Is your basement wet and musty, and are you thinking of ways to get rid of water problems? And do you want to maximize your basement space and regain its functionality?
This article will give you insight into how a wet basement will hamper your foundation, the repair methods that you can implement while repairing it, how basement waterproofing will enhance your home’s aesthetics, and scenarios that demand you hire garage door services while upgrading your home.
How Does a Damp Basement Lead to Foundation Damage?
Over time, your foundation will be damaged if you ignore the signs of water intrusion in your basement. Moisture problems in your basement lead to wood rot, metal rust, and malfunctioning HVAC systems.
Water issues cause cracks and weaken your home’s foundation and crumble sooner or later. So, basement waterproofing allows you to keep it dry and prevent your foundation from significant settlement.
When Do You Need a Foundation Repair?
Your foundation may settle initially after your home’s construction and form hairline cracks on the walls or ceiling. These cracks are usually normal and do not increase over time.
But if you notice the symptoms mentioned below, you need to hire experts to inspect and carry out necessary repair work. When you hire a professional, make sure to choose a trustworthy company with high experience in foundation repair.
They should conduct a thorough inspection, provide a detailed report, and offer a clear plan for the necessary repairs.
- Diagonal cracks
- Stair-step cracks on the brick walls
- The door sticking out of its original position
- Movement of inside fixtures in your kitchen or bathroom
- Bowing walls
- Sagging uneven floors
When Should You Opt for D-I-Y and When to Call a Professional?
There are a few signs of foundation failure that can be simply repaired by implementing DIY options, such as filling small cracks with epoxy. However, bigger problems, such as significant cracks or bowing walls, need to be handled by a skilled professional.
When you try to fix these issues yourself, it can cause further damage and costly repairs. Foundation repair involves a detailed process of inspecting your home and conducting necessary activities by a highly skilled repair specialist.
Before conducting repair works, your contractor will clean the area and pinpoint necessary areas that need to be repaired.
Here is a list of all the possible problems that you can fix on your own.
- Hairline fractures
If you spot hairline cracks after 2-3 years of your home’s construction, you may observe minor fractures here and there. These cracks do not pose serious concerns, and treating them is not always necessary, as they are usually harmless. But if you feel that they are affecting your home’s aesthetics, you can apply a special paint over them.
- Adding appropriate drainage system
If your home is built over expansive soil, its foundation can shift and settle continuously. Due to consistent movement, pressure is created, leaving your foundation with cracks, sinking issues, and, ultimately, failure. In such a scenario, an adequate drainage system can help. You can assess your home’s condition and install gutters and downspouts at the lowest position of your foundation to drain excess water away.
However, suppose you observe the signs stated below. In that case, we recommend that you seek help from a professional because it is a labor-intensive job that may involve the use of specialized tools and machinery.
- Foundation cracks
If you notice large horizontal cracks accompanied by leakages or cracks that are more than half an inch wide, it’s not a good idea to fix them yourself. Instead, call your builder to examine the nature of the crack. Then, you must immediately seek professional assistance and resolve issues as fast as you can.
- Bowing basement walls
If you have cracks with leaning walls and dont treat it on time, then it may eventually collapse. So, the better idea is to fix bulging walls by a professional as soon as you notice the signs of walls losing their original place.
- Cracks forming in different directions
If you notice cracks running vertically at some places and then changing their direction quickly to form horizontal cracks, they signal significant structural problems. These cracks mean that you have severe water issues in your foundation and need intervention.
How Will Basement Waterproofing Upgrade Your Home?
When you invest in basement waterproofing, you’re not just solving a problem- you’re transforming your home. By restoring your basement’s functionality and protecting it from future water damage, you’re making a long-term investment in your home’s value and livability.
Beyond the practical benefits, basement waterproofing also enhances your home’s aesthetics, creating a space that is not only functional but also beautiful.
And most importantly, it protects your home and your family from the harmful effects of mold, mildew, insects, or rodents.
Here is a process of transforming your basement to enhance your home’s decor.
- Plan a design: First, decide the purpose of your basement. Do you want to use it as a playroom for your kids, a gym area, or a guest room?
- Hire professionals: Hire a trustworthy waterproofing professional to assess the condition of your basement. The experts will implement necessary waterproofing solutions, like installing a sump pump, sealing cracks, and applying waterproof coatings to dry it and protect it from future water intrusion issues.
- Install electrical wiring and plumbing system: After waterproofing your basement, install HVAC systems and plumbing fixtures as per your needs.
- Finish up with painting and furnishings: Lastly, finish up by painting your basement and decorating the space according to your comfort. Remember, the key to a successful home upgrade is to address any underlying issues, such as basement water problems or foundation cracks, before proceeding with the aesthetic enhancements. So, take the necessary steps to protect your home and enhance its aesthetics today!
When Should You Seek Garage Door Service While Upgrading Your Home?
You may be suffering from garage door issues, and ignoring small problems now will lead to major structural damage in the future. In the situations stated below, you must consider seeking help from garage door services, as it has a significant role in maintaining your safety and enhancing the functionality of your garage doors during home upgrades:
- Your garage door suddenly stops operating due to battery issues or malfunctioning components such as the motor, belt, spring, or chain. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a clear indication that your garage door needs professional attention. The garage doors are sagging because your torsion springs have been damaged and lost their original shape.
- If your door feels heavier than before while opening and closing, then your springs may be malfunctioning.
- Your door sensors are meant to sense obstruction, but when they fail, you or your family may become the prey of accidents due to abrupt shutdown.
