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Originally Posted On: https://www.sedonawaterproofing.com/8-signs-you-need-to-hire-a-basement-waterproofing-service/

Water damage and freezing accounted for 29.4% of homeowner’s insurance losses in 2019. Homeowners have lost over $11,000 as a result. About one in every 50 homes has a property damage claim caused by water damage each year.

Unfortunately, structural wear and tear or erosion can happen over time. You might need wet basement repair sooner than anticipated.

Here are eight signs you need to call for a basement waterproofing service right away. Knowing how to spot these issues can help you avoid bigger problems. Otherwise, water damage could lead to mold and mildew growth.

You might have to spend even more money to repair the damages as a result.

Don’t let that happen! Instead, keep an eye out for these eight signs it’s time for basement waterproofing today.

1. A Musty Odor

First, step into your basement and take a breath. Do you notice dampness or a musty odor? If your basement is starting to stink, consider calling for help.

Consider if the basement smells differently than the rooms above ground. Your basement shouldn’t have a strange aroma to it. If you notice a musty odor, it could indicate excessive moisture within the room.

It’s likely the moisture buildup is causing mold and mildew to grow, leading to a suspicious stink. If you wrinkle your nose each time you enter the basement, look for signs of water damage.

A musty odor could indicate water intrusion in your basement. If your basement is starting to smell like a locker room, it could mean water is seeping in.

You might smell proof of water damage before you ever spot it. Consider calling a basement waterproofing service right away. The sooner you call for help, the sooner you can limit the damage.

Otherwise, the water damage will only continue to spread, leading to additional problems and more costly repairs.

2. The Presence of Mold

Take a look around your basement. Mold loves growing in dark, damp environments. If you smell a musty odor, it could indicate the presence of mold growth.

Mold could mean it’s time to consider basement waterproofing services.

It’s important to act quickly if you spot signs of mold growing in your home. Otherwise, mold could present a health hazard. Mold spores could even trigger an allergic reaction as well.

Signs of mold growth include:

• A musty, earth smell
• Warping, cracking, or peeling on surfaces
• A nearby source of moisture (but not much light)

Symptoms of mold exposure include:

• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Skin rashes
• Runny nose and congestion
• Eye irritation
• Headaches
• Wheezing
• Lung irritation

Your risk of complications like infection can increase if you have allergies or asthma.

One of the best ways to prevent mold is to fix any water leaks immediately. Call a foundation waterproofing company right away. Their basement waterproofing service could keep the mold from growing throughout your home.

3. Sparkling

You shouldn’t notice glittering or sparkling around your basement. Glitter doesn’t occur because of drying concrete. Rather, glittering occurs due to efflorescence from mineral deposits left by water when it evaporates.

Sparkling occurs when light reflects off these mineral deposits.

If you notice something sparkle in your basement, don’t ignore it. Call for foundation waterproofing services right away. It’s likely water has started seeping into your basement.

You can schedule a full inspection to pinpoint the source of the leak.

4. Swelling

Consider walking through your basement as you search for these signs it’s time to call for basement waterproofing services. You might notice signs of swelling. Timber can swell if it grows wet as the wood fibers start to absorb moisture.

Any wood in your basement, such as the floors and walls, could begin to swell as a result.

If you notice swelling, it could mean there’s a leak. Swelling could make it difficult for you to close wooden doors as well.

Call for a basement waterproofing company right away.

5. Staining

Check for stains against your basement’s floor, carpet, and walls. If there’s staining, it could indicate water intrusion from outside.

Touch the spot to determine if it’s still damp or soft. If it is, you likely have an ongoing moisture issue. Call a basement waterproofing service right away.

Trying to cover up the stains won’t address the underlying issue. In fact, there’s a chance the floor or walls will buckle due to the weight of the water. Buckling could cause additional structural damage.

Call for help as soon as you can to identify the source of the leak.

6. Rust

If there’s moisture in your basement, rust might start to grow against iron in the room. You might notice rusty nails and hinges as a result.

Take the time to look for signs of rust during your walkthrough. Check other metal fixtures throughout the room. If there’s even a little rust, it could indicate water is seeping into the basement.

Rust is one of the early signs of water intrusion. It’s important to react as quickly as possible. The sooner you call for help, the more likely you’ll mitigate the problem.

Otherwise, the issue could continue to spread throughout your basement and home. You might have to pay more for waterproofing services and repairs as a result.

7. Puddles

Has water started pooling inside your basement or outside your home? Puddles could mean a leaking pipe. Make sure to call a plumber to take care of the leak.

Otherwise, you might have a drainage issue. There’s a chance a neighbor has a leaking pipe that’s causing water to pool as well.

8. Bugs

Moist, dark environments make the perfect homes for bugs and other crawly critters. Don’t let your basement become a breeding ground for bugs. Instead, consider foundation waterproofing services right away.

Otherwise, some basement bugs could prove venomous.

Stay Dry: 8 Signs to Hire a Basement Waterproofing Service ASAP

Do these issues sound familiar? Consider calling a basement waterproofing service right away. Waiting too long could lead to mold and other issues.

With foundation waterproofing, you can protect your home and family from future harm.

Don’t wait to call for help. We’re here for you.

Contact us today to get started.