The Most Common Basement Problems to Look For

For some, living in a house is a privilege of sorts. You have your very own place, no loud neighbors yelling through thin walls, and most importantly, a yard. It’s a perfect way to raise a family, own pets, and even practice a hobby or two in your garage or basement. But is this way of life as carefree and relaxed as one would think? 

Unfortunately, it’s not. Being a homeowner doesn’t mean you’re free from having to worry about numerous house-related problems. These issues are many; however, it’s important to start from the bottom—your basement. The goal of this post is to explore the most common problems this space will face during different periods. 

Problems You’re Likely to Come Across in the First Year 

It’s safe to say that walking into your brand-new home for the first time is a great experience. In some ways, it’s like getting married and having kids. You see the rest of your life in flashes as you stroll around your new family home, preparing to settle down. 

But, as we’ve said, it’s a responsibility too. Being new to home repair can be stressful. And since in some cases new houses are even more prone to construction problems, you’re probably going to have your hands full. Moreover, your basement will be the first to show signs of weakness, so here’s what you need to look out for. 

The three most common problems first-year homeowners face: 

• Moisture and floods — Water can be dangerous. And when your basement is in question your first 12 months in a new home can turn into a nightmare. Regular flooding and increased moisture levels can lead to dangerous mold and even rot. They can also hurt your house’s supporting structure. 
• Stinky basement — Even if this isn’t that serious of a problem it’s still something you don’t want to come across. A wet basement means moisture, which leads to nasty smells that spread throughout the rest of your home. 
• Cracks on basement windows and doors — Due to flooding and moisture, windows and doors in the lower level of your home can become prone to cracking. These cracks will further lead to temperature loss across your entire home. 

Problems You’re Likely to Face After Five Years 

Having a full house means warmth and happiness in our book. On the other hand, it also means cracks and scratches everywhere. You don’t need to be the tidiest of people to realize that your home is in worse condition than it was a couple of years ago. 

However, cracks and damage marks do mean you should take a better look at what’s going on around your place. And since we’re talking about basement repairs, you should keep an eye open on the lower level of your house. Although most of these scratches are harmless, some can lead to nasty problems in the future. 

Here are the two most common problems you’ll face after five years in your house: 

• Cracks on basement walls and floor — As they age, your basement floor and walls become more prone to damage. Soil destabilization and moisture take a toll on their weak state and can form cracks and holes all over. 
• Uneven floors — Cracks and holes aren’t just unpleasant to look at. They can be pretty dangerous too. As they appear, they pressure the internal support structure and make your home sink into the ground, allowing the floor to become uneven. 

Problems You’re Likely to Face After 10 Years 

Most of these basement problems seem sudden and abrupt. However, they take years to build up and the safety of your home threatens your family. In some ways, you could say they’re like the boogeyman in your closet, silently waiting for the perfect moment to strike. 

Unfortunately, you might find yourself in shock one day. You come home and notice that something is off with the way your house looks. For example, your chimney might be tilting, or your foundation is barely holding together. 

Let’s take a look at the most common issues your basement might face after 10 or so years: 

• Cracking cement — Without basement waterproofing, the cement that holds your structure together can crack. And if that happens, your home can sink in and cause various safety issues you could have a hard time repairing. 
• Foundation damage — Basement leakage affects the foundation of the whole structure. And if you allow it to happen, it will gradually destroy your supports. In other words, your foundation and basement go hand in hand, sharing problems like Siamese twins. 

The Main Reason Behind Basement Problems 

Looking after the state of your home is hard work. But wouldn’t it be easier to maintain it if you knew the main reason behind all your basement problems? Well, we’ll let you in on a little secret. 

Hydrostatic pressure is the villain of this story. When water comes into contact with your structural support, it changes its temperature. Furthermore, the materials start to expand and shrink on a molecular level, adding serious stress that paves the path for cracks and holes. 

Doesn’t all this make you want to check your basement? If you feel like there’s room for some inspection, we suggest you contact professionals in Baltimore, MD. They’ll be quick to respond and come to inspect your basement for free. Don’t hesitate, contact the expert team at JES Foundation Repair to schedule a free inspection and repair quote now!