Most people do not realize this, but your home basement area is more than just a storage space. It is also the foundational structure of your entire home. So, if there are some noticeable problems in your basement, it will most likely impact the structural integrity of the building. If these problems happen to occur due to water, you can prevent it by waterproofing your basement.
Moisture damage is one of the most common problems that affect the health of your basement. In a humid area like St. Louis (MO), excess moisture can destroy the contents of your basement and put your family at risk of certain health issues. Here are the obvious signs that you need basement waterproofing in St. Louis.
- Puddles in the Basement
The most prominent sign that your basement needs waterproofing is when it gets flooded frequently. As you may realize, flooding can damage your stored things in the basement. While it’s hard to miss excessive flooding in the basement, you also need to watch out for puddles of water that form in the basement during rainy or damp seasons. Any excess moisture in the basement can cause major problems, so treat even the smallest of puddles in your basement as a signal to get basement waterproofing done. In fact, if there is too much moisture in the air inside your basement, that’s a sign to waterproof your basement.
- Water Stains
Even if you do not see any flooding or puddles in your basement, you must look out for water stains. Water stains on the floor indicate that water is seeping up through the foundation. Usually, it occurs quite frequently if there is a water problem in your basement. If you are moving to a new home, it is important that you check for stains in the basement. Do not assume that they are from a spill that the previous owner had. Get it inspected by a professional and get a consultation on whether you should get basement waterproofing done.
- Visible Mold
The presence of mold is a clear indication that there is a problem in your basement. Even though it is quite common in modern homes, you should not take it lightly. Basement mold can cause a number of problems, including respiratory issues, such as coughing fits and difficulty breathing. In some severe cases, mold can cause fungal infections that can lead to a serious illness. If you notice mold in your basement, clean it up immediately and prepare for basement waterproofing.
- Musty Odors
A tricky thing about mold is that it is not always visible. If your basement has excess moisture, it can cause mold and mildew to form inside walls or in hard-to-see areas. Even though they aren’t visible, they can cause the same problems as the visible ones. You can identify this type of mold by smell. Mold and mildew have an unpleasant musty scent that you can easily identify. Waterproofing the basement can help you get rid of that odor and take care of other problems that are caused by mold. The smell will be sticky and dank, and eliminating it for good needs robust waterproofing.
- Wet or Chalky Walls
If you walk down to your basement and see the walls glistening, it is a reason to worry. It generally means that excess moisture is getting into your basement. Apart from the moist walls, you should also look out for chalky residue on the walls. This is a sign that those walls have been wet recently. When water evaporates off of a wet concrete wall, it leaves behind salt and other minerals on the surface. When you see them, contact a professional to get your basement waterproofed.
- Bowed Walls
The integrity of your basement depends a lot on the soil that surrounds it. As the soil absorbs moisture during storm season, it tends to swell and then contract. This phenomenon puts pressure on your basement walls. As a result, your basement walls are pushed inward, creating bowed walls. While this is bad for your home’s structural integrity, bowed walls are difficult to notice. You need to check the alignment of your basement walls regularly, especially when it rains.
Conclusion
Moisture damage to your basement area can significantly affect the structural integrity of your home. If you are moving to a new home, always look for the aforementioned signs of excess moisture in the basement. Waterproofing the basement on time can help you prevent a major mishap and extend the lifespan of your house.
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