It’s not a good thing when water penetrates through to your basement. Water can lead to damage to your property, and there are also risks to the safety and well-being of the people who use the basement. In order to prevent considerable structural damage to your home, you need to have the proper basement waterproofing measures in place, tailored specifically to the location of your home as well as to the unique conditions that your basement is subjected to.
Mind the warning signs
There are a number of signs that indicate water damage, so you need to keep an eye out on them so you can ensure that water won’t keep seeping into the basement. If you notice some of the things listed below, then don’t hesitate to act.
Mold grows in dark and damp places, so having mold growth in the basement is a good indicator that water is getting in somehow. Apart from that, mold can also contribute to respiratory issues, so act immediately when you spot fungi in your basement.
Cracked or buckling walls are also indicators of water seepage. There are varieties to cracks on the wall, and if you notice that the cracks are starting to widen, then you would need to have a higher sense of urgency. Other indicators include residue on your basement walls, peeling or bubbling wall paint, and excessive moisture.
Find the cause
Once you’ve spotted the warning signs, then the next move is to identify the source. Depending on the problem, you may be able to do some fixes on your own, but it would be wise to get professional help to guarantee that the water seepage can be addressed properly.
Seepage and leaks are caused by a wide range of factors. These include hydrostatic pressure brought about by excess water absorbed by the soil, improperly laid-down foundations, pockets of air in the concrete that lead to cracks, and also soil shifting downward. As you can see, some of these are natural and some are from the structures and materials used in construction.
Start with the solutions
Basement waterproofing involves a variety of fixes. The addition of sump pumps to pump out the seepage is a good way to start for many basements. Interior seals and coatings on the basement walls also work well. Interior water drainage is also an option. Additional drainage systems on the exterior is also a great supplement to interior waterproofing methods. Increasing the air flow and ventilation in a basement can also help in certain situations.
Consult professionals, such as Anchor Waterproofing who are the premier Baltimore Basement Waterproofing company, as much as possible in order to properly identify the causes of leaks and seepage as well as to get the proper solution that fits your basement’s exact needs. Once you notice some of the aforementioned warning signs, don’t leave it up to chance—have your basement checked and see what can be done about any issue that is found. Once the appropriate basement waterproofing measures are put in place, then you will be able to enjoy the utility provided by your home’s basement for years to come.
