A dry basement is not just an extra storage room but a major element of a balanced, healthy home. With the NJ local climate experiencing heavy rain and high snowmelt, basement dampness is a frequent occurrence.
Ignoring the initial signs of water problems risks greater challenges, from structural to health risks. It’s for this reason that you need to understand what to search for.
This knowledge can go a long way in protecting you from expensive future repairs. This article explains important signs that your New Jersey basement requires professional waterproofing.
That Familiar Musty Smell
Interior Waterproofing Basement in NJ
That familiar earthy smell is a sign of mold and mildew development. They are fond of wet and poorly ventilated areas. Even if you cannot see any mold, the smell is a definite indication that you have too much moisture in the air and likely in your floors and walls. Air fresheners won’t fix the problem, they will merely mask it. A professional waterproofing method attacks the cause of moisture, eliminating the odor forever.
Puddles or Wet Spots After Rainfall
If you have puddles or wet spots on your basement floor after a significant New Jersey rainstorm, you have an active water intrusion problem. The water could be entering through cracks in the floor, via the joint between the floor and wall, or pushed up from beneath through hydrostatic pressure. Simply mopping it up each time is a losing and temporary fight. A permanent waterproofing system is needed to manage this water and keep it away from your foundation.
White Streaks of Chalk on Your Walls
Are there white, chalky, powder-like substances on your concrete or? This is efflorescence. It happens as water travels through the concrete, transporting dissolved salts and minerals along with it. When water travels upwards to evaporate, salt deposits are left behind. Efflorescence is a solid sign that water is traveling through your foundation walls, even if the wall does not feel wet to the touch.
Foundation Wall or Floor Cracks
Hairline cracks in concrete can be normal. However, if you see cracks spreading, horizontal cracks, or water leaks, that could mean a bigger problem. Horizontal cracks are especially something to worry about, because they generally indicate pressure from the soil outside your foundation is forcing its way inside. Professional waterproofing involves filling the cracks up tightly from the outside or managing the water pressure to prevent further damage.
Warping Walls or Peeling Paint
When the paint on your basement walls is peeling, bubbling, or flaking, it is a sign of moisture behind the paint. The same goes if you have finished walls composed of drywall and notice them warping, bowing, or staining. Paint and drywall are such a sponge because they absorb moisture that is migrating from the back of the concrete. Not only does it look terrible, but the walls can become rotten and moldy. This ends up creating an unhealthy living situation.
Rotting Signs on Wooden Members
Check the wood quality in your basement including support columns, stair stringers, shelving, or the underside of wood framing. If you see anything darkly colored, or notice that the wood is spongy or soft, you are staring at a rot. Wood rot is caused by a continuous source of moisture. It is a major sign that the high levels of moisture will over time, cause structural problems.
The Presence of Pests
Often, the indications of a damp basement could be seen in the form of unwanted occupants. Centipedes, spiders, and silverfish love wet, dark environments. When you start to see a rise in pest activity within your basement, it is a sure indication that the environment is too humid.
Their presence makes your basement uncomfortable. They also show that you are dealing with a huge moisture problem that could eventually damage your foundation and belongings.
If you happen to identify such issues, don’t be tempted to resolve them with short-term fixes, like painting with waterproof paint. Even though such strategies can work in the short run, they do not usually address the source of the water problem. It’s for this reason that you would rather call in professionals.
Here at Dry Master Waterproofing, we are all about permanent fixes. We assess each home thoroughly to find the right solution, whether sealing foundation cracks with our superior methods, installing an effective French drain system that reroutes water, or using a complete interior waterproofing system. We don’t treat the symptoms but diagnose and deal with the main problem.
