3 Signs You Need To Waterproof Your Basement
Posted on: 23 September 2020
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The foundation of your house should be firm to support the weight of the entire structure. When the foundation is strong and stable, you are assured of the structural integrity of the whole house. On the other hand, if the house doesn't have a water barrier, and water starts soaking up the walls and floor, the basement might develop cracks.
The presence of water in the basement eventually leads to foundation and water damage problems. These problems can compromise the structural integrity of the entire building. Here are three signs that you may need to waterproof your basement.
1. When the Basement Has a Musty Smell and Dampness
An ordinary basement without moisture problems should be dry and have a reasonably fresh smell. When water starts seeping into your basement, it contributes to the rotting of the wood and other structures inside the home.
The rotten smell is what creates that musty odor. At the same time, you might notice patches of moisture all over the walls. If the moisture is left unchecked, it leads to the basement becoming a breeding ground for various micro-organisms. This results in nasty smells and cracks that develop on the wall, further weakening the house.
2. When There Is Mold in the Basement
Another way you can tell when there is excess moisture in your basement is if mold is developing on the floors and the walls. The mold will be more prevalent on wooden floors and walls.
How can you tell mold has started developing on the walls and floors of your basement? If you are prone to allergies, you will begin to sneezing when you enter your basement because of the mold spores saturated in the air. Sometimes, the condition of the basement might even create problems on the upper floors. When you notice signs of mold on the basement floors, you should hire professionals to remove the mold and waterproof the basement.
3. When There Are Visible Signs of Water Damage
Efflorescence is the most obvious sign that your basement is leaching water up and needs waterproofing. You will notice salt migrating from deep inside the stone structure and crystallizing on the surface of the stone.
Salt first dissolves in water, and as the water moves up and evaporates, the salt crystallizes.
Other ways you can tell that your basement should be waterproofed include cracked walls, bowed floors, and dark patches on the walls. For information about waterproofing services, consult a company that addresses moisture problems before they weaken your house.