Have you ever heard of basement waterproofing? Ever wondered if your basement needed it? Did you even know waterproofing services were a thing? American Eagle Professional Services Incorporated offers basement waterproofing in Annapolis and surrounding areas. It is our goal to prevent any type of moisture or water damage from affecting your home, and our services help to ensure your basement is thoroughly protected from water damage. If you are not sure whether or not your basement could benefit from waterproofing, keep in mind that the basement is the lowest point of your Annapolis home which means that it is likely to collect water over time, whether from plumbing leaks, cracks in the foundation wall, window wells, or even poor ventilation. If water is present, it will eventually manifest itself.
Signs That You Need To Waterproof Your Basement
Mold, cracks in the walls or floors, water puddles, and warped doors are some of the common signs that show your basement needs to be waterproofed. There are a lot of ways to waterproof your basement. Here are some things you should look for that may indicate that you need basement waterproofing:
Puddles, Pooling, or Standing Water
Flooding is a very common problem that can damage any belongings stored in your basement. Water might be entering from these four common sources:
- Water is leaking from a shower, sink, toilet, washing machine, water heater, or cracked pipe.
- Water is entering from outside through cracks, joints, window wells, and porous concrete.
- Negative grading allows water to slope toward the foundation.
- The rain gutters and downspouts are clogged.
In such cases, surface water and subsurface groundwater must be drained away from the foundation. This is possible through a combination of interior and exterior basement waterproofing systems.
Wood Rot and Deterioration
When there is too much moisture in the basement, the wood absorbs the moisture, swells, and breaks down, compromising the structural integrity of your home. Leaks, poor ventilation, or inadequate waterproofing can also cause wood rot. Waterproofing your basement with proper insulation, a dehumidifier, and effective drainage keeps wood rot away.
Sinking or Uneven Floors
Water damage weakens the floor joists, causing saggy or uneven floors. This can create a bouncy effect and is an indicator that the floor joists are losing structural integrity. Water is not the only potential cause of uneven floors; foundation settlement, soil movement, or poor construction practices also cause sinking or uneven floors.
Mold and Mildew
Mold needs moisture to grow and thrive, so if mold is present in your basement, water damage probably is, too. Mold can cause respiratory problems, including coughing fits and difficulty breathing. Mold or mildew is not only unhealthy but can also damage your belongings.
Musty, Strong, Pungent Odors
Wood rot, high humidity levels, dampness, mold, and mildew can all cause musty odors in your basement or crawlspace. These musty odors can spread through your home’s ventilation system. Waterproofing your basement can help you improve your indoor air quality. Musty, strong, pungent odors are almost always an indication of mold or mildew presence.
Increased Humidity
If you notice increased humidity levels in your home, your basement or crawl space might be the culprit. Waterproofing your basement and installing a dehumidifier can help you lower and maintain humidity levels. Damp air turns into water through condensation, and condensation can mean big problems in your basement if there is poor air circulation.
Cracks in the Walls
Expanding and contracting soil exerts pressure on your foundation walls, causing cracks to form. Water can enter your basement through these cracks, causing flooding and cracks. Water can work its way into your basement through cracks in the foundation and walls of your basement, which will then begin to grow as more and more water works its way through.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a chalky, white deposit that appears when water is present in or on brick, stone, or concrete foundation walls. It is made up of the salt and other mineral deposits left behind by water evaporating. It is one of the most common signs of water inside your basement. Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit of salts that is chalky and white and appears when water is present in or on brick, stone, concrete, or other building services commonly found in basements.
Flaking, Peeling, or Bubbling
When moisture builds up behind your walls, it causes bubbles in the paint. It can also cause paint to peel away from the walls or the drywall to flake. This may be due to high humidity levels, water seepage, or poor ventilation, indicating an immediate need for basement waterproofing. When moisture builds up behind walls, it will begin to force its way through the sheetrock and paint creating bubbles that make the paint peel away from the wall and flaking of drywall.
Conclusion
Identifying water damage and common signs of water damage in your basement can help you to respond quickly and get the problem resolved before damages get any worse. Since water damage in the basement is bound to happen, the best thing you can do to protect your home is to invest in basement waterproofing. The waterproofing experts at American Eagle have ample training and experience to provide your home with the protection it needs from water damage.
American Eagle Professional Services offers in-home inspections to provide you with an accurate estimate of the services you need to restore any water damage that may already be present, identify the source, and prevent any water damage from occurring in the future. We offer both interior and exterior services to ensure that your home’s specific needs are addressed. Keeping your basement dry, safe, and healthy is our number one priority, and we have the tools and methods to do just that. Our team can install a basement waterproofing system catered to your home that will stop water seepage from any source and protect your basement from damage.
