Five Signs of Basement Damage Homeowners Should Watch For

Home ownership is an exciting phase in one’s life but can also be overwhelming. When considering a home to buy, no matter how beautiful it is, it will never be greater than its foundation.

When you are narrowing down your list of potential homes to buy, you should look for signs of basement water damage that can lead to additional costs that you haven’t anticipated in your housing budget.

There are at least five signs that basement damage could be a problem

1. Mold Growth
Mold growth is one of the most obvious signs to watch out indicating water is the main culprit in basement damage. However, water damage can manifest in many ways, and if left untreated, it may cause structural damage to your home as well as more severe problems.

Mold thrives in moist environments. Unsightly stains can indicate the start of mold growth. Check the basement of any potential homes to see if there are any discolored areas.

You may see a white, powdery, or reddish residue. If there are dark spots or grayish spots on the surface, it could be a sign that there are significant water problems. Your property’s structure will be destroyed by mold as it continues to grow and spread.

Mold can also cause health problems. While mild symptoms like itching or sneezing can occur, mold can cause more severe issues such as allergies, autoimmune, and respiratory issues. A musty odor can be a sign of mold growth.

2. Deteriorating Building Materials
Deteriorating materials are one of the most obvious signs of damage. Building materials that are exposed to water or moisture will begin to deteriorate and weaken. You might see flaking or paint peeling.

This can eventually get worse and cause irreparable damage to your home’s foundation. It’s easy to fix if you catch it early enough, but it can cause severe damage that will cost you a lot. While flaking or peeling paint can be an indication of age, it is better to be careful and treat any damage as serious.

You can prevent basement damage by waterproofing your basement if you find a home with no signs of deterioration. This is a great way that saves money and protects your home’s vulnerable areas.

3. Foundation Settlement
It’s a bad sign to look at a house if the basement floors seem uneven or sinking. It might be challenging to spot this, so make sure you check it out as you look at potential homes. Uneven or sinking floors can indicate soil erosion or foundation damage.

A foundation that is structurally sound can become unstable. This can cause serious problems, so be careful and have it fixed immediately. Sinking floors may not be due to water damage.

This can also happen when a foundation contractor didn’t correctly compact the soil before pouring foundations or used an insufficient base. The slab will crack under its own weight. No matter what the cause, make sure you fix it quickly to get that home off your to-do list.

4. Cracks
A thorough inspection should also be done to look for cracks in basement walls, floors, and foundations. Cracks can allow water to enter your home, which could cause damage to the structure.

Even though cracks might not necessarily indicate more significant problems, particularly if they are small, larger cracks must be addressed before they become a problem.

These are the main causes of basement cracks:

  • Foundation movement that results from soil or other issues
  • The basement wall or floor is being pushed against by soil pressure
  • Concrete shrinkage
  • Hydrostatic pressure is a force that causes water to seep through the soil and other water problems.

You should be vigilant if you feel that something is becoming a bigger problem than it already is. You don’t want to feel the need to spend more money to fix foundational issues if you are going to find your dream house.

5. Bugs and Pests
The presence of insects or vermin may indicate openings in the foundation or the presence of moisture. These pests can get into basements through cracks in the foundation. Ask the property owner about any pest problems in the past.

Basement Damage Signs
Finding a home that you love can be frustrating. Considering additional potential repair costs is an essential part of budgeting for buying a house. If you cannot fix it for a reasonable price, then it is time to move on.

Basement damage is something that most people overlook. However, a problem in your basement could lead to structural issues with your home. Basement waterproofing is the best thing to do when you are looking for your dream home. It will keep it from getting water damaged.

 

The SANI-TRED waterproofing system has been used by over 100,000 homeowners to eliminate water issues in basement permanently.

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