Often Overlooked Signs That a Basement Needs Waterproofing

Construction & Contractors Blog

Unfortunately, the signs that your home's basement needs new waterproofing aren't always obvious. Waiting until the basement floods or until mold is covering the walls can mean that there is severe water damage in the basement already, but you don't realize it and don't address it until that damage is done. Knowing a few signs of needed basement waterproofing can mean keeping your home safe from that damage and protecting its building materials properly. Note a few often overlooked signs that a basement needs waterproofing or some type of treatment to keep water damage at bay.

Mineral deposits

You've probably seen hard water stains in your bathtub and shower curtain and dismissed them because your tub and curtain are meant to be exposed to water. However, you might overlook these same stains on basement walls and floors or not realize their significance. Look for chalky white marks along the walls or floors or anything that resembles hard water stains. This often means that water has come into contact with the basement floor or walls and has drained away. In turn, you may need waterproofing to protect the basement.

Water lines

Along with mineral deposits, you may notice what looks like water lines, similar to what you see in a bathtub after a bath. That water line may go all the way around the walls or around just one wall and may be close to the floor. It may also be along the window frames, if there is a leak along the windows. If you see any such line in your basement, note if it seems chalky or damp, as this often means that it's been left by water and is not just dust or dirt. If the lines were left by water, the basement needs waterproofing.

Crumbling concrete

It is true that concrete will eventually crack and need repairs after so many years, but if it crumbles and seems soft, this often means it's been exposed to too much water or moisture. If the basement floor seems soft or the walls have crumbled areas, don't assume it's simply an issue with age because moisture could have seeped into the concrete. Keep in mind that concrete in the basement is not exposed to heavy traffic like your concrete driveway, so crumbling often means water damage and not simply everyday wear and tear. You may need to repair those spots and add a waterproofing measure to keep it dry. 

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16 June 2016