How Can I Tell if My Basement Has Water Damage?

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is a restoration company. Our team of experts are on call and ready to help you determine the best course of action.

Having a basement in one’s home can be a great addition (or perhaps, rather, a great foundation). You can choose to finish and furnish, and it becomes additional living space or a hangout room for the kids. Or perhaps they’ve moved out and it’s time to build that dream home theater you’ve always wanted.

Versatile though they may be, however, basements run an inherent risk of taking on water and thus water damage, due to the fact that they are dug out of the moist soil in the building process.

While there’s no guarantee your basement will ever have this issue, it would do well for any homeowner to know the risks and signs of water damage if the time should come that it becomes apparent. So let’s look at the most typical signs you might find that water has invaded your basement—and if you need someone to take a look, our water restoration technicians are always here to take your call.

Typical Symptoms of Basement Water Damage

Unpleasant, musky odors. You know the smell. Almost everyone does. Many people have the misconception that all basements smell musty, but this really should not be the case. This smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment, and while these are often hard to see, they are easy to smell.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. Waterproof paint may sound like a once-and-for-all solution to keeping moisture out of your home’s interior, but truthfully this isn’t the case. Over time, water seeps in anyway and causes the paint to bubble, crack and flake—the waterproof paint just holds it back longer, so that when the water does break through you’ve got a bigger problem.

Foundational cracks. Homes are known to shift over time, but significant cracks in your foundation may point toward a significant water leak that has gone unnoticed or unhandled. Cracks can show up in the floor, the ceiling or in your walls, and are often an indicator that your structure is under undue pressure because of a crack in your foundation. Hairline cracks on the ceiling are no cause for alarm, but if they become any larger, you should call for assistance immediately.

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.