Of all homes with basements, over 98% will experience some type of water damage. And while there are many signs of water damage, recognizing specific details in the foundation of your home can help you to potentially discover the issue before it expands and becomes even costlier when it comes to waterproofing. Here are just a few changes with your home’s foundation that are often indicative of the start of moisture and water damage.
Color Changes
Color changes are one of the most noticeable signs of water damage in your home’s foundation. Finished basements with water damage may have wallpaper that’s peeling, fading, or is otherwise discolored, even slightly. Take note of the texture as well — if the wallpaper starts to feel gritty or you notice other changes in texture, water damage could be in the early stages. In an unfinished basement, look for a white and salty substance, called, efflorescence, which will appear on the walls of the foundation. This indicates how high the water level has risen around the basement.
Odor
According to the Mayo Clinic 93% of Chronic Sinus Infections have been attributed to mold, and most of the time, mold and mildew have a noticeable and distinct smell. Take note of when you notice a mold or mildew smell: is it after a big rainstorm, or is it consistent regardless of the weather? Either way, you should take action for mold removal. Look for visual signs of mold around your home’s foundation; it may appear on wood, furniture, and other organic materials. It generally materializes as a black or dark green substance, and it can also look like a white powder.
Cracking
Finally, keep an eye out for cracking of foundation walls, whether your basement is finished or unfinished. Cracking can appear on both the interior as well as the exterior of your home, and it’s typically a result of inadequate drainage. Don’t forget to look for cracking on windows as well.
While recognizing these signs and other signs of water damage isn’t always easy, it’s necessary to help maintain the structural integrity of your home as well as your personal safety. For more information about basement waterproofing services or keeping your crawl space dry, contact Dry-Tek Environmental.
