Many homeowners in the U.S. have a basement, and many of them live with moisture problems due to cracks or leaks in their foundation walls or windows. When this happens, it can lead to dampness, structural problems, mold growth, and an increase in air quality issues which may worsen over time. Waterproofing must do’s will help keep out moisture.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the top things to look for before waterproofing your basement, and address some common concerns about what waterproofing means for you and your home. Let’s take a look at the top 5 Signs you need to waterproof your basement.
Water Stains
Most often noticeable on basement walls, but also on floors, water stains appear as outlines to water spots, and are a tell-tale sign that your basement is experiencing excess moisture and water leakage. These stains are caused by water leaking into your home from groundwater, and seeping into your foundation or walls until it makes its way to the surface, soaking everything in-between. The stains most likely are due to seepage from water being able to enter porous cracks through the floor and walls.
Efflorescence
Presenting itself with a white sparkly appearance, efflorescence is a powdery white stain on walls. It forms when minerals found in the walls (usually concrete) leak out and are deposited onto the surface of the walls after the water that they came along with has since evaporated. The powdery residue is broken-down lime, a main ingredient of concrete mix. This is a main sign that you’re experiencing moisture and water leaking into your basement.
Mold
You can detect mold in a few different ways. The most obvious being able to see it growing on your basement walls, floor or ceiling. The other main way being through smell. Mold has a very “earthy”, dirt-like smell that is very obvious if present. You can also get your home and basement professionally tested for mold. If you’re having mold in your basement, you’re almost certainly having issues with water, as mold needs high moisture levels to continue to flourish.
There are different types of mold depending on the surface it grows on, and all are bad to have in your home. As soon as you detect mold in your home or basement, it should be a priority to clean, purity the air, and take the necessary steps to ensure it doesn’t become a problem again.
Accumulation of water
Puddles or stagnant water outside your home points to poor drainage or grading. This alone could help alleviate problems with leaks and moisture in your basement. When your home has a grade that slopes down, inward toward your home, every time there is rain, it pulls all the water towards your home instead of away, helping the water enter and creating a damp, saturated environment with nowhere else for the water to go.
When graded correctly, the water will run away from your home, not giving it the chance to saturate the ground time after time, allowing it to seep through your walls. Almand Bros offers solutions for grading if needed.
Rust
Although many people may not have items near their walls that may get wet, rust is another easy way to tell that you’re getting unwanted water intrusions into your basement, and is a waterproofing must. Items such as nails, nails, and nails, all will rust easily if exposed to water over time, along with any other household items, or items you may have in storage in your basement. Rust requires moisture to happen, so if you’re noticing rust on tools, appliances, or items you have stored in your basement, this may be another way to identify moisture in your basement,
If you are looking for a contractor to install or fix your current sidewalk, Almand Bros should be your one-stop destination. We are one of the experienced concrete and masonry building companies in New Jersey and have been delivering high-quality construction projects since 1985.
Our services include concrete and masonry installation and repair, custom stonework, basement waterproofing, grading and watershed, and snow removal services. You can call us at (856) 310-1390 to get a free estimate. You can also fill our online contact form to get in touch.