The Danger of Water Seepage in Your Basement

Water Seepage

If you own a house that has an unfinished basement, it is most likely you find it very hard to maintain this space. In most homes, this space is neglected, making things worse. One of the major complaints you will find with most homeowners when it comes to basement maintenance is water seepage. The Basement Health Association (BHA) says over 67% of homes are affected by basement water issues.

For most homeowners, the easiest way out of this problem is to ignore this living space. Well, this might work temporarily but the consequences of such an action will be felt nevertheless. Now that you have invested heavily in your house, it is important to carry out proper maintenance and dealing with basement water should be a priority.

There are many risks associated with water entry in the basement including:

  1. Foundation Damage

Your home’s foundation carries the weight of the entire house and water entry compromises its strength. Water damages wooden joists through rotting while at the same time compromising the strength of metal fasteners through rusting. The biggest danger about this kind of damage is that it happens gradually and can only be detected through a professional inspection. This is the reason many homes collapse during natural disasters, such as earthquakes or storms.

  1. Mold Growth

If you have noticed a musty odor in your basement, it is highly likely that you are facing toxic mold growth. Moist environments provide ideal conditions for growth of toxic mold on fabrics and wood surfaces. Mold spores are allergens and they will eventually find their way back to the upper levels of your house. This causes increased respiratory complications amongst the house occupants. This is a problem that can easily be sorted through waterproofing your basement.

  1. Property Damage During Floods

Like most homeowners, you are probably using your basement as storage space. There are also other important utility appliances that can only be stored in this space. If there are signs of water seepage now, this is a big accident waiting to happen in case of a storm. The same cracks allowing small volumes of water will allow a larger flow of water leading to property damage. Flooded basements are a common aftermath of flooding, which calls for proper foundation repairs before such devastation.

Water seepage needs to be dealt with through proper foundation repair and efficient waterproofing systems. Talk to a certified basement contractor if you notice any signs of water entry in the basement. These experts have the tools and expertise to inspect and implement repairs and waterproofing systems to protect your property.