Do you know that water damage is among the leading causes of structural damage and insurance claims? Many people assume that waterproofing is necessary once they notice severe basement damage such as flooding. Unfortunately, basement flooding is actually the last sign of severe damage to the basement. In the event of basement flooding, there’re many things to do to correct the issue. For instance, before waterproofing a flooded basement, you first need to clean up the area, besides replacing and repairing damaged property.
As Brentwood Square Management Company points out, knowing how to detect early leakage warning signs in your basement can save you money and time cleaning the basement and recovering water-damaged property. It also gives you enough time to look and hire reputable waterproofing experts to protect your home from the looming disaster at a considerable budget. Continue reading to learn more about the warning signs your home requires basement waterproofing.
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A Strange Odor
When we talk about water damage, most people think about flooding and other serious problems. But the truth is that homes only show insignificant signs of water damage that are easy to overlook. While there might no visible issues, you can tell that something is wrong by how it smells.
If you can’t help covering your nose due to the musty smell in your basement, it means that water has been leaking for quite some time. You might also discover that the air in your basement feels damper. If you notice such an odor in your basement, you might require services from Direct Waterproofing or a provider near you to correct the cause.
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Bowed Walls
The basement walls are exposed to exterior forces from soils around them as the ground changes in form depending on their moisture content. Soils that store more moisture like clay get more saturated, leading to high swelling and shrinking after drying. The pressure that such a soul applies to your exterior foundation walls can lead to cracking and shifting. Therefore, if you notice uneven alignment on your walls or cracks that form on the floor, call waterproofing experts immediately before the matter escalates, compromising your home’s structural integrity.
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Mold
Since mold can grow in less than 24 hours, waterproofing your basement can prevent mold infestation from getting out of hand. Mold flourishes in damp and dark areas, making your basement a high-risk area.
You should note that mold has several disadvantages for your home. First, it feeds on organic substances, meaning that wood furniture and other household items made of organic materials are at risk of rotting and other structural damage. Secondly, once mold finds its way into your air circulation, it can take over your home leading to infections such as flu. That said, it’s clear why you should seek emergency waterproofing services once you discover mold in your basement to avoid such circumstances.
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Rust
Basements are typically full of items made of metal. If you don’t have furniture with metal parts, you might have a furnace. All these items show signs of water damage as time goes by. You can also check small pieces of metal such as screws and nails to determine whether your basement requires waterproofing.
If your basement is exposed to leakage, the high humidity can cause the metal to rust even without submerging fully in liquid. If you think your basement is too dumpy, inspect metal objects to know if you require waterproofing services.
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Water Stains
Unless you’re aware of water spillage or a specific leak, there should be no watermarks in your basement. If the basement has faint or old watermarks, it indicates that water is seeping through the foundation. If you reside in Oakville or nearby areas and have discovered such an issue with your basement, you might want to incorporate services from basement waterproofing in Oakville for an immediate solution.
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Shimmers On The Wall
If your basement walls seem sparkly, it might be due to efflorescence forming on the surface. This happens when the foundation walls have hairline cracks that make the minerals from the wall be absorbed and deposited on its surface. If you discover these mineral deposits, ensure to have your basement waterproofed immediately.
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Bug Infestation
Like mold, many bug species are known to breed and thrive in dark and wet environments. If you don’t have a room for ‘unwanted visitors,’ ensure to have basement waterproofing. You may also call an exterminator to get rid of bugs in your home, but this solution isn’t long-lasting compared to waterproofing.
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Cracked Floor Or Walls
As earlier mentioned, water leakage can lead to bowed walls. If left unattended, bowed walls can cause cracks in your foundation. With high pressure underneath the floor, there can be some cracks on the floor. At first, the water damage causes hairline cracks, which later get bigger, threatening your entire home’s integrity.
If there’re no other water damage signs apart from cracks, you might only be required to waterproof the affected areas. However, ensure to consult a reputable waterproofing company to understand the root cause of cracks in your home and how to solve them.
Chronic Flu-Like Symptoms
Mold can indeed interfere with one’s health. Even if you can’t spot mold growth in the basement, there are many signs of mold presence. One of the leading signs that mold thrives in your home is chronic flu-like symptoms that can affect almost every member of your family. When mold spreads through your vents, your family is prone to inhaling the spores hence the side effects. Fortunately, after the mold is removed, the flu-like symptoms go away. Signs of mold exposure include:
- Headache
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
- Red or itchy eyes
- Skin rashes
- Coughing and sneezing
Conclusion
If you notice some of these signs of water damage in your home, it’s evident that you require waterproofing services. It’s essential to note that any form of water leakage in your basement puts your home’s integrity at risk. Therefore, the waterproofing should be done with immediate effect. Failure to which it might cost you a great deal to rectify more significant damages that could have been avoided.
