What Are the Symptoms of a Leaky Basement and How Can a Basement Contractor Help You Address Them?

Learn to recognize the early signs, both overt and hidden, of a basement leak so that you can deal with it before it escalates. Professional basement contractors will be able to address the problem and make necessary adjustments so that your basement stays dry for years to come.

Basement leaks are an unfortunate reality for many homeowners. Left unchecked, they can cause significant damage to your home, and can affect your health and overall comfort. Learn what some of the major signs of a basement leak are so that you can take prompt action at the first sign of trouble. A basement contractor can help you address an array of basement leak problems and can perform the necessary work so that you and your family can enjoy a waterproof basement.

Perhaps the most direct sign of a basement leak is actually seeing water where there should not be any. If you have a leaky basement you might notice:

• Moisture seeping through the concrete block


• Water pushing up between the footer and foundation wall


• Standing water on the slab

You might also notice other physical symptoms such as cracks in the walls or floor of your basement. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you should make an appointment with a basement professional for an assessment and potential foundation repair as soon as you can. While a little bit of water or a small crack may seem innocuous, it can herald far more serious problems. Number one, there may be other, more serious damage that you can't see with the naked eye. Number two, the small amount of water or the little crack that you notice can increase in a short time if left untreated. Eventually, any water damage or small fissures in your basement can cause major deterioration of your home's foundation, which in turn can cause a ripple effect of structural damage all the way up the building.

In addition to these physical manifestations of a wet basement, there is another major symptom cased by excess moisture that you may not always be able to see: mold growth. In some serious cases you may be able to see the spread of mold on the basement structure or on items that you have stored in your basement space. However, because mold can grow anywhere where there is moisture and some type of organic material to feed it (including dust, paint, or fabric), it may well be growing and spreading outside of your field of view. Sometimes the only way to know that there's a mold issue is through experiencing or observing a change in your or your family's health, such as atypical allergic reactions or respiratory difficulties linked to spending time in the home. If any of this sounds familiar, it's in your best interest to get a basement professional on the job to assess the presence of any mold growth, and to eliminate the leaks that are allowing the mold to grow in the first place.

The longevity of your home's structure and the health of your family are too important to take lightly, and can both be safeguarded by engaging professional basement waterproofing services. If you can see physical evidence of basement leaks, or if you experience a change in your overall health that could be linked to mold growth, it's in your best interest to contact basement and foundation contractors right away to get your basement back in good, dry order.

Maria Allen is a homeowner and an Internet marketer for Prospect Genius, a leader in providing search engine optimization services to local business.