Signs You Have a Wet Basement

Basement water and moisture management problems negatively affect the health and safety of your family and home. Learn what to look for and how JES can help.

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Many homeowners have come to believe that having a wet, smelly basement naturally comes with the territory. While it is common for basements in Western and Northern Virginia, D.C., and Maryland to have moisture issues, it is not normal condition that must be endured. Basement water and moisture management problems negatively affect the health and safety of your family and home. Read on to learn about some of the problem signs to look out for and how JES Foundation Repair can help you.

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Basement Waterproofing Problem Signs

Whether you are in your basement often or hardly visit this area of your home, several symptoms indicate a problem in this below-grade area. Here are a few to be aware of.

Wet Walls or Floor

Water is a strong force that can find its way inside through cracks, holes, and the porous concrete that makes up your foundation. When water seeps inside your basement, you can often notice it trickling down the walls or as puddles on the floor. It also can saturate any basement carpeting or flooring, damage drywall, and it commonly leaks in around the cove joint where the walls and floor meet in the basement.

Mold Growth

Mold and wet basements go hand in hand. If a basement has a water management problem, mold is sure to follow as it thrives in wet, humid environments with organic material to feed on, grow, and spread. This can not only cause damage to your basement, but mold spores can circulate in the air throughout the rest of your home. It can sprout in other main living areas and the spores and growth can lead to or aggravate existing health issues.

Musty, Unpleasant Smells

A musty smell from your basement might seem like a typical characteristic. But this usually indicates the presence of water in your basement. Think of any wet items as a dog in the rain; just as the wet dog smell is inevitable, so is an odor when various materials become saturated. Different types of mold also emit a musty smell, so it’s a safe bet to follow your nose if you sense something is off.

Efflorescence

Another visible signal of the presence of water in your basement is a white crystalline substance on your basement walls or floor. Often mistaken as mold, this non-toxic substance is efflorescence. Efflorescence happens when excess moisture gets absorbed into the masonry, cement, or concrete elements of your home. The water that gets into the walls or floor dissolves some of the materials that can be found in them, such as lime and calcium. When water evaporates, it leaves these minerals on the surface of the masonry.

Notice These Problems in Your Home? Contact JES for Permanent Solutions!

Having a wet, musty basement is a hassle, and dealing with the aftermath and cleanup can be just as frustrating. But there’s no need for you to tackle these repairs on your own. Your basement can be a delicate as well as deadly area to repair, which is why your best bet is to leave the heavy lifting to experienced professionals. Our expert team at JES Foundation Repair is well-versed in the challenges wet basements present, and we can custom-fit basement waterproofing solutions like interior drainage, sump pumps, and vapor barriers to meet your home’s specific needs.

Don’t let your wet basement take a toll on your health or your home. Start the process of repairing and protecting it today by contacting us to schedule a free inspection and estimate with one of our experts.