5 Signs Your Basement Waterproofing Is The Problem
There are a variety of ways in which water and moisture can find its way into your basement.
While moisture can be produced internally from things like new concrete after construction, unvented clothes dryers and common daily activities such as cooking and showering, the #1 cause of wet basements is from rain or ground water finding its way in.
Are you dealing with a wet and leaky basement?
Below are some signs that your basement waterproofing may be the problem.
1/ DAMP OR HUMID AIR
A musty dank odor is the most common sign that the air in your basement is carrying too much moisture.
However, since it’s easy to become “nose blind” to smells in your own home that you’ve grown accustomed to, an objective way to measure the humidity level in your basement is by using a device called a “Hygrometer”.
You can place several around different areas of your home to get an accurate reading of the humidity % in the air. If it’s consistently high, consider running a dehumidifier. If that doesn’t work, it may be time for a more advanced basement waterproofing solution.
Click here to see a list of some of the best Hygrometers to consider buying according to ThisOldHouse.com.
2/ SWELLING DISCOLOURED BASEBOARDS
This can often be one of the first signs that you have a water leak. When water and moisture get into the baseboards it can cause swelling and discoloration.
Sometimes this isn’t as easy to spot as you may think, but here are a couple tips for things to look out for:\
- Look for spots where the baseboard no longer touches the wall. Baseboards lose their original shape when they’re water damaged.
- Look for changes in the color of your baseboards. Leaks and excess moisture can produce stains on your baseboards, helping you pin point where the leak may be.
This amount of water could be the result of a crack in your foundation wall which is allowing water to come in or the weeping tiles lifespan, blockage, sump pump failure, sewer back-up, improper grading or window wells not draining.
3/ MOLD GROWTH & EFFLORESCENCE
Just like where there’s smoke there’s fire, where there’s mold there’s moisture.
Since mold spores cannot grow if there is not moisture present (2), mold growth is one of the most definitive signs that your basement has a moisture problem.
You’ll likely smell the issue before even seeing it, so if you notice a “musty”, “damp”, “earthy” odor (3), you should examine all corners of your home to try and locate the source of mold.
Trouble breathing, respiratory issues and visible black mold where the wall meets the floor can be sure signs you have a basement waterproofing problem.
4/ CONDENSATION ON BASEMENT WALLS
As warm moist air enters your home and comes into contact with your cooler basement walls and floors, condensation can form.
This can be an issue any time of year but is most common in the summer months when it’s hot and humid here in the Niagara region.
Generally speaking this may not be a sure fire sign that you have a basement waterproofing issue that would requires repairs (running a dehumidifier may be all you need to resolve this issue), it’s something worth further investigation if you notice condensation forming in your basement on a regular basis.
5/ STANDING WATER ON BASEMENT FLOORS
Duh right?
If you start noticing puddles of standing water in your basement, it’s time to call a foundation repair contractor for help.
This amount of water could be the result of a crack in your foundation wall which is allowing water to come in due to the weeping tiles lifespan or a blockage, or sump pump failure.
If this is your situation, the time for half measures has past and it’s time for expert advice.
Foundation Waterproofing by Moe has been offering their services to property owners within Niagara since 1998.
Contact us today for a free estimate.
SOURCES:
1 - epa.gov
2 - bobvila.com