Home structures are developed to endure years of wear and tear. However, they are far from indestructible and will crack now and then. Unfortunately, when these cracks form, they let water through, which can result in major damage.
For that reason, you must always keep a keen eye on your foundation. Do you want to know what you should keep an eye on? Here are five signs of foundation water damage.
Signs of Foundation Water Damage
Before you acquire a home, you should learn what to look for to ensure that you won’t have foundation problems later on. Here are some less noticeable indications of foundation damage that property owners and real estate agents may overlook if they are not careful.
Moisture
If your basement suddenly gets moist, this could be an indication that your foundation has water damage. If you look for other possible causes of moisture causing the humidity but are unsuccessful, your foundation is most likely the culprit.
The walls of your foundation have probably developed cracks, letting some moisture to seep in. Eventually, this moisture will evaporate through the walls and into your basement, making what should be a dry area feel moist and wet.
Foundation Cracks
While cracks in the foundation are a visible indication of damage, they can also go undetected. This is especially true if the crack is small and concealed behind landscaping. Cracks commonly show water damage to the foundation and can occur inside and outside the house.
If you discover any horizontal cracks on the exterior of your home, you need to call a water damage restoration professional.
Musty Odors
Does your basement smell musty and unpleasant? If that’s the case, it’s probably suffering from water damage. Musty odors are caused by a combination of mold, dust, and other mildews that are attracted by humidity.
Because of the limited airflow, nothing is regulating the excessive humidity. Foul odors could signify that floodwaters brought in microorganisms or raw sewage, which infected the basement. You will need the assistance of a professional to identify the source of the odor.
Discolored Walls
Another early sign of foundation water damage is stains or big spots of discoloration on your basement walls. This is another indication that groundwater is seeping into your basement through cracks in the structure.
If you see this, call a qualified property restoration specialist, who will immediately examine and repair the problem, whatever it may be.
Mold Problems
Foundation cracks do allow groundwater to permeate up through the structure. This moisture promotes the development of mold and mildew. Their spores float through the air and might infest your property. A mold invasion can start as a thin line or patch and rapidly spread.
Once the mold spreads, porous concrete and products like wallpaper, carpets, drywall, and floorboards are at risk. Mold can eat your floorings and boards, causing them to collapse if left untreated. Mold will also regrow if the underlying source, which is moisture, is not fixed.
Final Thoughts
Nothing is more discouraging than acquiring a house only to discover the foundation has water damage. Act quickly and decisively if you see any of the above signs in your basement. Unfortunately, fixing a foundation isn’t something you can do on your own. You must call an expert home waterproofing company if the situation arises.
