Finding water in your basement is intimidating enough, late discovery of water damage in your basement could jeopardizing the integrity of your foundation while costing you a lot of money in repair. Not waking up to an ocean in your basement might not necessarily mean your basement is free of water damages. Water damages in basement manifest in different forms and can be very dangerous when left unchecked. Even though there are apps that help you detect water leaks at home, it will be in your best interest as a homeowner to understand how to easily detect water damages in your basement before it escalates and causes bigger problems
Listed below are 5 tell-tale signs of water damage in your basement:
CONDENSATION
Condensation is formed as a result of contact between warm, humid air and cold surfaces. So if you find water condensation on your basement wall, ceiling, metal or pipes, it definitely as a result of high humidity which most probably resulted from water damage. Proper basement waterproofing will ensure humidity in your basement stay between 30-45% which would completely eliminate condensation, mold and mildew in your basement.
PAINT FLAKES
Paint flakes are serious signs of water damage in your basement and shouldn’t be taken lightly. When the walls and ceiling of your basement absorbs water, the cement beneath it spalls which causes the paint on these walls to flake and eventually peel off. Also, if moisture is able to move through your basement’s concrete through capillary action, it causes efflorescence on your cement wall which can also cause paints to flake. Whichever the case may be, once you notice paint flakes in your basement, it is a sign of serious water damage and you should look to have a proper basement waterproofing done.
CRACKS
Cracks in basement walls, floors and foundation has been most predominantly associated with water damage. Water damage weakens and exerts pressure on the foundation of your home, walls and floor of your basement which causes them to crack after a period of time. These cracks can also lead to more water damage in your basement as more water gets to seep through them. Once you notice a crack more than one-sixteenth if an inch, you should call an expert for proper basement waterproofing and structural restoration.
MOLD
Mold is the most common sign of excess moisture in basement. Mold grow in areas with excess moisture and little ventilation both of which are conditions present in a basement with water damage. When left unchecked, mold growth can cause serious damage to the walls and ceiling of your basement and they also pose great health threats. Once you notice mold growth in your basement, you should look for possible sources of water damage and fix it as soon as possible.
MUSTY SMELLS
If you’ve been perceiving musty odor in your home of late, it could be a possible sign of water damage, high humidity or even mold growth. All these three are almost always associated with musty smell in basements. Wherever you find one, you can be sure to find the others. So if your basement is giving off musty smells, you can be sure there is water damage which has possibly led to the growth of mold.
