Basement Moisture in Dearborn MI
The Concrete Foundations Associations (CFA) says over 70% of homes in the U.S suffer from basement moisture problems. These are fairly common problems even in new homes, but unfortunately, most homeowners prefer to leave them unresolved. The fact that the basement is out of sight makes it easy to ignore. However, whatever happens inside this part of the house has an impact on the other levels of your home.
Risks Associated With Basement Moisture
If you have an unfinished basement, it is important to appreciate the risks that moisture in this space poses to your home. For a start, high moisture levels will provide the perfect environment for toxic black mold growth, which is responsible for multiple respiratory problems.
Worse still, moisture in this space leads to rusting and wood rot and materials used to strengthen your foundation will be affected. This compromises the integrity of the foundation, which puts the entire structure at risk. The cost of cooling and heating your house will also go up and for these reasons, it is advisable to call in a basement contractor who will carry out diagnostic tests to identify the water leak before carrying out waterproofing.
Signs of Moisture in Your Basement
Many homeowners don’t even know they have a moisture problem in their basement until it is too late. Among the signs you should look out for are:
- Water pools on the floor
- Musty Odor caused by mold and mildew
- Carpet or wood damage including rotting
- High humidity levels characterized by damp and humid air
- Walls and floor condensation especially during summer
- Staining and blistering of wallpapers
- Efflorescence and other forms of wall damage
If you notice any of these problems, you need to immediately contact a certified contractor. These experts have the necessary expertise and experience to identify the problem. The risk of ignoring moisture in the basement is too great and as a homeowner, you must be proactive in home maintenance by always looking out for these telltale signs.
Where does this moisture come from?
There are various sources of basement moisture and understanding them is important if you intend to finish your basement. The main sources include rain and groundwater, improperly designed window wells, poor drainage, inadequate grading, malfunctioning drain tile and sump pit, foundation damage including cracking, among others.
Your contractor will carry out the necessary inspection and identify the best waterproofing solution to mitigate basement moisture. Some of these waterproofing solutions include proper grading, French tile installation, sump pump installation, exterior wall waterproofing using a membrane, interior drainage system and using a dehumidifier among others.
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.
