8 Common Basement Problems

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The basement is one of the essential rooms of your home. Whether a simple storage area or a high-quality gaming space, this room is the foundation of your house. However, all basements are prone to the same problems due to their location, at or below ground level.

These issues may include a minor nuisance or a serious mess that can eventually ruin your home’s value. Here are the most common basement problems, along with their appropriate solutions.

1. Water damage

Water damage in the basement occurs in different forms, such as a minor leak and a major pooling. It often occurs due to a plumbing issue, a crack in the foundation, or heavy rain. Water in your basement can be a serious problem.

Inspect your basement walls carefully, especially if the room is unfinished, and ensure there are no water stains that might have been left from stagnant water. Look for any areas you have access to and if you find any sign of water damage, find the cause and ensure it’s resolved.

Work with a reputable basement renovation contractor to help fix this problem quickly and efficiently. A good basement waterproofing job can help eliminate mildew and prevent mold in your space. Visit this website to find a waterproofing expert near you. .

2. Bowed, tipped, or cracked walls

Most homes are prone to inwards movements of the walls, often caused by earth pressure. Common signs include step cracks, horizontal and vertical shears, and the wall sliding at lower sections. Soil pressure can push a block wall off its bases, and if there is poor drainage in the area, water will gather in the soil surrounding the foundation walls, often making its way into the basement.

Soil pressure may accumulate gradually, especially during the freeze or thaw season. It can tip your foundation walls inward, causing cracks in the mortar joints. Inspect for cracks in the wall and if you find a crack, examine whether it’s only on the surface or it has gone much deeper. Significant cracks in basement walls are usually signs of an unstable foundation.

3. Pest invasions

Pest invasions, particularly termites, can cause significant structural damage to your basement. Inspect for the problem carefully and even if you don’t see any signs on the exterior walls, move to the interior and check the dry-lining and floor beams for signs of damage. Other symptoms of termites’ invasion include piles of transparent wings and wood remains.

At the same time, mice and rats can eat away at your electrical cords, making it harder to maintain energy efficiency throughout your home. Noticing these signs of pests’ invasion can be challenging if you inspect a finished basement, but you should check as much as possible. If there are serious concerns, be sure to call a professional.

4. Humidity and mold

Moisture in the air can cause surface condensation, leading to mold, corrosion, and other forms of rot. Mold can lead to several problems, including bad odor and awful looks, which might deteriorate your home’s value or cause serious health issues. If you detect a strange, dank smell on things in your basement, this shows you have a mold or moisture issue.

It’s essential to look for the source of the problem as soon as possible so that you can deal with the situation and determine the best action to take. Be sure to fix this issue before shutting off the basement walls. In addition, ensure your home exterior gutters are free from debris and are of the right length to correctly pour the water away from your home’s foundation.

5. Low ceilings

The head height is one of the most overlooked basement problems, especially if it’s completed or you plan to finish the area. Your basement ceiling should be at least 7 feet tall after the finish. Living in a basement with low ceilings can be challenging since the room usually appears small and uncomfortable.

However, if your basement is vertically small, you can update or elevate it in various ways. Rather than adding standard furniture, which can make the space appear overly large and cluttered, fill the room with smaller and shorter items. This can help free more space and make your area appear bigger and taller.

6. Inconveniently located posts

Awkward post placement can often ruin the overall appearance of your basement. Since posts are an essential part of the support system, hiring an experienced basement renovation contractor is the best way to get a permanent solution. Instead of posts, a double beam or uniquely designed beams can be placed to enhance your basement aesthetics without compromising its structure.

7. Outdated design

Like fashion styles, architectural and home design trends come and go but at a slower pace. It’s easy to get absorbed in decorating your main living space and forget about the basement. Don’t let your basement become muted or wearisome. Instead, add a few new colorful pieces of furniture and a bright work of art.

In addition, you may want to consider a significant remodel to create the space you have always dreamed of. Either way, you can reclaim your space and help give your basement the reputation it deserves.

8. Sump pump failure

A sump pump can be essential if a terrible situation such as a water flood occurs. They help control and prevent such problems by draining flooded water from the basement of your home through an external discharge pipe. However, like any other mechanical equipment, sump pumps are bound to fail. Unfortunately, if the pump is not working, the excess water from heavy rainfall or storms may accumulate at the lowest location in your home.

A stuck switch is the most prevalent mechanical issue that leads to sump pump failures. It often occurs when the pump falls inside the basin, making the switch ineffective by laying itself against the side of the pump.

It’s essential to ensure your sump pump is well maintained and free from mechanical issues. Check your pump regularly and ensure you have a sump pump battery backup to avoid potential problems when the system is most needed.

Endnote

Problems will always arise whether you use the lower level of your home as a storage space or as a gaming and workout area. However, with the right preventive measures, your basement can be a healthy and safe place to live for years to come.

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