Water has a very damaging effect on your basement; it comes with many consequences; infestation of bugs, mold is the kind of organism that thrives in dark, damp conditions. In these conditions, a wide variety of bug species thrive. Apart from the infestations, water damage on your foundation is very expensive to fix, so you don’t want water penetrating your basement to start with.
However, if you start to see any of the below signs, you should call the service of an expert in basement waterproofing. For more resources regarding basement waterproofing, visit our site at toledofoundationrepairspecialists.com
What is Basement Waterproofing?
If you have a basement foundation that is not waterproofed, you should get ready for the structural damages that follow after water damages to your home’s foundation. If not, waterproofing your basement is not an option.
Basement waterproofing uses materials and technical skills to stop water and moisture from penetrating your basement. This is because the basement is vulnerable to the penetration of water or moisture, which is caused by either the water from the soil causing hydrostatic pressure released on the floors and walls of the basement or poor plumbing works and drainage systems. Therefore, waterproofing your basement is a requirement to keep your basement intact and avoid damages caused by water.
Water Stains
Brownish stains on the wall or floor of the basement call for concern. When they appear old or faint stains, they are problematic because they indicate that water has leaked through your foundation at some point. It would almost certainly happen again if it happened once, causing more complications.
Another stain to watch out for, which is mostly not recognized as a stain, is efflorescent. After the water evaporates, the minerals within the concrete are pulled to the surface. The walls may develop white, chalky streaks as a result of this.
When the lights are turned on, you may see that the walls shine because the white stuff is made of salt; efflorescence is an indication that your basement needs to be waterproofed. If the water keeps leaking inside, you may have to deal with a mold problem.
Mold
The instant you spot mold in your basement at any part, it is a sure sign you have a water or moisture problem that needs to be fixed immediately. Mold breeds well in a damp and dark environment. Mold thrives in dark, humid climates, which is why basements are such a high-risk location in a home.
Mold feeds on organic materials, causing rot and structural damage in wood and other common household materials. If mold spores get into your air circulation, they can spread throughout your home.
Mold is well-known for its adverse effects on human health. There might even be no visible signs of mold growth in your basement; colonies can thrive in the many hidden nooks and crevices. Once you spot mold at any part of the basement, you need the service of a waterproofing contractor more than an exterminator.
Musty Smell and Rust
A damp basement is a clue enough for you to know it is time to waterproof the place. Now, a damp basement has this musty smell, which is the first sign but not enough to tell you for sure that you have a water problem. You should check the metals in the basement if they are starting to rust. Rusty metal is a sure sign that you have a water problem, and you need to waterproof it immediately.
Bowed Walls
Your basement is underground and therefore susceptible to the swelling and shrinking of the soils around it. The soil beneath can absorb rainwater, making it swell and condense during the dry season.
These forces can cause the walls to bulge or curve inward if they are powerful enough. At first, these modifications may appear to be minor. You should get a good basement waterproofing service immediately once you notice that your wall is out of place.
Foundation Cracks
If the pressure beneath the floor is high enough, you can see cracks there as well. Hairline cracks appear as a result of the water damage at first, but they can become larger with time, threatening the structural integrity of your home.
According to HomeAdvisor, if you want to waterproof your basement, first you will need to check out the source of the leakage or infiltration of moisture, thereafter you should make up your mind on what to do about it- have a plan. Lastly, you need to call an expert; the right waterproofing firm will assist you in determining the best solution for your home.
Methods of Basement Waterproofing
There are various methods and materials used for basement waterproofing. An expert can decide which of the methods is best for your basement, which is primarily dependent on the size of the basement, the type of soil, your budget, and many other factors. Below are some of the methods of waterproofing your basement;
- Sealants for the Interior; They’re supposed to keep the basement’s ambient humidity low. Sealants meant to be used inside the basement prevent moisture from being absorbed by basement walls and floors and moisture from overflowing into other regions of the house by waterproofing your basement.
- Water Drainage for the Interior; A proper drainage system can prevent water from gathering in your basement. This is done by draining water that made its way into the basement. By channeling water away from the foundation footers, it prevents the water from staying in the basement.
- Foundation Crack Injections; different types of foundation injections can be used; Epoxy injection, hydrophobic polyurethane injections. The expert injects the sealant into the crack cavity from the inside, which can be done with little disruption.
Call an Expert Basement Waterproofing Company!
Water damage is detrimental to the entire building; it can lead to structural damage and is expensive to fix. Waterproofing services might help you get to the bottom of the problem if you don’t want the infestation of pests in your basement.
While hiring an exterminator to get rid of the pests in the short term, if the water damage is not addressed, more bugs may find their way inside in the future. Therefore, as a homeowner, you should look for any warning signs, knowing that prevention is vital. Make an appointment with a professional and secure the basement.
