If you live in a home with a basement, you understand the many benefits. However, keep in mind that a basement is only an asset to your home it if is in good condition. Stay on top of things and monitor your basement, otherwise, it could become a huge liability. This piece highlights five signs when a basement needs repair.
Whether finished or not, everyone wants to keep their basement working well. It’s the foundation of your home! Problems usually start with a very small issue. In this article, we will look at some of the signs to look for. If you happen to live in the area, this St Louis foundation repair company can help you correct any basement issues.
This Basement Is in Need of Repair
These five signs are the main ones to look for. Ask your Realtor for recommendations in your area to help correct these problems if you find them in your basement.
1. Bad Odors
The first sign that your basement may need speedy attention is if there are musty smells that you simply cannot get rid of. We don’t mean simply stale air. We’re talking bad odors are consistently strong in your basement.
This is a sign that foul air is getting into your basement from outside the foundation. The stronger the smell, the bigger the problem.
2. Cracks in the Walls or Floors
This should be a no-brainer. If you see cracks in the walls or floor of your basement, they need to be evaluated by a professional. Hairline cracks that don’t change over time aren’t a major concern. But they should be monitored.
Larger cracks, especially those with signs of moisture, should prompt you to make a quick call to your local foundation expert. The larger the crack, the bigger the problem.
3. Sinking Floors
Have you noticed that your basement floor is sinking? This is a serious problem. This usually only happens in older homes. Don’t wait. Act quickly before the problem gets worse because the price to repair will only ever increase.
4. Mold
The growth of mold is another sign that all is not well in your basement area. Mold is almost always caused by moisture. Not all mold is dangerous, but some are extremely so. You should get checked out as soon as possible. Mold mitigation is a task that professionals tackle regularly. You don’t want to expose yourself or your family to the health problems associated with harmful molds.
5. Paint Peeling
One other thing to keep in mind is that if you have peeling paint in the basement. It may be due to wear and tear, or it could be the result of moisture behind the walls. You can investigate this yourself to see if there is water behind the paint. If not, it’s a simple fix. Otherwise, it’s time to call in a foundation specialist to assess the situation.
Hopefully, your basement doesn’t have any of these issues. But if yours does, it’s likely a legitimate sign that your basement needs repair. Don’t put off repairs. Tackle them right away to protect your large investment.
