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Signs your
basement needs waterproofing
Unwanted water or moisture in your basement ruins everything it touches. A home with a wet basement is also one of the biggest red flags to prospective home buyers.
These are some signs that you need to stay alert for:
- Basement floor cracks and leakage
- Wet basement walls
- Musty smells
- Damp drywall and carpet
- Rusty appliances or floor vents
- Cove joint seepage
- Efflorescence, yellow, orange, or black stains
Leaky Floor &
Wall Cracks
Settling can cause your basement floors to crack. Additionally, water can build up outside your foundation resulting in hydrostatic pressure, pushing against foundation walls and forcing leaks into your basement.
When water comes up through the floor or basement walls you need to address it. Installing a perimeter drain system and drainage channel, and sump pump will help direct any water that comes through the cracks and away from your valuables.
Stains
The white chalky powder on your basement walls, also known as efflorescence, is a common sign of moisture in your basement. Usually accompanied by yellow, orange, and/or black stains, moisture is a problem that if not addressed, can make your foundation walls crack and even cause your basement to present leaks.
Even after waterproofing your basement, concrete walls and floors continually absorb moisture from the soil and release it into the air. A reliable, low-maintenance dehumidifier system will ensure your basement and home will stay dry.
Basement Air Quality
Most indoor air quality issues start in dark, wet areas of the house, like the basement or crawl space. Mold thrives in this kind of environment and will commonly be accompanied by a nasty smell. In addition to mold, excess moisture can lead to wood rot, attracting pests like termites and rodents that further compromise your basement air quality. High humidity levels can also exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues, especially for those with asthma. Addressing basement air quality problems not only improves air quality but also creates a healthier living environment for your family.
After removing any organic materials (mold) and making sure your waterproofing system is working correctly, you should still consider other airborne hazards, such as dust mites and bacteria. These can also affect your basement air quality and potentially endanger your health. Fortunately, you can prevent them with the use of a dehumidifier.
Before and After
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Basement Waterproofing Homeowner Questions
Should I be concerned about damp spots on my basement carpet? What should I do?
If you have wet carpet in your basement or damp spots on the floor or baseboards, this could be a sign that you have a leaky basement issue. Wet basements create more problems than just wet carpet. Mold or mildew could be growing under the carpet, which fills the air you breathe with musty odors and hazardous mold spores.
The first step in fixing your leaky basement is finding the source of the water intrusion. Save yourself the hassle. One of our basement waterproofing experts will inspect your basement for waterproofing problems and recommend the best solution for your home.
Why should I trust your methods to waterproof basements?
TerraFirma is more than just your local waterproofing contractor. We are proud to be part of The Basement Systems® International Network, which comprises more than 300 elite basement waterproofing and crawl space repair contractor companies all across the United States and Canada.
As a member of the Basement Systems® International Network, TerraFirma is able to provide our customers with industry-leading products and warranties, while remaining committed to personalized service and custom solutions.
My basement has flooded in the past. What can I do to prevent this?
Basements can flood from a number of areas, including: floor cracks, leaking or burst pipes, leaking windows, hatchway doors, sump pump failure, and water heater failure. Our local experts will help you understand and address the cause of your basement flooding.
How should I handle a wet, leaky basement?
- Avoid any electrical hazards – Avoid touching any devices or wires
- If possible, pump out any standing water
- Dry out and discard any wet non-essential organic materials such as wood
- Find the cause of leaking and flooding. Our local experts will help you find the causes and provide you with a tailored solution to your basement.
What are footing drains?
Footing drains are installed just outside the foundation of your home’s basement. These are thick pipes with holes designed to let water flow inside. A layer of stones is put on top of the drainpipe to prevent soil backfill from blocking the pipe. However, with time, backfill can seep through the stones and clog the pipe. Improperly maintained footing drains can lead to a leaky basement.
