Basement wall leaks may not seem like significant problems when they first form. Their consequences, however, can not only be irritating but can significantly devalue your entire home.
Luckily, these leaks tend to give themselves away after they form. With the help of a professional working in your area, you can quickly tend to one of these leaks and whip your home back into working order.
Signs of A Basement Wall Leak
Think you may have a basement wall leak on your hands? You’ll want to keep an eye out for:
- Unpleasant smells – Moisture that makes its way into your home tends to bring a musty smell with it. These smells will only grow stronger and more diverse the longer moisture has to get into your belongings.
- Sticking doors – Moisture tends to act on porous materials before any other. If you have wooden door frames supporting your windows or doors in your basement, you may notice them sticking or otherwise not working as effectively as they used to.
- Foggy windows – Leaks can also cause your windows to fog up permanently. While basement windows don’t always provide you with the best view, the persistent damage can be irritating to deal with and can cause your home to lose value, if you ever want to sell it.
- Water damage – Water from a basement wall leak isn’t going to stay on your wall. The longer the leak has to grow, the more likely it is that it will reach out and damage your belongings. This can include furniture, seasonal decorations, personal effects, and anything else you have tucked away in your basement for safe keeping or entertainment.
- Dampness and high humidity – The more moisture makes its way indoors, the more humidity you’re going to have to deal with. While your HVAC system can help compensate for that additional moisture, a basement with a leak will constantly feel sticky and unpleasant to be in.
- Mold – Mold loves nothing more than a dark and damp place to grow. If you have a basement wall leak on your hands, it won’t be long until mold spores take root in your walls.
- Bowing walls – The long-term presence of water in your home can also cause severe structural damage, including wall bowing if it is left unchecked.
- Standing water – Naturally, standing water is one of the signs that most obviously gives away a basement wall leak. If you see standing water in your basement after a storm, you’ll know you have a significant problem on your hands.
Do You Have to Repair A Basement Wall Leak?
It is essential to act against a basement wall leak as soon as you realize it’s impacting your home. The longer you wait to invest in repairs, the more likely it is the damage will worsen. Leaks that have time to grow can permanently impact the value and structural integrity of your home. While they won’t make your space impossible to sell, they can force you to lose up to 30 percent of your home’s resale value.
Can You DIY A Basement Wall Repair?
It can be tempting, when faced with a crack or a leak, to try and fix the problem on your own time. DIY solutions, after all, are said to save you money and keep you from having to invest in professional work.
Unfortunately, trying to DIY a basement wall fix when you have a leak on your hands can be a dangerous endeavor. More often than not, you can make the damage done unto your home even worse. Not only that, but your eventual repairs will be more expensive, as a basement repair contractor will have to remove your faulty solution before installing one of their own.
Waterproofing Your Basement Walls
You can get ahead of a leak before it forms. The best way to do so is to invest in early waterproofing measures. Some of the best include:
- Interior drains
- Sump pumps
- Dehumidifiers
- Vapor barriers
- Waterproof insulation
- Flood vents
It may feel as though you have to take on the challenge of waterproofing your home alone. This is not the case. The foundation and basement repair professionals serving the Cleveland, OH, area can guide you through the process and make it less stressful. You can benefit from a home inspection from Ohio Basement Systems and a free quote on the services you may need to restore your previous quality of life. All you have to do is reach out and ask for guidance.
