Cracked Foundation
When was the last time you inspected your foundation walls? You most probably can’t recall ever doing this. The foundation is the most important part of your home because it supports the entire structure.
If the integrity of the foundation is compromised, your investment is at risk. A cracked foundation is the main structural problem you should be worried about. While you might not have the tools to diagnose underlying foundation problems, it is important to be on the lookout.
To help you do this, here are some tell-tale signs that should ring alarm bells about the condition of your foundation:
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Basement Water
If you find water on the floor or notice dampness on the walls, it is time to call in a basement contractor to diagnose the underlying problem. Most likely, there are cracks in the foundation that are allowing water seepage. A water leak through the walls is not easily noticeable, especially when you are not regularly using the basement.
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Musty Odor
Most homeowners complain that they can’t utilize their basements due to musty odor yet this is an indicator of a bigger problem. This odor is caused by mold and mildew growth on fabrics and timber materials. These organisms only thrive where there is moisture and as such, you need to immediately call in a contractor who will identify the source of water, remedy it and carry out mold remediation.
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Wood Rot
If the floor boards, wood joists and other wooden surfaces are suffering from dry rot, you have a cracked foundation that is allowing water seepage into the basement. Dry rot poses a health risk hence the need for immediate foundation repairs.
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Efflorescence and Paint Damage
Water seeping through foundation cracks reacts with minerals in the concrete and the result is a chalk white material on the wall. Most homeowners will just wipe this off when they are remodeling the basement but this is covering up a big problem. Another related problem is paint damage in case the basement is already finished. Such warning signs should not be ignored because your precious investment is at risk.
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Rust
Metal surfaces will rust due to moisture contact. Your furnace and piping will show signs of corrosion and this should not be taken as a normal occurrence. Your contractor will assess the level of damage and diagnose the source of basement water.
A cracked foundation poses danger to your family and the structure itself. Call in a foundation contractor if you detect any of these warning signs.
Jeff’s passion for basement waterproofing can be traced back to his early days at Everdry Waterproofing. He spent significant time working in every department not only to learn and improve but to help those who worked with him advance both personally and professionally.
Jeff has worked in the Waterproofing industry for 35 years, gaining experience in marketing, sales, service, and installations. As a seasoned basement waterproofing professional, he is passionate about advancing his knowledge in waterproofing and developing his team. In addition to basement waterproofing, he is also a board member for a non profit that educates and protects consumers against unethical business practices. Outside of the office, Jeff enjoys travel, music, and time with his wife of 36 years and his two sons.
Curious about the brains behind the great content here? It’s me, Jeff Schleuning, with 35+ years of expertise in the basement waterproofing industry and a rich history of owning a Basement Waterproofing franchise in Michigan.
My journey has equipped my team and I with invaluable insights, enabling to craft content that resonates with the audience using industry-leading online tools. Incorporating tools like SEMRush, Google Keyword Planner, AI technologies like ChatGPT, Claude-2, Google Bard, and Grammarly, we ensure the content is not just engaging but also strategically aligned with market trends.
