Signs That Your Basement Needs Waterproofing – How to Identify Water Damage and Prevent Further Problems

signs that your basement needs waterproofing

Do you think your basement could benefit from waterproofing? Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to tell if your basement needs waterproofing or not. However, there are some easy signs to look out for that may be an indication.

Signs That Your Basement is in Need of Waterproofing

Discoloration and Odor

One of the most common signs that you need to waterproof your basement is discoloration on the walls or floors. If you notice any dark spots, brown streaks, wetness, mould, mildew or a musty smell in your basement then these can all be indicators of water damage. Additionally, if the wallpaper starts to peel off unexpectedly then this may also be a sign of moisture underneath.

Warping or Buckling Floors

Another indication that there is too much moisture in the air is when your flooring begins to warp or buckle. When standing water accumulates within the structure of the floorboards it can cause them to become misshapen and distorted, making them easily visible from above.

Pooling Water

When it rains heavily or comes into contact with groundwater, basements can become very susceptible to flooding. If you notice any pooling water near windowsills and doorways or cracks in the foundation walls, then it is likely that your basement isn’t adequately sealed and needs some attention right away.

Cracks in Walls

Even small cracks in wall surfaces can contribute to increased moisture levels within a basement space, so it is important to seal up any existing cracks as soon as possible (this should preferably be done by an experienced professional). Over time they can expand which will reduce structural stability and make it even harder to address once they have reached larger sizes.

High Humidity Levels

For those who remain unaware of hidden moisture lurking in their home’s interior space, high humidity levels should also be taken into consideration when assessing whether waterproofing should take place in a particular area. Higher than normal humidity levels often cause havoc within our indoor climate meaning additional measures need to be taken for protecting against further damage caused by condensation forming on walls or ceilings.

Steps to Prevent Further Water Damage

By following the simple steps listed below, you can help keep your home safe from water damages – don’t let them catch you off guard!

Make sure your gutters and downspouts are properly cleaned and maintained. The gutters and downspouts should also be inspected for clogs regularly to make sure they’re working as intended. By ensuring that the rainwater is directed away from your home’s foundation, you can prevent water from seeping into your basement or crawlspace and causing irreparable damage.

Inspect the roof often for missing or damaged shingles, especially after storms or heavy weather conditions. Replace any broken shingles immediately to ensure no rain is getting into your attic space or other parts of the house where it could potentially cause serious issues with flooding and mold growth.

Repair any plumbing leaks immediately when they’re discovered as these could be signs of bigger issues that need attention right away. Even a small leak could cause extensive water damage if left unchecked for long periods of time, so don’t delay in having this issue taken care of!

Make sure all windows and doors in the home are tightly sealed against moisture intrusion from outside air or rainwater. Remember to check caulking around frames every few months for wear-and-tear or cracks that need repair!

Invest in a sump pump system to help remove excess moisture from areas such as basements and crawl spaces that might not be adequately drained by traditional drainage systems alone. This will help protect your family’s health, as well as prevent costly repairs down the line due to water damage caused by floods or excessive moisture accumulation in hidden spaces around your home!

Taking all these factors into account should give homeowners a much better idea of what needs to be done when considering waterproofing for their basements – failing to act quickly enough could lead to additional problems such as mould growth which can have potentially harmful effects on health if left unchecked for too long!

If you notice that your basement is in need of waterproofing, call the experts at IcyReno Waterproofing – we’re here to help when you need us the most.