The basement of the house for many people is a forgotten place until there either a serious flooding situation or they decide that it is time to do some home remodeling. In either situation, you really need to call in the experts when it comes to tackling such a big job. When it comes to doing basement repairs themselves, it can be a really big job depending on what the damage is and what the root cause of the damage itself.
Whether you are dealing with simple leaks, a failed sump pump, or worse, some type of damage to the foundation. It is very important to first ascertain the extent of the damage you are dealing with and then figure out how you are going to get the job done. For this article, we came up with a list of some of the more common types of basement repairs that you as a homeowner should be aware of. If your home is located in central Colorado including Denver, Colorado Springs, and parts of Nebraska and Wyoming, and are in need of a foundation expert, consider Complete Basement Systems, a company that specializes in Colorado foundation repairs.
Top 9 Basement issues that homeowners with a basement face
Floors are sinking – If you happen to be dealing with a sinking floor in your basement there is likely something very wrong. You need to get help from a professional who has expertise in basement repair. The likely cause is the soil underneath the floor has been eroded away by some kind of water leak. The professional will know how to remediate the cause and repair the damage.
Bowing of one or more walls – When serious cracks in one or more of the basement walls go undetected or unrepaired for too long, it can cause the walls to bow or sag. This is a very dangerous situation, and you can no longer wait to call in a professional to fix it. They have the expertise in fixing this kind of repairs.
Basement cracks – Cracks in the basement walls are frequently caused by expanding soil around the walls absorb an excessive amount of water and begin to expand. This rapid expansion can cause cracks in the foundation walls. If the cracks are not filled in quickly and correctly, there can be very serious consequences.
Leaks in the walls or floors – If the cracks in the basement floors and or wall are not repaired promptly you can expect to find evidence of leaking. If the leaks are allowed to persist there the damage can become extremely serious. If you suspect that you have leaking floors or walls you need to call in an expert.
Mold and mildew – Mold and mildew problems that exist in your basement can actually indirectly affect the air quality of the upstairs rooms. Mold and mildew are normally the results of leaks in the basement and they are left untouched for too long. It can actually be a serious health concern for people with breathing issues and allergies.
Flooding – Flooding is the most serious of all the issues that have been experienced by homeowners who have a basement. There are a number of reasons for a basement to flood like a burst pipe, very bad leaks, and even can be from a drain backing up into the basement.
Failed sump pump – All basements have a small sump located in one of the corners. This sump is fitted with a dewatering pump (or sump pump) that is designed to remove the excessive amount of water to prevent flooding. You want to be sure that the system is maintained and checked by a professional regularly.
Excessive humidity – Even if you are careful and always keep a close eye on leaks you can still end up having to deal with damage caused by moisture. Humidity can be a real problem and if not taken care of you can end up dealing with serious mold and mildew problems throughout the basement.
Smells terrible – Terrible smells coming from the basement are likely caused by excessive humidity or leaks that have resulted in mold and mildew. It is extremely important to keep control of the humidity levels at all times.
