Q: What are common symptoms caused by dampness, moisture and water in my basement or crawl space?
While the causes can differ, here are some of the symptoms and subsequent causes we see on a consistent basis:
Mold
Runny or stuffy nose, cough and postnasal drip, watery eyes, itchy eyes, nose and throat, sneezing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath
Dry Rot / Mold
Odd smells & musty odors
Dry Rot
Rotting wood, wood shrinkage, wood discoloration, wood warping, wood beam damage
High Humidity & Excess Moisture
Condensation/dampness, chipped/discolored paint, rust on metal/appliances/tools, warped paneling
Q: Do I need to install a waterproofing system if I only have a small leak in one area?
You could try to patch the one area with a product such as waterproofing paint or sealer, however, that does not solve the underlying issue of water being able to enter your home from the outside. Unless the crack is very small, sooner rather than later, you will need to make these repairs again.
If water is entering your basement or crawl space, that means there is an entry point on the outside. If all you ever do is fix the one small area where you *see* the leak, water pressure will force the water and moisture to find another location to enter your home. Areas that used to be dry may soon begin to leak, simple cracks in the walls due to foundation settling will soon show moisture where otherwise there was none.
So, when you have a small leak in one area of your basement or crawl space, waterproofing paint or sealer will only patch the problem, not fix the underlying issue. You will likely continue patching the problem more and more over time, ultimately being forced to invest in a waterproofing system down the road. You can save time, money, and a lot of headaches if you solve the problem sooner rather than later.
Q: Why do my basement walls get wet when it’s really hot outside? I thought moisture only comes when it rains…
When there is moisture on your walls on hot days, there’s a very good chance that it’s not actually a leak at all, but instead condensation. Condensation occurs when the air in a space has a high percentage of humidity. When warm, humid air touches a cooler surface (like a basement wall), it releases the moisture in it, causing condensation to form.
Sometimes referred to as “sweating,” you will often see this on cold water pipes, basement walls and floors.
To help combat condensation and general moisture problems, you should consider investing in a dehumidifier. To learn more about how a dehumidifier can help you stay dry, give us a call!
Q: I’m not sure it’s mold, but it kind of looks like it… Should I be concerned?
Mold is a major health concern, so if you believe that you have mold forming anywhere in your home, it is of the utmost importance that you have an expert come out to test and confirm that you do in fact have a mold issue. Mold often forms due to moisture or water problems, so when you see that you have mold, there are often times other underlying issues that also need to be addressed. Do not ignore mold if you see it in your home—get it tested for the health of you and your family