Does Your Basement Need An Update?

When people invest in fixing up their homes, they generally focus on the areas with the most traffic. Living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms are frequently updated, however spaces that you spend less time in are more likely to be overlooked. If you haven’t been investing in your basement, it may be time to look into it. There are several common indicators of issues in your basement that can be indicators of costly damage further down the line. If you see one of these signs in your basement, it’s probably time for an update.

Watch out for that damp smell
That smell that so many people associate with basements is really a sign of a leaky, overly wet basement. Chances are that the smell in question is caused by small cracks or faults in your basement walls or foundation. These imperfections let in moisture, which can further compromise your foundation and lead to issues like mold and mildew growth.

Water accumulation is a real issue
If the leaking in your basement is so bad that there’s physical, visible water accumulating, you have a real issue. First and foremost, that water can damage your foundation, particularly if there’s a freezing spell. Secondly, it can damage anything you store in the basement, both by direct water damage and later due to mold and mildew growth.

Cracking in walls leads to bigger issues
If there are visible cracks in your walls, then water is getting into your basement. They will grow over time, and those cracks could eventually result in insects getting into your house. The sooner you address cracking in your walls, the less likely they will cause serious structural issues that could be incredibly expensive to repair.

Bowed walls and sinking floors are signs of trouble
Walls that bow are generally under pressure from moist soil on the outside. Repeated freezing and thawing can aggravate this issue, and the worse it gets, the more compromised your home becomes. Walls can be reinforced with steel beams or may need to be dug out and rebuilt. Sinking floors or warping of floors can be caused by shifting soil under the foundation. Your home may need support piers installed under the foundation to prevent additional movement or damage.

Separation in windows and floors mean movement
If your basement windows and doors are no longer opening and closing with ease, that’s a sign that the soil around your foundation is shifting and exerting pressure on your basement. Chances are that your foundation will need to be reinforced or repaired to prevent greater shifting and serious structural issues in your home.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, it’s time to call a professional. Professionals who understand structural and foundation issues can help you determine the exact cause of the problems you’re experiencing and help you figure out how to address them. Because your foundation, and by extension your basement, are critical to the structural integrity of your home, you want to invest in repairing serious foundation and basement issues as soon as you notice them. If you need to update your basement, contact us today!