Last Updated on November 8, 2012
Spring has sprung and the rains are coming! This is the time of year many people come to realize that they have a basement leak. Either through a foundation wall crack or through the concrete as the waterproofing starts to fail. Once water starts entering the basement you will begin to smell musty, earthy odours and the basement may begin to feel damp.
With Basement Water comes Basement Mold Growth comes Poor Air Quality
Typically the water comes in behind the drywall, runs down to the floor, under the flooring as gravity takes it to the low spot in the basement and hopefully there is a good floor drain there.
Cracks in the Foundation Wall
Usually there is some foundation wall visible, the foundation wall should have at least 8” of visible concrete above the ground to the start of the bricks or siding materials. It is here you can check for cracks in that wall. Some people cover this 8” of foundation wall with garden materials and give water another route into the home.
Take a 5 minute walk around your home and check for cracking or covered areas that need addressing.
Foundation cracks are fairly easy to repair and there are good contractors out there that specialize in this type of work.
Foundation Waterproofing has Failed
If you have some exposed foundation in your basement this is a good place to check for moisture. One of the signs that the foundation waterproofing has reached it life span is through the presence of efflorescence. Efflorescence is a white powdery material that can be seen on many foundation walls and brick facings. Efflorescence is the salts and lime in the concrete being pushed through by water pressure, the first signs of foundation troubles.
Foundation waterproofing is typically performed form the outside (can be done on the inside too) of the house by digging down about 8’ around the entire perimeter. Not an inexpensive repair.
If you start to smell that musty, earthy smell or feel any damp spots in carpeting of furniture don’t wait until it’s a costly repair, call for a mold inspection and catch the problems early.