How Can I Tell if Water Is Damaging My Basement?

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

Wet Basement

SERVPRO of St. Joseph is a full restoration company. Our team of experts are on call and ready to help you determine the best course of action.

A basement is a much-enjoyed part of many homes in the area. Families love them because they can provide extra living space or be used for storing seasonal items or things that haven’t been unpacked from a move. Not to mention they can serve as an ersatz storm shelter in an emergency situation.

Whatever the configuration of one’s basement, it’s important to realize that there’s one common problem among basements. Because they’re dug out from the ground, they have a tendency to become damp, and they’re a common place for water from household leaks to end up.

You may not ever encounter serious damage in your basement, but you should be aware that it’s a real possibility, and you should make yourself knowledgeable of the warning signs, should you ever come across them. Let’s take a look at some of the more common signs of a wet basement.

The Top Signs of Water Damage in a Basement

Unpleasant, musky odors. The smell often associated with basements is actually an indicator of a problem. Water coming in settles and bacteria begin to form, creating that not-so-lovely basement scent. This smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment, and while these are often hard to see because mold doesn’t present visually right away, they are easy to smell, and it’s a smell on which you should act.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. If interior paint is cracking, bubbling or flaking, there’s likely water behind it. Even waterproof paint, while it may take longer to show, will eventually not be able to hold back a serious problem (and by the time an issue does manifest, it may have already become a more serious one). Don’t ignore this one as just a sign of age—look for leaks and prevent further damage.

Foundational cracks. If cracks show up in the floor, the ceiling or in your walls, they could be indicators of a more serious issue—a cracked foundation. While houses do shift over time, a legitimate crack is not normal and must be addressed right away. A leak under your floor could cause a fault line in your foundation, which puts additional pressure on your home’s structure, resulting in the interior cracks described earlier. Bottom line: If there are cracks, there could be a foundation crack resulting from a big leak.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more.