Water poses a severe risk to your basement. You may notice damp basement walls or a water puddle on the floor. Worse, your basement may flood during heavy rainfall or snowmelt.
Dampness in your basement may lead to mold and mildew growth, damaged wood, and other stored possessions. Basement water damage or mold can sometimes hide behind dry walls, flooring, or other hidden areas.
Often homeowners fail to detect the water damage in their homes. According to a survey, around 60% of homeowners’ basement is damaged due to water, and they have no idea about it. If water problems or dampness in the basement are not identified correctly, it can lead to bacterial growth, ultimately leading to serious health hazards. Therefore it is of utmost importance to detect water damage in your basement.
The following are signs to look for to know whether there is dampness or water damage in your basement or not:
Flaking or peeling paint
One of the most common causes of peeling or flaking paint off basement walls is dampness. The paint of the basement wall loses adhesion due to excess moisture. Snowmelt, groundwater, and rainwater are some of the primary sources of moisture. Sweating pipes may also cause paint to peel.
Look for water stains
These are the most obvious signs of excess moisture, and if you ever notice such water stains in your house or basement, that’s a big problem. You may spot them on floors, walls, or even ceilings. Whether you have just moved in or have been living in your home for years, professionals must immediately discuss and deal with water stains. Any carelessness in dealing with your home’s water damage can worsen things. It is advisable if you are moving into a new home, make sure that there is no water damage. If any, ensure all the water issues are handled before moving in.
Smell it out
Basements are the best breeding ground for bacteria and mold. When the humidity increases, it provides an excellent mold and mildew growth environment. To detect if there is any such growth, you need to use your nose. They can be easily detected if you smell the corners of your basement. A musty smell indicates water leaks, humidity, or mold growth. The intensity of the smell depends upon the intensity of water damage and bacterial growth.
The higher the intensity of damage, the stronger will be the smell, and vice-versa. If you get a strong, musty smell, it means the water damage is serious. Water leaks, gaps around windows, malfunctioning sump pumps, and foundation cracks are common causes of high humidity, mold growth, and musty smells in your basement. You may also spot mold stains on drywall, furniture, carpets, or drywall discoloration, etc. Basement mold must be dealt with immediately, and preventive measures should be taken to avoid any adverse effect on indoor air quality. You should check out for basement waterproofing services as soon as possible and go for it in order to control the situation and avoid any further damage.
Did you notice any such signs of water damage in the basement? Depending upon the causes of dampness or wet basement, fixing the water damage could be DIY or may require the help of Toronto waterproofing experts.
