Without question, finding water or moisture in your basement is an alarming discovery – one that can make your stomach tie in knots and send the immediate thought of ‘oh no’ through your mind. But with as mysterious and clever as water and moisture can be, how do you know where they originated from, exactly? Most of all, how can you tell if your basement, or the basement of a home you want to buy, has a water problem?
While these are headache inducing questions, they not only need to be answered, but they also need resolved right away to minimize damage to the foundation and your belongings, and to prevent the rise of serious health issues from mold and mildew.
Know Before You Buy: Why It’s Important to Catch Basement Water Damage Before You Sign on the Dotted Line
When you find the home of your dreams, it’s absolutely critical to have a home inspection done – conducted by a licensed home inspector – prior to a final sale. For any home with a basement, your home inspector will look for signs of water damage – especially if you’re on the verge of buying an older home (which are more susceptible to water problems due to an older foundation and the possibility that they were built or sit below the water table).
It’s vital to find out if a basement has a water problem before you buy, as opposed to afterwards, because you can’t always rely on seller disclosures. Why? Mainly because sometimes the sellers don’t even know they have a water issue in the basement; and, even if they do and don’t disclose it, it can be hard to prove in court.
Bottomline: It’s necessary to have a licensed home inspector search for signs of a damp or wet basement, and it’s a great idea for you, as an established or to-be homeowner, to learn these signs for yourself in case you encounter an issue in the future.
Signs of Water Damage in Basement
If you suspect your current or to-be basement is contending with dampness and water issues, devote some time to giving the basement a good assessment with your own two eyes.
Here’s what to look or smell for:
Smell for a musty odor or a damp smell. Chances are you’ve probably smelled these odors before in other basements, and if your basement has excess moisture in it, an unmistakable smell will be present.Look for water stains on the floor or along the walls. While water stains can be the cause of something as innocent as a one-time utility sink overflow or water splashing out of the tub over the years, it can also be the cause of water leaking in through the basement walls, windows, and floor.Look for mold of all colors and sizes. Mold is tricky to assess, we know. But if you spot something that looks like mold and is colored either brown, black, yellow or green, consider having it tested. Since some forms of mold are harmful to our health, it’s important to not turn a blind eye to the suspect of mold in your basement.Look for signs of spalling. When water makes its way inside the surface of stone, concrete or brick, salt deposits cause the surface of the material to peel, flake away or pop off.Look for signs of efflorescence. When a white or grayish ash appears on your basement walls, this could be efflorescence. Caused by salt deposits that were left behind by evaporating water, efflorescence will occasionally appear with a sparkle.
Causes of Basement Water Damage
Understandably, uncovering water problems in your basement can be perplexing. What is causing this?
It’s important to keep in mind that basement water damage is not always a result of cracks in your foundation, or even leaky pipes. Some homes were simply constructed poorly, allowing moisture to seep through basement walls or windows.
Here are common causes of basement water issues:
Leaks inside the walls. When interior walls run from the attic to the basement, there is an increased possibility that water from the roof can make its way into the house and run all the way to the basement. With the basement walls being underground, the dark and naturally damp area can lead to a slew of issues, as noted above. Year-round groundwater sitting on the foundation walls. From heavy rain storms in the spring and summer, to heavy snow falls that melt away, water is constantly knocking at your foundation’s walls. Without strong, waterproof walls, water can constantly be seeping in.General gutter issues. If your gutters are clogged or installed improperly and, therefore, tend to overflow a lot, or if your home doesn’t have enough gutters, water can pour onto your foundation and find the path of least resistance into your foundation walls. Disconnected or short downspouts. When downspouts are too short, or not connected at all, water isn’t directed away from the house properly. In turn, you will have very similar issues as gutter issues with too much water on or around your foundation and pressing its way in.Inaccurate grading. When the land and soil slopes toward the house, as opposed to away from it, excess water will flow toward the basement walls and weave inside.Condensation from inside pipes. It’s common for pipes to form condensation and drip – especially in high humidity areas.
The big question: Can a damp, wet basement be fixed?
Certainly, there is always a way to remedy the problem(s) you’re experiencing, but because wet basements are complex and there may be more than one issue, it’s best to always consult with a basement waterproofing expert to guarantee that the right, long-term solution is employed.
Comparing Types of Basement Waterproofing Solutions & How to Choose the Right One for Your Basement. Depending on the basement water issue you’re experiencing, there are different types of basement waterproofing systems that will better resolve your issues and restore a comfortable, safe basement for you and your family.
Exterior Basement Waterproofing
When multiple, large cracks and extensive leakage and moisture buildup is present, exterior basement waterproofing is highly recommended because the main cause of water and moisture is almost always located on the outside of your basement walls. In most cases, exterior waterproofing is the most effective way to waterproof a basement, as it fundamentally blocks water from entering your basement and prevents water from causing damage to the foundation structure.
Using heavy machinery, exterior waterproofing involves excavating the soil on all sides of the foundation – making a 7- or 8-foot-deep trench – and moving it away from the exterior walls of the basement. From there, an exterior drainage system is installed, and the exterior walls are coated with a waterproof barrier.
Interior Basement Waterproofing Systems
When small cracks are causing minimal leakage in your basement, and if exterior excavation is not possible, interior basement waterproofing systems can quickly seal minor cracks/holes in basement floors, walls, and around windows.
Two common interior basement waterproofing systems are:
Interior Waterproofing SealantSpecial sealants are formulated to prevent any new moisture from entering your basement. When applied wherever there is obvious cracks and/or evidence of moisture, indoor waterproof sealants effectively fill the small cracks and construct a waterproof barrier. If you decided this is the waterproofing method that is best for your basement, be mindful that you’re using the correct waterproofing sealant, as certain sealants are made for different surfaces.
Interior Floor Drain SystemFor basements with large cracks on walls and floors, and exterior excavation is not possible, installing an interior floor drain system can prove to be a successful option. An interior floor drain system requires shallow excavation (a trench to be formed) at the inside perimeter of your basement floor where the drain system will run. A sump pump is also usually installed at this time.
Experts in Basement Waterproofing, Let Invisible Excavations Help You Reclaim a Dry, Comfortable, Odor-Free Basement
With extensive experience in damp basements and waterproofing methods, we will personally investigate your situation, walk you through your options, and provide an honest estimate for the job. Let us take the stress and worry off your hands and ensure your basement is safe and comfortable again.
Serving all of Cuyahoga, Erie, Lake, Lorain, Summit, Medina and Mahoning counties, give us a call today to discuss basement waterproofing systems so you can move closer to a more welcoming basement.