Americans spent over $550 billion in 2022 on home renovations. Renovating your home can be a great way to improve your quality of life, resolve problems, and increase the value of your property.
For those who own houses with basements, interior basement waterproofing is a common project. It’s not always obvious when you should hire a basement waterproofing service, though.
We’ve put together a brief guide with the key details you should keep in mind. Let’s explore how to recognize when to reach out to a basement waterproofing company.
You Notice Puddles of Water
This is one of the most notable signs that you should get in touch with a basement waterproofing service. Puddles are a strong indicator that water is seeping into the basement from the walls or floor. It’s often the result of plumbing leaks or soil saturation.
Floor seepage could also be due to underground water. Waterproofing improves drainage around the basement to resolve the issue.
Stuffiness and Musty Smells
It’s not uncommon for basements to smell a bit musty. This is especially true if you use these areas for storage or if they lack proper ventilation.
If you notice persistent stuffiness or musty smells, though, this is a sign of mold growth. As mold proliferates, it produces organic compounds that give off a strong odor.
A damp basement is an ideal location for mold growth. If left unchecked, this could lead to health issues, such as throat irritation and respiratory problems.
Warped or Bulging Doors
When enough moisture or water enters a basement, it can cause wooden materials to warp or bulge. In context, a wooden door may no longer fit well in its frame.
You might also notice twisting. In a scenario like this, it’s essential to contact an interior basement waterproofing professional as soon as possible. Otherwise, you risk experiencing significant damage to the wooden areas of your basement.
Efflorescence or Water Stains on Walls
For those unfamiliar with the term, efflorescence is a deposit of salt on a surface. It generally has a white and sparkly appearance. In a basement, this is a sign that excess moisture is present.
The same can be said about water stains on the walls. This scenario occurs when water from the ground outside seeps into the basement and saturates the walls. At first, this may not seem like a major concern.
Over time, it can grow to become a much more alarming problem. It’s best to take care of the issue while it’s still manageable.
You Notice Rust
Iron components and materials will rust in the presence of moisture. This includes hinges, nails, etc. It’s best to thoroughly survey your basement for signs of rust, as rust does not develop in a dry environment.
Leaving this issue unresolved comes with expensive consequences. As rust continues to develop, it could damage the metal components of your basement. This can lead to costly repairs, so it’s much better to prevent this issue from arising.
Bug Infestation
Dark, moist environments are ideal breeding grounds for many insects. Without proper waterproofing, water that seeps in from the outside will collect on the floor and walls. This will allow bugs to propagate, and you can quickly have an infestation on your hands.
It’s not uncommon for bug infestations to become a significant health hazard for you and your family. They will also prevent you from enjoying the use of your basement. If you notice you have a bug infestation, call an exterminator to eliminate the problem.
Then, you should contact a basement waterproofing professional to eliminate the root of the issue. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can restore this area of your home to its former greatness.
Finding a Professional
Finding the right professional doesn’t have to be difficult. Take a look at their past reputation so you can gain insight into what you should expect. It’s best to prioritize those who have a large amount of positive feedback.
While seeing a few negative reviews is normal, you should consider how recent they are. To clarify, let’s assume that most of the reviews you find from the past six months are full of criticism.
This is a sign that you should search elsewhere. Otherwise, you run the risk of working with someone inexperienced and getting poor results.
Look into their payment structure before making your decision. This will help you budget for your project more efficiently.
Ask them for an itemized breakdown of their services to learn exactly what you are paying for. If they attempt to deflect this concern, continue your search elsewhere.
Only work with companies that are licensed, bonded, and insured. This will prevent you from dealing with costly situations outside of your control. To clarify, let’s assume that you hire a company without these credentials.
One of their workers damages your property and injures themselves in your basement. You could be held financially liable for this situation.
Finally, consider their level of customer service. They should be easy to contact and their team should be more than happy to help you with your project.
Don’t Neglect Interior Basement Waterproofing
Without the right interior basement waterproofing, you’ll deal with risks that you could have otherwise eliminated. As long as you do your due diligence and research your options, you should find the best choice for your situation.
Get a free quote today from Armored Basement Waterproofing. Our team of professionals can resolve your issue safely and efficiently.
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