Many think of basement waterproofing reactively rather than proactively. The fact is that your basement is the foundation of your home and being proactive about waterproofing can save you time, money, and a lot of stress! Foundation integrity is crucial and proper waterproofing is what keeps it strong. Sturdy foundations below mean sturdy homes above. Let’s take a look at 4 problems that are easily prevented by basement waterproofing!
First Things First
Before diving into problems created by excess moisture in your basement, let’s identify what a healthy basement and foundation look like. Ideally, all water outside around your home is diverted away from the foundation through proper grading, gutters, and downspouts. Any cracks, trenches, or areas where water can pool around your home have been remedied. In your basement, the walls and floors are solid with no cracks, pools of water, signs of mold, mildew, or fungus, and are overall structurally sound. If a sump pump is installed, it is clean and working properly. When you breathe in your basement air, there are no unpleasant odors. If windows are visible, there is no humidity forming on the panes. Your home utility bills are of average cost for a home your size and usage. All of those are important indicators of the health of your foundation and basement with regard to moisture control.
Problems Prevented by Basement Waterproofing
Now, let’s look at 4 common problems homeowners experience that may indicate a water problem in their basement!
Musty Smells
If there is a musty smell in your basement or even lingering in your home, then moisture may be slowly seeping into your basement. Don’t dismiss this as a normal “basement smell” but be sure to inspect your basement for leaks, cracks, or other signs of moisture. What may seem like a minor problem now can turn into a major repair problem if left unchecked. The good news is that with proper waterproofing you can breathe easy in your basement and rid your home of that musty odor!
Mold
The musty smell mentioned above could be much worse than minor water damage beginnings…it could be mold. Usually, mold smells are much stronger though. Other signs of mold, mildew, or fungus in your basement are visible signs of growth on the floors, walls, carpet, or any other porous materials that are housed in your basement, and sometimes breathing issues among those living in your home. If you or a family member are asthmatic, mold, mildew, and fungus can be especially bothersome and even life-threatening at times. Waterproofing your home will eliminate the moist environment in your basement that mold thrives in!
Cracks in Floors and/or Walls
When water invades your foundation and basement, it creates immense pressure on the walls and floors. This pressure must release somehow and it usually begins as cracks in your walls and or floors. While not all cracks are due to water pressure, it is best to have them inspected by a professional. They can tell you if the crack is something that needs to be addressed or if it is due to something else. Good news again- professional waterproofing will address and seal those cracks to stop water invasion and prevent further degradation.
Loss of Property to Flooding
Many of us believe that a flooded basement will never happen to us. Even if you do not live in a flood zone, the chances of flooding are higher than you may believe and seem to be rising. Damage from floodwater can be devastating even with flood insurance. Property loss and damage from rising water can be minimized with a properly waterproofed basement.
Choose to Be Proactive with Basement Waterproofing
It is better to be proactive than reactive when dealing with water problems in your home. Let our team at Aqua-Guard give a free inspection of the state of your basement or crawlspace. We want to keep your home healthy and dry! Contact us today to have your water problems solved!