When you think of waterproofing your basement, you may think that it safeguards against floods and large spills or leaks. While it absolutely does, there are other, smaller issues that can lead to bigger, more expensive cleanups. Many of these tell-tale signs start slowly, with just a trickle or a drip and, before you know it, you’ve got foundation problems, mold, and a whole host of unsavory issues going on in your basement. However, avoiding these issues is much easier than you think — so long as you know what you’re looking for. Curious about how to avoid these issues? Take a look below and see if your basement could benefit from basement waterproofing today.
Reason Number One: Dampness and Mold
It may seem like basements are naturally damp places. While they certainly can be and often are, that doesn’t mean that their regular presence is a good sign for your basement. Even if your basement seems fairly dry, but you’re noticing growing and retracting (or just growing), pools or water stains, then it’s time to call your best basement waterproofing company BAM Basements to get in there and take care of your water problems. This dampness doesn’t always necessarily mean that there’s a leak somewhere; heavy rain or snowmelt are common culprits in turning our basements into leaky, damp areas that could sorely benefit from basement waterproofing. Once mold settles in, it spreads quickly, making it all the more pressing to get it taken care of once you notice its presence in your basement.
Reason Number Two: Weird Smell
While basements aren’t known for emitting the best smells, there’s a difference between a basement having “that basement smell” and, “oh, wow, does my basement smell.” Rarely does this smell come out of nowhere. Often, this stench is emitted from mold, another common problem among damp or leaky basements. Mold can lead to serious health issues as well, making the need to prevent it (or get rid of it) all the more important.
Sign Number Three: Efflorescence
If you’ve ever walked into your basement and seen something that resembles a crudely painted tie dye stain of sorts on your wall or floor, it’s likely that it is efflorescence. Efflorescence involves soluble salt deposits making their way to the surface of concrete. While efflorescence isn’t a major problem in and of itself (despite being a not-so-aesthetically pleasing sight), it’s a sure sign that water is finding its way into your basement. How? When water finds its way in and out of the concrete, it grabs loose, dissolvable particles along with it. Once the water has evaporated, you and your basement are left with crystallized powder …until the process begins again.
Sign Number Four: Humidity
Basements are notorious for capturing both cold and heat. Since they’re almost always constructed with concrete and left unfinished (without carpet, walls, etc.), they are prime suspects for holding onto extreme temperatures. This makes them perfect locations for humidity to hang out.
Des Moines does get quite humid, leaving basements vulnerable to high levels of humidity that can wreak havoc on our basements. Humidity is a clear indication that water from somewhere is getting into your basement. A quick solution to this is to purchase a dehumidifier (we highly recommend this).
Watertight
Even if you feel your basement is in great condition, there’s still the risk of your seemingly clean and clear basement becoming damp, and mold ridden. Now that you know some of the common signs that can lead to basement problems, you can keep an eye out for any of these tell-tale signs. Before it comes to that, give the waterproofing experts at BAM Basements a call to get in there.
Call the experts in Basement waterproofing
Here at BAM basements and Masons of Des Moines we pride ourselves on delivering every consideration to total customer satisfaction with the highest quality workmanship, limited lifetime warranties, having over 100 years combined of expertise on waterproofing, we are locally founded, owned, and operated. Call us for all your waterproofing needs and we will find a customized solution to fit your home’s needs. BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines is your premier basement egress window company serving the Des Moines, Iowa area. If you’re located in Des Moines, Ankeny, Bondurant, Altoona, Pleasant hill, Ames, Adel, Waukee, Indianola, Grimes, Urbandale, Johnston, West Des Moines, or the surrounding areas, we’re the place to call.