One of the main problems when it comes to wet basement concerns is that you cannot always see the leak. If standing water visibly gathers in your basement or it always floods in this area, you know that you to find ways to deal with the problem right away. Here are some of the most common signs of a damp basement if you can’t see water at first glance.
- Visible mildew or mold
- Warped wall paneling
- Musty odor
- Bowing or collapsing walls
- Flaking paint
- Crack in floor or walls
- Rust on hot water heater or furnace
If you see any of these signs, you should contact a basement contractor so that he can assess the situation and recommend the right solution to the problem. Ignoring the problem won’t do you any good. You run the risk of exposing your family to mold growth and damaging your home’s overall structure and foundation.
Water leaks can happen anytime. It can damage the appliances and furniture inside your home. Water leaks can also promote the growth of mildew and mold, which can lead to the development of various health problems like asthma, fatigue, allergies, respiratory failures and lung problems. These health concerns are more likely to occur if you have a weak immune system or an underlying lung problem.
Waterproofing the wall panels of the basement can help stop leaks and prevent the problems that are associated with it. Before you waterproof the basement balls with waterproofing paint or other water-resistant materials, you need to remove any excess water. The following tips can help you fix and stop water leaks in your basement.
- Find the source of leaks
You need to know the source of water leakage. Use a 12″ x 12″ sheet of aluminum foil to tightly seal a section of the basement wall that tends to be damp. This will help you know whether the water on the walls is coming from the inside or outside of the basement. Leave the aluminum foil there for one or two days. If water appears on the side of the aluminum foil that is against the wall, the problem is coming from the outside of your basement. If the outside of the aluminum foil is damp, it means that the water is coming from the inside of the basement.
- Fix your plumbing system
Plumbing leaks can boost the level of humidity inside your basement, so you should fix your plumbing system if there’s any leak. After you finish fixing the plumbing system, you should open all the windows and use fans to air out your basement. You can also use a dehumidifier to eliminate any remaining humidity.
- Repair broken gutters or downspout
A broken gutter or downspout can cause water coming from the roof to collect around the basement walls. Roof water can seep through the cracks and pores in the masonry and damage the structure of your house. Fix a broken gutter or if it’s beyond repair, you should install a new one. You can install a screen to protect the gutter from broken twigs, dirt, small pebbles and fallen leaves and prevent clogging.
- Exterior basement waterproofing
Exterior basement waterproofing uses membranes or polymers to waterproof the basement walls. The polymers can last for a very long time, so you can relax knowing that your basement is protected.
Making your basement waterproof is very important. Mildew and mold love damp basements and can do expensive damage to your property. Removing mildew and mold spores is hard. Follow the tips stated above and keep your basement dry at all times.
