Few things are as scary to homeowners as water intrusion in their homes. Excessive moisture compromises a home’s structural integrity and also poses serious health risks to its inhabitants. Water damage repair can also do a number on your bank account.
But can you waterproof a basement?
Remediating water intrusion at an early stage helps mitigate the devastating effects of water seepage. However, some signs of water damage may not be as obvious as you’d think. That’s why smart homeowners choose to hire a basement waterproofing service to help shield their basements from water damage.
The million-dollar question thus becomes, when should you call a basement waterproofing service? That’s an excellent question, and we’ve got all the answers. Keep reading as we explore the telltale sign that it’s time to call a basement waterproofing service.
1. Dampness and a Musty Odor in Your Basement
Dampness and a noticeable musty odor are some of the more obvious signs of water intrusion in your basement. The basement should never smell like your middle school locker room. If it does, it means that a lot of water is seeping into your basement.
Even if you can’t see where the water seeps in, the dampness and musty odor are all the proof you need. Arrange for basement waterproofing as soon as you can to prevent the situation from worsening.
2. Presence of Mold
A damp and dark environment is ideal for mold growth and proliferation. The presence of mold is a clear indicator of water seepage in your basement.
If you notice any mold in your basement, you better act fast to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the house. What’s more, some mold species are a health hazard, and mold spores may trigger allergic reactions. After you get rid of the mold, call basement waterproofing pros to keep the mold at bay.
3. Swelling
Timber tends to swell when wet because the wood fibers absorb moisture, making it expand. If the wooden floors and walls in your basement swell, then you have a seepage issue. Walk barefoot on the basement floor, and if you feel ripples beneath your foot, it means your wooden floor is swelling.
Swelling doesn’t seem like such a big issue until your wooden door swells, making it difficult to open or close. If you notice any swelling, contact a basement waterproofing professional to help you solve the issue.
4. Rust
Iron plus moisture equals rust, so rusty nails and hinges in your basement indicates the presence of moisture. Scrutinize the basement for any signs of rust, especially on the hinges or other metal fixtures. If you find even a little rust, there’s water seeping into your basement.
Rust is an early indicator of water intrusion, so act fast to tackle the issue while in its infancy. If you take your precious time, the problem may spiral out of control, and you’ll have to pay more for waterproofing and repairs.
5. Sparkling
There’s nothing ordinary about sparkles and glittering around your basement. Contrary to popular thought, glitter in your basement isn’t because of the drying concrete. Instead it’s efflorescence from mineral deposits left by water as it evaporates.
The sparkling is light that reflects off these mineral deposits. Next time you notice something sparkle in the basement, don’t shrug it off. This is a clear indicator that water is seeping into your basement.
Your next best move is to schedule an inspection to determine the source of the leakage. After that, you can arrange for basement waterproofing to solve the problem once and for all.
6. Staining
Stain patches on the basement floor, walls, and carpet mean there’s either a plumbing leak or water intrusion from outside. Touch the stained area to feel for dampness or softness. If so, then there’s an ongoing moisture issues that requires your immediate attention.
Overlooking the stains or simply covering them up won’t do much to address the underlying issue. Eventually, the floor or walls may buckle due to the weight of water that has accumulated over time. This buckling has far-reaching structural damage that is costly to repair.
The best thing to do is to call a plumber or a waterproofing service as soon as you can. That way, they can help identify the source of the leak or seepage and take the necessary steps to prevent further leakage/seepage.
7. Water Puddle
Water pooling either inside your basement or just outside your house is never a good sign. In most cases, a puddle in your basement is because of a leaking pipe. You’ll need to call a plumber to get to the root of the problem and take care of the leaking pipe.
Although a puddle outside your house doesn’t seem like much of an issue, the outside water may permeate into your basement. The problem could also be with poor drainage that doesn’t direct water water from your home. Alternatively, you or your neighbor could have a leaking pipe that makes water pool right outside your home.
There’s also a possibility that your home is located below the water table. If so, there’s no need to move. All you have to do is call basement waterproofing specialists to protect your basement from water intrusion.
8. Presence of Bugs
A cool, dark, and moist environment is a perfect home for bugs and other little critters. Don’t let your basement become a breeding ground for insects because you can’t waterproof your basement. Some of these basement bugs, like the brown recluse, are incredibly venomous.
If you have a basement bug problem, first call the exterminator to get rid of them. Next, call a basement waterproofing service.
Where Can I Find a Basement Waterproofing Service?
This seems like a straightforward question with a straight answer. While it’s clear that only a certified basement waterproofing service can waterproof your basement, the problem is finding the right people for the job. However, here are a few tips for finding the best basement waterproofing solutions for your house:
Look for One With a Valid License
Any basement waterproofing company you settle for should have a valid license from their respective municipality. Most waterproofing services have a scanned copy of their license or certificate on their website. If you can’t find it on their website, ask to see the license when you visit their offices.
Also, make sure that the license is valid and not expired. Some unscrupulous companies forge their licenses or use expired ones.
Look for One With Proper Insurance
A waterproofing company with proper insurance protects you from liability should anything go wrong. Only hire a company with general liability or workers’ compensation insurance at the very least. The latter prevents you from footing the bill should any worker get injured in the waterproofing process.
Look for One That's Great With Details
Find a waterproofing contractor that can spell everything out clearly and explain every step of the process. Giving all the details indicates that the contractor has a firm understanding of the waterproofing process. Find a waterproofing contractor that’s as detailed as possible to be in safe hands.
Find an Experienced Company
Experience, in this case, doesn’t mean the number of years the company has been in service. Instead, it means how many clients the waterproofing company has worked with before. Ask to see their portfolio, but if the company doesn’t have one, you can check out reviews and testimonials from previous customers.
Although you shouldn’t write off a new company, you can never go wrong with an experienced once. However, if you find a promising new company, go for it.
Find One With a Warranty Offer
Any reputable waterproofing company will have a labor warranty for the basement work and installations. The warranty guarantees quality work because if things fall apart, they’ll come back and redo the waterproofing.
Check the Customer Ratings
The customer ratings speak volumes about the company’s work quality and customer service. Ensure you check out customer ratings on sites like Yelp or the BBB to check out what other people say about the waterproofing company.
One or two negative ratings shouldn’t be a cause of concern; no company is perfect. However, if the ratings and comments are overwhelmingly negative, steer clear from the company. Any company with stellar ratings is definitely worth your time and money.
Is Basement Waterproofing Worth It?
The best way to waterproof a basement is to contact a waterproof basement service to do your bidding. If you spot any of the above signs of water seepage, don’t hesitate to call a basement waterproofing specialist to get on the case. However, make sure you take your time to find a reputable one for the best results.
The best basement waterproofing service is just a phone call away. Contact us today, and we’ll waterproof your basement in no time.
