Is Your Basement Experiencing Water Ingress?
Chances are if your basement is not being used as a living space, you will tend to ignore this room. This neglect is what makes the basement prone to rising damp as well as mould since homeowners do not realise that water ingress is occurring in the first place. As a result, what could have easily been fixed in the early stages could lead to complete restoration that would include mould remediation, water damage repair and more. If you would like to keep your household expenses low, it is crucial to know the signs of water ingress so that you can opt for waterproofing replacement before any serious damage occurs. So how do you know if your basement is in dire need of waterproofing?
Rising damp
One of the telltale signs that the waterproofing in your basement is compromised and needs immediate replacement is the onset of rising damp. Typically, signs of rising damp will present as dark patches forming on the basement walls and the floor. If the extent of the rising damp is considerable, you may even notice unexplained puddles collecting in your basement. Lastly, you may also find you basement walls feel moist to the touch. The moistness can be accompanied with efflorescence, which comes about when the walls start to disintegrate. Ignoring this rising damp will only result in the ingress further penetrating your structure, and you will start to notice signs of the dampness in other rooms of your home. It would be best to hire waterproofing contractors to determine the source of the damp and restrict it from spreading in your home any further.
Mould
Mould in any part of your residence should be a cause for concern. However, if you do not pay attention to your basement, you may not be aware of the presence of mould, and this gives it sufficient time to breed and spread. One of the most serious risks of having mould is the respiratory problems that it poses for you and your loved ones. Moreover, mould in your basement will render this room uninhabitable, which means you have limited space to utilise in your home. Not to mention that a mould infestation will significantly depreciate the value of your home and make it hard for you to even put it on the real estate market. Since mould thrives in damp environments, an infestation should urge you to seek the services of waterproofing contractors. Once mould abatement has been carried out, new waterproofing should prevent it from re-occurring.