• Pooling or standing water
• Stains on concrete surfaces
• Musty odors
• Condensation
• Sump pump issues
• Leaky basement windows

If any of these issues arise, it might be time to call in a professional. AFS will conduct a free inspection if you suspect any problems.

Don’t ignore the signs of damage

According to Brakeman, the early signs of water damage should not be ignored.

“Water is the most powerful force on earth. And when it’s trying to come in your home – it will,” he said. “The structural concerns that water can bring into the home can also contribute to mold under the home.”

Brakeman said that if needed,  AFS works with customers to develop a plan using the state of the art patented Aquastop technology for mold remediation and to remove ground water seepage. By working with the customer, they aim to create a thorough and budget friendly plan to meet customers needs.  

“We’re not just going to do a partial fix, we really want to educate on what the full scope of the job is, what exactly your home needs, and then let you make a choice as to what makes the most sense for you,” said Brakeman.

Why AFS?

AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists are a local and family owned company, and they’ve been around for two decades in the Birmingham area. Started as a two person operation by Ben and Rachel Bayless in their home garage in 1999, they are a now a 240+ employee company with 5 offices serving Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

So, what sets them apart?

The ongoing service and full time service staff that take care of customers, says Brakeman.

“When you call AFS, you’re talking to real people. Real people that are local and want to help you,” he said. “We say that once you you purchase from AFS, you are part of the family.”

Transferable warranty

AFS offers a lifetime warranty on their services, which is also transferrable to the next homeowner when you sell your home. A definite plus for customers wishing move in the future.

“We stay engaged and stay in front of our customers to ensure them we’re not out the door and gone forever,” he said. “We really want to make sure that this is a great investment your home.”

Looks like we’ll be getting much more precipitation in the coming weeks, Birmingham. Time to put on those rain boots and see if you need to make a service call to AFS.

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