Top 5 Warning Signs of Water Damage in the Basement
Basements provide additional spaces for various things like storage, living room, man caves, home office, and more. However, due to its position, the basement is prone to various issues like mold, pests, and moisture. It is your responsibility as a homeowner to keep your basement in good shape. Therefore, since the basement is vulnerable to water damage, it is crucial to know the signs and what you need to do when you notice them. The most crucial step to take after noticing water damage is to consider flood and water damage restoration to fix the issues. Look out for the following things to know if you are facing water damage in the basement.
Mold Growth
Mold growth is one major sign of basement water damage. Molds start to grow in the dark places before they spread all over the room. So, if you notice mold buildup, that’s an obvious sign of water damage. Don’t touch the mold since they are toxic. The best thing you should do is look for mold treatments and call water damage repair experts as early as possible.
Musty or Dusty Smells
A dry, clean, and well-maintained basement does not have bad odors. However, if there is water damage, you might start noticing musty or dusty smells coming from the basement. In that case, clean the area properly. If the smell does not go away after deep cleaning, that could be a sign of water damage. Call the experts to help you determine the origin of the odor and how to remove it.
Sinking Floors
You might not notice this soon. However, if the problem is severe, the basement floor might start to sink or tilt. If there is furniture in the room, check if it is tilted or one side is lower. There could be a problem with the foundation if the furniture has tilted in the same direction. If you notice sinking on the floor, this is a serious problem that needs to be addressed promptly. In most cases, erosion has occurred after the water has seeped into the foundation.
Peeling Paint
Basement floors and walls use special paints to protect them from excessive wear and moisture. If you start to notice peeling on the walls in the basement, that is a sign of water damage. You may also notice salt substances on the ground if the issue has advanced. When peeling occurs, it is an indication that water has penetrated the walls. Therefore, an immediate resolution is crucial to avoid structural failure.
Cracked Wall or Foundation
In an advanced case, you might notice swelling or cracking on the walls or floors or crumbling in a worst-case scenario. This may not necessarily be due to water damage. Confirm this by looking for leaks in specific areas. If you don’t find the origin of the problem, call professionals. They can easily detect any underlying issues causing the cracks.
Get Water Damage Restoration Services
These are possible signs of water damage in the basement. Even if you maintain your basement, floods, and heavy rains can still destroy it. The most important thing is recognizing water damage signs and handling them sooner.
