Important Signs That You Urgently Need Basement Waterproofing Services Fenton, MI

Basement waterproofing is important for a number of reasons. You would like the foundation of your home to be very stable and therefore you must try your best to keep out moisture. Waterproofing your basement will also make the basement healthier and more useful as a store, a garage, a laundry room, a living space or a maintenance room. A basement that is constantly waterlogged or humid cannot be effectively put to any of the aforementioned uses.

There a number of signs which indicate that your basement needs to be waterproofed. Below are six of them.

1. Dampness or musty smell in the basement

If your basement is damp or has a musty smell, this is an indication that it has a lot of moisture and probably some mold. Mold can grow rapidly in a humid environment within 24 to 48 hours and is associated with an unpleasant smell. High moisture levels in the basement mean that the wall or floors of the basement may have cracks through which moisture is seeping in from the ground or outside. You need help to have the cracks sealed.

2. Visible growth of mold

Visible growth of mold in your basement is a sign that the basement is wet or has high moisture levels. If you see patches that are greenish, brown, black, white or any other color on the wall and other surfaces of the basement, you need to call a basement waterproofing expert.

3. Patches of water on the basement walls or floor

Wet patches on the basement walls or floor are a sign that water is seeping in. A basement whose walls let water or moisture seep in from outside is also a major concern because the water can cause structural damage to your house. You should call a basement waterproofing technician and seek help the moment you realize that your basement is wet.

4. Visible efflorescence

Efflorescence denotes a powdery substance that is deposited on walls as water carrying minerals seeps through the wall. Visible efflorescence is an obvious sign that the basement wall is letting in water from the surrounding ground and needs to be checked by a qualified technician.

5. Presence of floor and wall cracks

Visible cracks on the wall and floor can cause water to seep into the basement. Since cracks expand as more water seeps through them, you should call an expert when you spot cracks in the basement.

6. Bulging walls

Bulging walls occur as a result of increased hydrostatic pressure from the soil that surrounds the basement wall. Bulging can lead to wall bowing, cracks and even collapse. Steel bracing and waterproofing can help protect the basement walls.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks, Metro Inc.  Today! 800-639-1131

Bowing basement walls occur when moisture or soil exert pressure on the walls, causing them to curve inward. Some of the first signs of bowing basement walls are cracks, and if ignored, the bowing in the walls will become worse over time. If you notice this, you should have your basement walls checked out as soon as possible. Here are the reasons why you need to be concerned about bowing basement walls.

1. The walls can cause structural problems or even collapse

Even minor bowing in the walls can cause structural problems throughout the home. You may notice cracks in doorways, or doors becoming stuck. Windows can begin to stick, and the floors over the basement walls can become uneven and begin to slope. All these are major structural issues that can be avoided if the bowing basement walls are repaired sooner rather than later.

If the bowing is ignored, eventually it can become so severe that the walls will collapse under the pressure. These walls are the foundation of your home and are an integral part of its structure. If they collapse, your home may also collapse.

2. The bowing basement walls can cause further moisture problems

The wall cracks that are a sign of bowing in walls are an opening for water to seep through from the outside. Water from the surrounding soil will begin to move into the basement, and you may begin to see water spots and puddles forming.

As water builds up in the basement, it can cause additional problems. For example, the basement may become flooded or wood may begin to rot. Your basement may have an insect infestation, or mold and mildew may begin to grow. Not only do these cause damage, they can also affect your health.

3. The pipes or fixtures can become damaged

The bowing basement walls can damage the pipes and fixtures that run along them. They may begin to break, which can cause extensive and costly damage. They may also cause a number of additional problems, such as burst pipes or electrocution.

If you have noticed cracks in your basement or that the walls have become bowed, you will want to take action quickly to avoid further damage. An experienced contractor can inspect your home and help you determine the best solution to your problem. In doing so, you can be sure that your home is structurally sound and safe for you and your family.

For a free estimate, please give us a call at 800-639-1131