Does your basement feel damp and sticky? Have you noticed a puddle of water on the floor after a heavy rain, or water stains on walls? If you’re wondering how concerned you should be, you’re not alone. We understand—and we’re here to help!
Too much moisture in your basement can lead to foundation damage, structural problems, and costly repairs. No one wants that! Fortunately, there are effective solutions to keep water out. Let’s dive into the facts, so you can say goodbye to water in your basement—for good.
What Happens When Your Basement Has Water Sneaking In
Here are the most common issues you may notice when moisture sneaks in. Remember, it’s best to address these issues as soon as you can:
1. Wet Spots and Puddles
Seeing water on the floor of your basement is a clear problem. This often occurs after a heavy rain, though you may also see wet spots from time to time due to landscaping that drains poorly.
2. Water Stains
Even if you’re not seeing puddles on the floor, excess moisture can leave behind stains on the basement’s ceiling, walls, or floor. Streaks on walls can mean leaking is a regular problem.
3. Musty Odors and Mildew Spots
Damp basements are (unfortunately!) a perfect environment for unhealthy mold and mildew to grow. You might notice brown and black mold spots on walls, mildewed cardboard boxes and fabrics, unpleasant odors, or even respiratory problems since the air from your basement can enter the rest of your house.
4. Cracks in Walls and Floors
If basement walls or flooring are damaged, they may begin to bow inward (or upward)—because the weight of wet soil outside is too much to resist. Eventually, this causes cracks in walls or floors, putting your home’s structure at risk.
5. High Humidity
Too much moisture in the air of your basement shows up in many ways. You might see condensation on walls. If you see a chalky substance on walls and floors, you’re looking at “efflorescence”—a fancy term for the salt and minerals left behind after water dries up. Those white streaks are a sure sign your basement is damp.
6. Sticking Doors
When there’s too much humidity in your basement, it can damage wood doors. If leaks are affecting walls and floors, your door jambs can be pushed out of place. As a result, doors don’t open and close smoothly.
7. Pest Infestations
While an occasional spider might be no big deal, a lot of bugs in your basement is a problem. Termites, ants, cockroaches, and even small rodents are attracted to basements with water in them, so if you notice signs of an infestation, checking for leaks is important as a preventative step.
What to Do When Your Basement Needs Waterproofing
If you want a water-resistant basement that stays dry, start with a thorough inspection. Our team will assess the problem you’re facing so you know what you’re dealing with. We suggest only the solutions you need, so you can address the dampness and protect your home.
Interior Fixes
Minor issues may be addressed with a sealant applied to the inside of your basement walls. For more serious protection, our team uses a process called hydrophobic curtain grouting to prevent concrete walls from allowing water to leak inside through wet clay soil. If needed, internal drains, sump pumps, and dehumidifiers can all help to remove moisture.
Exterior Fixes
If your basement was built with cement blocks rather than concrete or your yard has drainage issues, landscaping solutions can be implemented too. French drains and surface drains can be installed to draw water safely away from your foundation. A waterproof membrane can be applied to the outside of basement walls to prevent moisture from getting inside.
Say Goodbye to Basement Moisture Problems with Lasting Waterproofing Solutions
Over time, water intrusion continues to add up until it can cause major structural issues. So, don’t put off having basement problems assessed, and if needed, fixed promptly.
Our team provides a wide range of basement waterproofing solutions to stop excess moisture from causing costly damage to your home. Contact Edens Structural Solutions anytime for a free consultation. We’ll get back to you lightning fast with options that keep your basement protected from moisture—for good!
