Recovering a flooded basement is difficult and expensive to handle. You’ll not only need to deal with the damage but also clean up and have your basement waterproofed.
Identifying the signs that you need basement waterproofing in Richmond ahead of time will mean that you can avoid spending a considerable amount of money and time to recover the damage and bring your basement back to its original form.
But unfortunately, the signs that you need basement waterproofing might be noticeable at all times. In fact, some signs are more delicate. Nevertheless, here are some of the common signs that you need to watch out for.
1. Mold
Mold grows in as little as twenty-four hours. Thus, basement waterproofing may help in preventing an infestation from getting out of control. Mold survives in damp and dark environments that is why a basement is a high-risk part of homes.
For many reasons, mold is awful, it will feed on organic substances. It means common household materials like wood are more prone to structural damage and rot. If mold spores gain access into your air circulation, they will spread and at the same time colonize throughout your home. To prevent these problems, you should invest in basement waterproofing.
2. Musty Odor
A musty smell is a noticeable sign that basements need to be waterproofed. If your basement has a smell that makes it smell like locker rooms, then water has been seeping throughout the years. However, even if there’s no sign of leakage, the smell is enough to have your basement waterproofed.
3. People Living in Your Home Have Flu-Like Symptoms
Mold is dangerous for the health of people. Even though there is no noticeable sign of mold development in your basement, there are lots of areas where colonies can survive out of sight. As soon as the mold blowouts throughout the vents, you and those who are living in the area are more likely to breathe in the spores. What’s more, you will deal with the bad effects of long-term exposure.
Mold will enter through your respiratory system. Thus, the symptoms may feel the same with the flu or cold. A major difference between such diseases is that symptoms will not go away until you get rid of the mold from home. Here are some of the signs of mold exposure:
- Fatigues
- Itchy or red eyes
- Wheezing
- Headaches
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Skin rashes
4. Visible Stains
Typically, stained drywall indicates moisture intrusions from the outside or interior plumbing leaks. If the area is damp or soft, then it is a problem that needs immediate action. Sooner or later, this spot may buckle because of the weight of water, causing partial collapse of the wall. This will also leave your property and belongings inside susceptible to structural damage. You can also see wet areas on the flooring that sink especially when you’re walking over them.
Final Say
If you notice any of these signs don’t hesitate to ask for professional assistance and have your basement waterproofed.