Ensuring your basement stays dry will help to make sure that your house stays strong and durable for years to come. Additionally, it helps avoid issues with mold (including health issues) and can help reduce the need for costly and unexpected repairs. Even minor water damage can cause structural issues which damage the durability of the home.
It is important to regularly inspect your basement to make sure you will detect a potential leak in a timely manner, and prevent the problem from turning into something more significant. Below we have put together a list of some common signs to look out for that your basement may have a water issue.
Mold
Mold grows in areas where there is too much moisture and not enough fresh air – if there is mold in your basement it means that there is likely a leak present. Mold can come in a variety of colours including gray, green, black, or white, and may have differing textures. Most molds will have a smell present, but some may be odor-free. Mold should be dealt with immediately upon discovery, as it can cause a series of health issues, including headaches, breathing issues, skin irritation, and allergic reaction.
Cracked Concrete
Concrete eventually will crack naturally due to shrinkage, settlement, and pressure on the structure. If the foundation of the home is waterproofed properly, it will not gain leaks from the natural cracks, but if there is staining around the cracks or they are quite wide, there could be water leaks. All cracks in a basement are worth looking at for issues.
Honeycombing
The term “Honeycombing” refers to a rough, pitted concrete surface which results in incomplete filling of the concrete against formwork. This is typically caused by using a concrete that is too stuff, or by improper installation. Seeing honeycombing on the surface can be an indication of a more serious issue within the concrete, and can allow water into the interior of the structure.
Water Stains
Water stains, especially those seen high up on the wall of the basement, are a sign of water damage due to surface moisture. Identifying the source of this water is an important and easy way to avoid leaks in a basement.
To avoid leaks in your basement, make sure to schedule frequent checks of the structures within it to ensure there is no potential for additional moisture in the basement.
