How To Tell If A Leaky Basement Is A Potential Problem
Thanks to its location in the same area as Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington DC, Maryland is home to lots of people, plenty of history, and an abundance of scenic beauty. As beautiful as the region is, your home is still a refuge from the world. However, when it’s damaged in any way, it can become the source of a tremendous amount of stress. In the case of a leaky basement, that’s incredibly true.
Leaky basements can cause a lot of damage to a home including things like triggering breathing troubles, setting up rot, and more. That’s why the moment you spot the signs of a leaky basement, you should start working to stop the problem. Preventing leaks before they occur can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
In some cases, you’ll actually see water flowing through the foundation and easily identify that there is a problem. However, it’s not always that easy. Leaks aren’t always so apparent, and knowing the key ways to spot leaks is important so you can prevent larger issues before they begin.
Here are a few of the key ways that you can spot basement leaks without seeing the obvious drips of water rolling down the walls:
• Dark Spots – Concrete and block will be dark when it soaks up moisture. Most leaks in a basement occur when water starts to seep through tiny cracks in the foundation, and when that happens the water will often soak through the porous surface of the concrete. If you see dark areas in the walls or floors, you may have an issue.
• Mold – If you notice areas of green or black mold growth, you need to address a leak quickly. These are tell-tale signs that a water leak is present and if left unchecked they could become a much larger problem.
• Smell – Few things are as recognizable as the musky, moldy smell that can present itself when leaks occur and moisture builds up. It usually accompanies mold or mildew growth, but in those occasions when you can’t actually see the mold growth, you might be able to smell it.
Of course, you still may not have a solid idea as to just what’s going on in your basement. Letting the pros take a closer look is a good idea. Here at AA Action Waterproofing we pride ourselves on helping our clients determine whether or not an issue is present so they can better understand all of their options. Contact us today to get your consultation and find out once and for all whether or not a leak is present and what you can do about it.