Whether you’re preparing for cool winter weather or planning to sell your house soon, one of the most important things to check off your list is repairing any basement water damage and preventing it from happening in the future.
“Water in the basement can lead to mold, musty smells, damaged walls and floors and ruined furniture and belongings,” according to Basement Systems. “It’s necessary to get rid of the water, fix underlying problems, and take steps to keep your basement dry.”
This is particularly problematic if you’re preparing to sell your home.
“A home with a wet basement can be much more difficult to sell,” Arizona Foundation Solutions says. “In fact, a wet basement is one of the most serious ‘red flags’ that deters buyers.”
Here are three signs your basement has water damage.
Moldy spots
The dreaded appearance of mold can mean only one thing: water. If you see mold growing on your walls or floors, it means you have unwanted and unhealthy moisture.
“Mold can grow anywhere it can find oxygen, moisture and organic material, and it’s particularly happy in damp, humid areas of the home,” according to HGTV.
You may smell mold before you see it, as it gives off a distinct musty odor.
A common culprit of the moisture that can cause mold is a leaky appliance or foundation seepage, which occurs when groundwater pools around your foundation and then forces its way in through cracks in the concrete. Look at your foundation for signs of cracking. Any crack larger than 1/16-inch needs a professional evaluation to determine whether it could be contributing to the problem.
Deteriorating building materials
If you put your hand on a wall, the carpet, or the trim in your basement, do you feel any dampness or deterioration? Over time, water seeping into your home will damage the sheetrock and framing in your walls, warp your trim, and add moisture into the carpet, padding, or other flooring.
In addition to trim being expanded or warped, there could be separation between the trim and the floor.
Discoloration and staining
One of the most obvious signs of water damage is a yellowish-brown color on your trim or walls. In the case of a serious past flood, you may see a high watermark on the walls.
Flaking paint or furniture stains and discoloration are also signs of water damage.
What you can do
Whether you’ve had recent flooding or find old damage, the first step is to hire a company that specializes in basement waterproofing. A professional can assess the damage, identify problem spots, quickly pump out and dry your basement if needed, and suggest steps to prevent future water damage and flooding.
These are some possible steps you may take, according to Basement Systems, the award-winning product of choice for Arizona Foundation Solutions:
· Improve outside drainage to prevent water from pooling near the foundation.
· Install or replace your sump pump, and consider a backup in case of power failure.
· Protect against plumbing leaks.
· Install new windows and well covers.
· Add interior drainage.
· Repair foundation cracks.
“Our expert waterproofers know how to identify the cause of your wet basement, musty smells, and mold problems and can provide you with a high-quality waterproofing system that will eliminate your problems,” Arizona Foundation Solutions says.
For more information about how to deal with water damage in your basement and to schedule a free inspection, visit FoundationRepairsAZ.com.
