Wall cracks, bowing walls, leaky windows, puddles on the floor and moldy surfaces are obvious signs of basement problems. Most of the time, however, basements show signs of problems that can go undetected, way before you start seeing the wall cracks and leaks. As it happens with any type of foundation problem, the sooner you spot it, the easier and more affordable it is to fix. All you need to know is what to look for when inspecting your basement. Here are a few subtle signs:
Efflorescence
Efflorescence, often confused with mold, is a white, powdery substance that tends to appear on basement walls. Mineral deposits that form when water that seeps through basement walls evaporates into the basement. They are a sign that the ground around your foundation is saturated with water and lacking proper drainage.
Musty Smells
Musty smells in your basement indicate mold growth due to high levels of relative humidity in the air. Mold grows in warm environments, with RH levels at or above 60%. Controlling humidity levels in your basement will protect your home and family’s health.
Cracks on drywall & sticky windows and doors upstairs.
When basement drainage problems are not addressed they can start to compromise your home’s structural integrity, and the first signs may not be visible in the basement, but appear upstairs in the form or drywall cracks around windows and doors, and doors and windows that no longer work properly.
If you detect any of the above signs, just give us a call. We will come and inspect your basement for free and give you a written estimate. If you chose to work with us, we will get rid of the problem and issue a Healthy Basement Certificate!
