Is your basement prone to leakages and floods? Are you overwhelmed with the problem of a moldy, wet, and flooded basement? Then it is proof that you have a faulty drainage system and inappropriate waterproofing for your basement. Due to which the water accumulates outside and makes its way inside through cracks leading to dampness, mold growth, wet walls, and a flooded basement.
However, if you have got waterproofing of the basement done, you should keep a check on the waterproofing every year. You can easily adjust and fix problems as soon as you see them and prevent them from becoming major problems that could affect the structure of your house and cause you more money. But for major repairs, you can rest assured that the waterproofing system will get you through many years easily.
Around 5 to 10 years, you can enjoy a dry and clean basement and will not be required to perform any major fixes. But if you live in an area that is vulnerable to flooding and raining, then your waterproofing will last a few years only. In this case, you will just have to get the best waterproofing system that works for you and keep a check on problems. So let’s look at the factors that will require you to renew your waterproofing system.
Water: the most dangerous element for your house’s structure
The basement in your home is an important area of your house. Apart from serving as a storage place, lounge, game area, or home theater, the basement also keeps your house secure and steady. It is responsible for your house’s structural integrity. This makes it essential that proper care and regular inspection are performed so that problems can be detected and fixed early on.
The main thing that poses a danger to the structure is water. Groundwater under the floor and around the walls can create hydro-static pressure that forces the crack through which the water seeps in. It is important to take immediate action early on. Continue reading to find out more about the signs you need to look out for.
When to consider renewing waterproofing?
How long your waterproofing will last depends upon the location of your house, slope, landscape, and the type of soil. But regardless of this, every home can become prone to water damage at some point, no matter how good the waterproofing. So here are some signs that you need to watch out for. If you see any of the signs mentioned below, contact an expert immediately. Do not try to handle the situation yourself, as you may end up making the condition worse, which will require even more money and time to fix.
1) Damp odor
When you enter your basement, if you smell a distinct damp odor, then you need to find the source. Mostly it can be due to the humidity produced by home appliances like a water heater, washing machines, etc. Without proper ventilation, the humidity stays in one place, thus polluting the smell of the air. But a higher humidity level even with proper ventilation means that there is something wrong.
2) Stains of water
If you notice stains of water on the floor or walls that are not due to the spilling of liquids, then it is a sign that water is coming from the outside. The hydro-static pressure must have caused cracks through which water is seeping in. This requires your immediate attention because if it is not fixed early on, then it could lead to bigger and more serious problems of flooding.
3) Formation of rust
Water can cause rusting and corrosion of metals. So the iron nails used on the walls in your basement may rust over time due to humidity and thus cause cracks and holes. Visit https://oriolebw.com/ to get in touch with a professional who can help you out.
4) Efflorescence
Another sign of water seepage is the presence of efflorescence or white sparkles. You will notice white powdery stains on the concrete floors or walls. These powdery mineral deposits are the result of lime breakdown and evaporation of water. This lime is present in the cement that makes your floors and walls. If you see this, then you should take immediate action to fix the problem.
5) Water outside
Never ignore the accumulation of water around your house. There’s a strong connection between outside water and basement wetness. Water puddles, leaking pipes, faulty downspouts, water from flower beds, and inappropriate drainage systems can lead to more water in the soil. If water is not properly directed away from the house, it can lead to problems. This water then makes its way through the cracks and holes in the basement and causes a damp and wet basement.
So in these cases, your exterior waterproofing system becomes compromised and causes water to infiltrate through. Once the water reaches the interior, it can damage walls, interior structures and cause the growth of mold. Mold infestation can lead to poor air quality and can compromise the health of you and your family. Apart from that, it can decrease the quality and strength of the walls, weakening them overall.
What happens when you leave things unchecked?
Continuous high levels of humidity and cracks left unchecked can lead to wet walls, dampness, white sparkles, flooding, and even the growth of mold. These molds can either be harmless or harmful to humans. The mold creates an environment that is unhygienic and unhealthy for humans to live in. If you have unexplained sickness among your family members, then your wet basement may be the culprit. Mold can be toxic, and if the sickness is left untreated, it can be fatal to the person.
So if you are experiencing fatigue, headache, joint pain, nausea, chronic cough, numbness, diarrhea, vomiting, then you shouldn’t rule out the possibility of mold toxicity. So if you leave things unchecked, your basement can become difficult to live in. Moreover, it can affect the integrity of your house’s structure that can, in the long run, cause huge and serious problems.
The bottom line
So it is important to keep a check on these signs and inspect your basement every year for signs of water intrusion or leakages. As soon as you find cracks or other signs, it is crucial that you address them early on. And once the period of your waterproofing is over, you should immediately renew your waterproofing system as soon as possible. Consult with a professional who can help you with waterproofing problems.
