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Basement Wall Stains: Signs, Causes And How To Get Rid Of Them?

When was the last time you checked the condition of your basement?

You might just be piling old and discarded objects in there without even bothering to give the area so much of a glance. 

Homeowners tend to not pay much heed to the basement until the deterioration underneath that has been overlooked for so long starts seeping in their living area. While the proficient basement waterproofing companies in DC would easily fix the issue, it is your responsibility to check the basement for apparent stains regularly. Stains might look harmless, but they are a sign of problems that can aggravate further and damage the structural integrity of the house. The fear of watching your home turn to dust because of your negligence is scary enough to make checking the basement a part of your routine.

Stains are a clear indication of water intrusion, which is connected to mold growth but not every stain gives way to mold and mildew. They can be easily remove, but unless you know the cause of it, you will continue cleaning the same spot every 2-3 months. 

Why not uproot the problem itself?

To help you promptly identify and fix these issues, we have listed a few of the typical basement stains which are found in most homes:

1) PAINT CHIPPING/ FLAKING:

If you have sealed your basement with paint, and water has made its way into it, then you might notice paint falling off the wall as flakes. As more and more pressure will start to build up with the water infiltrating the area,  the color of the cement will transform into a bubble and start flaking. Not only is this hideous but requires extensive time, energy and money to repair the wall back to its presentable state. 

How can it be fixed?

You should never apply paint or cement directly on the basement wall. This will require a basement wall protection product which would be best applied by a professional. 

2) EFFLORESCENCE:

This is a sign of water leaking in your basement foundation, efflorescence is identified as the white chalky leftover substance on the walls from where the seeping water has evaporated. It infiltrates the concrete and might also look like mineral substance. Although harmless, it indicates high humidity, which can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. 

How can it be fixed? 

While it is easy to remove efflorescence by just wiping it with sandpaper, this will not resolve the underlying issue of a wet basement. You will need the help of a basement waterproofing company to identify and repair the cause of water seepage in the basement. 

BLACK/GRAY STAINS:

These are definite signs of mold. Black/grey or dark stains start to form in humid, warm, and dark areas where mold can quickly grow and feed on organic matter. The mold might soon spread in your living areas and pollute the environment. It easily triggers an allergy and may cause dizziness, nasal stuffiness, irritation, itchiness, and rashes. 

How can it be fixed? 

One should perform DIY mold remediation to fix the problem.  It should only be removed by a professional, who will have the necessary training and knowledge of safety precautions to clear the basement of mold growth. 

Make it a point to periodically check the basement for any stains, water-pools, cracks, sinks, pest infestation, plumbing issues or any electrical hazards. If you notice any signs of damage, you should immediately reach out to basement waterproofing companies in DC like A AAction Waterproofing. Our team of certified and licensed home repair specialists have been relentlessly helping homeowners get rid of any and every basement;  mold infestation and foundation repair issues for over three decades. We guarantee quality work at the most competitive market price. 
Contact us for a free no-obligation estimate for your basement waterproofing needs, today!

This entry was posted in Basement on September, 28, 2019