Basements are notorious for being dark, damp, and smelly. These things may seem normal, but moisture collecting in this part of the house can be a real problem. It can lead to serious complications that hurt your bank account and health. This is where waterproofing becomes important. When the basement does not have waterproofing, or the waterproofing is insufficient, severe structural issues could be the result.
A small leak may seem like a small thing. Overall, however, it is a problem that grows and it can grow very quickly. If moisture isn’t handled immediately, it can develop quickly into much more serious problems. You may need more than waterproofing; you may need some drainage, too. So, the next time you go down to your basement, check for some clear signs that the room is in need of waterproofing.
Cracks in the Walls or Floor
Small cracks in the home are not always worth a lot of concern. However, if you have cracks in your basement, there could be water leaking through them. If there is waterproofing in your basement, cracks hinder its ability to work properly. If the damage isn’t too severe, the cracks may easy to fix. If you don’t have waterproofing already, you will certainly want to take this opportunity to invest in it.
Strange Smells
Smells can be many things. So, before you assume you have a moisture problem, try to find the source of a smell. If it’s musty, then you could have a leak, or building moisture that is causing mold growth. This is often a sign that the moisture problem has been developing for some time. You may want to have someone come check for moisture, mildew, and mold. You will definitely want to look into better waterproofing.
Mold
If you find mold in your basement, don’t wait to deal with it. Get a professional out immediately. Mold not only means you have a water problem, it could mean further damage to your home’s structure. It’s also a potential health hazard. Once you have the mold under control, you’ll need to waterproof in order to prevent it reoccurring.
Water Spots and Puddles
Water spots and puddles are some of the more obvious signs that you have a moisture problem. Dark spots could indicate water has affected the walls, floors, and ceilings. Puddles are clearly problems. These leaks could be from water seeping in from outdoors. Or, they could be from something inside your house, like appliances. Either way, not only do you need waterproofing in these cases, you need drainage.
Of course, sometimes you may need a little help checking your basement for moisture. If you’re concerned that you have a waterproofing problem, but you’re not able to be certain of the signs, just call for some help or visit http://www.advantagedrainage.com/. They’ll take your concerns seriously; we can check your basement, address your concerns, and talk you through, drainage, waterproofing, and any solution you need.
