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Homeowners insurance may cover basement flooding, but only if a covered peril causes it. For example, a burst pipe may be covered if the event was sudden and accidental, not caused by wear and tear or homeowner neglect. Flooding caused by extreme weather is only covered if you have a separate flood insurance policy.

While it’s possible to live in a damp basement, it’s usually not healthy to do so. Damp air affects your breathing, and it also promotes mold growth and pest infestation that can make living in a damp basement dangerous. You should plan to resolve any moisture issues and set up preventative measures before using your basement as a living space.

Mold and mildew are always a primary risk with any water damage, but it’s not guaranteed that mold will grow. The chances of mold growth are dependent on many factors, such as the severity of the damage and how quickly the area was cleaned up and dried out—that’s why responding to water damage immediately is imperative. If you suspect you have mold and mildew growth, you should talk to a local mold removal expert .

The purpose of crawl space encapsulation is to prevent mold and moisture from entering your space. If your vapor barrier is properly installed and intact, it will dramatically reduce the chance that your crawl space develops mold. That said, moisture can condense in the area. If you notice excess humidity, you may need to install a dehumidifier to stave off mold and mildew growth.