The Most Common Signs of a Water-Damaged Basement

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

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Many families love having a basement in the home. It can be a utility space, an area for an in-law or college student to have a place to themselves, or just some extra storage room.

Basements do have at least one downside, though—because of their underground nature, they are prone to leaks and moisture retention from the surrounding soil.

While there’s a chance you’ll never have to deal with it, you’ll still want to learn the telltale signs of water damage that is either occurring or has already occurred. Below, we will look at some of the indicators that water damage is underway in your basement. And if you need anything from a second opinion to full mitigation and recovery, you know who to call.

Signs Your Basement Has Water Damage

Unpleasant, musky odors. What can enter the basement as natural, clean water from the soil can quickly turn unpleasant as it settles, soaks and sours, giving way to the musty odor many people associate with basements and underground areas. In fact many believe that basements have this smell built in, but ideally your basement would always smell as fresh as the rest of the house. The smell only occurs when mold and mildew are present in the environment, and though you may not see them at first, their odor will give them away quickly.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. Waterproof paint sounds like a great idea to keep one’s basement dry forever, with no maintenance necessary. But truthfully it just holds off a leak until it’s had enough time to build up more potency. Eventually you’ll see the cracking, bubbling and flaking that betray the fact that water has seeped into your underground space.

Foundational cracks. Homes do shift occasionally over time, but a crack in your foundation should never be ignored, especially as it may indicate significant water leakage. Cracks can show up in the floor, the ceiling or in your walls, and they often indicate the presence of water leaks, which can put undue pressure on the structure of your home, eventually making it unsound. Hairline cracks are nothing to panic over, but if they grow, you should call us to take action.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more.