No matter the purpose of your basement – second living room, game room, storage – all basements are subject to similar problems because of where they are located. Basements are either at or below ground level and that will subject basements to a variety of issues. Some are minor, but some can be catastrophic to your home and drastically reduce your homes value.
Wet Basement
One of the most common problems has to do with water. Because your basement is at or below the water table, controlling water in a basement is paramount. Water is literally trying to force its way into your house. Any cracks in the basement can allow water in and water entry can help small cracks develop into larger ones. Basements will generally suffer from higher humidity levels too. Humidity can condense on your various surfaces in the basement where mold can grow. Humid conditions can damage items that have been stored and can also attract dust mites. Water can also cause your walls to buckle and your floors to sink.
Wall Cracks
As mentioned, cracks in your basement walls can cause serious damage to your home. Some cracks are natural but will grow over time as water seeps through. Keep in mind that water, due to hydrostatic pressure, is looking for ways into your house. That pressure can cause cracks and will also cause existing cracks to grow. Any cracks larger than one-eighth of an inch need immediate attention as they can lead to serious issues.
Foundation Issues
Over time, the soil under and around your home can erode. This can affect your foundation and requires professional attention. There may have been a mistake made during construction as well that leads to a serious issue with your foundation. If you notice your basement floor sinking or cracking, you have an issue that needs immediate help.
Radon Mitigation
What many people may overlook in regards to their basements health is radon. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. The radioactive gas is produced by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Since air pressure inside your basement is lower than that of the soil around your foundation, you house can actually draw radon into your home through cracks in basement walls and the foundation. People cannot see or smell radon so you will need special equipment to detect it. Once detected, you will need a radon professional to take care of the problem.
For more information visit the professionals over at tristatebasementrepair.com today!
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