If you have ugly stains of any color on your walls or have noticed undetermined substances that are starting to peel, flake, fall, or ooze off of the walls, you’re probably wondering if this could be a sign of other major problems. When basement wall-stains appear, many homeowners begin to worry about mold and the implications it can have on their indoor air quality and health. While most people would look for obvious signs of basement issues, such as mold and wet spots, there are many other less obvious signs of basement problems and basement rust is one of them.
Why Basement Rust is a Bad Sign…
Rust is a reddish-brown crust-like substance that forms on the surface of steel and iron objects. Rust is actually hydrated iron oxide. Therefore, three elements must be present for rust to form: water, iron and oxygen.
Oxygen is ever-present in the air we breathe. Iron is an element present in most metallic objects in basements. Water doesn’t have to be present in liquid form. It can be present as water vapor in a humid space.
When you spot rust in your basement, it is often a sign of high moisture levels in the basement. This, in turn, may indicate a water seepage problem in your basement. It is therefore important to always be on the lookout for signs of rust.
Where to Look…
Now you know that basement rust is a sign of a much bigger problem, you may be wondering where to look for signs of rusting. There are various places to search that are an indicator of a basement water seepage problem. These include the following:
- Drywall nails
Check drywall screws or nails for rust. This is often an indication of high humidity or leaking behind the drywall.
- Carpet stains
Rust stains on the carpet or rusted tack strips are often an indication of high moisture levels in the air or a leak that has affected the area. This may be as a result of seepage and should be checked especially if there is no leaking plumbing in the area.
- The base of steel beams or columns
Steel develops rust when exposed to moisture for an extended period. If you have a water seepage problem in the basement, the bases of the steel beams or columns in the basement will develop heavy rust. This is often a clear sign that you should seek foundation repair.
- Below heating equipment
If your heating system is located in the basement, then check below the system for water or rust stains.
Be sure to keep checking your basement for signs of rust. This will help you identify problems with your foundation early.
Contact us today for more information!
Everdry Waterproofing Michigan (800) 878-9090
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.
