Is My Basement Water-Damaged?

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

You may be the proud owner of a home with a built-in basement, and you may be one of the many homeowners who find it to be a beloved, useful space, good for extra storage, shelter from storms or even a bonus living area.

But if you do own a home with a basement, you may also be aware of the moisture issues that sometimes plague homeowners and threaten the enjoyability of basement life. Because basements are dug directly into the ground, they are susceptible to moisture and pressure from the ground, and of course they also take on water from leaky pipes and overflows of other kinds, and oh yeah, sometimes it rains and…you get the point.

While you may be one of the lucky owners who never encounter a water issue in the basement, the odds of it happening are high enough that you should know the common indicators. So let’s examine what you need to look for to stay on top of having a dry basement.

Identifying the Signs of a Wet Basement

Unpleasant, musky odors. You know the smell, right? The musty, pungent whiff that often greets people as they head downstairs is so common that people often don’t even realize it shouldn’t be there. You may just think of it as the way basements smell, but truthfully this smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment. That scent is the first sign of mold growth, even though you may not see it yet.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. Paint can’t hold back water leaks. Waterproof paint may mask it for a while, but eventually it’s going to show you what’s been going on, in the form of bubbles, flakes and cracks. If those are present, there’s a leak causing them that you need to find before it becomes a bigger issue.

Foundational cracks. Cracks in your foundation are a big issue that can’t be ignored. Houses shift over time, but a full-blown crack in the block requires attention. You may get the warning signs of cracks in the floor, the ceiling or in your walls, showing you that your house is under stress. If these cracks grow, they could be an indicator of a serious problem and a big water leak around your basement walls.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more. It's best to call us directly 336-946-1131