Buying your first home can be both an exciting and intimidating experience, as there is so much to consider and be aware of as you shop for your new home. As you tour a home for the first time, it is especially important to check for signs of existing or potential issues such as excess moisture or water damage. These types of issues often start in the basement of a home following a storm or broken pipe, and can lead to major issues for your home if left unaddressed over time. If you think you may have found your dream home, be sure to check for these five signs of moisture in your basement to determine if you will need to have it waterproofed in the future.
A Noticeable Musty Odor
A musty odor is one of the first and most obvious signs of moisture or mold in a basement, as it is often an early indicator of mold growth and moisture in the foundation of your home. Be sure to catch this issue early by calling a mold remediation specialist as soon as you notice this odor in your home.
Visible Mold or Mildew
If you notice visible mold or mildew in the basement of a home that you are interested in, it is often due to moisture build up over time. To avoid even more serious problems with this in the future, try to identify the source and seek professional assistance with mold remediation as soon as possible before moving items into your basement.
Cracks in Flooring and Walls
While there may be small cracks throughout the foundation of a home, larger and significant cracks may be a sign of excess moisture or unidentified leaks. Avoid dealing with further damage to your foundation by having these cracks sealed immediately to eliminate these types of issues in your basement.
White Chalky Dust on Walls
If you notice a white chalky build up on the basement walls, you may be seeing a sign of leaked mineral deposits caused by moisture leaking through the foundation of your home. This substance is typically found along with other signs of mold, such as a noticeable musty odor or humidity level in your basement.
Watermarks on Ceilings, Walls, or Floors
Visible watermarks on the walls, floors, and ceiling of a basement are typically indicative of water entering your basement from the top of the foundation. These marks can also help you identify sources of moisture in your home in order to eliminate them for the future.
Waterproof Your Basement for Spring with Environmental Consulting and Contracting Group
If you are concerned about moisture and the potential for mold growth in your home, call the professionals at Environmental Consulting and Contracting Group for any and all of your black mold questions. We have over 30 years combined experience in professional mold remediation and mold cleanup, so please rest assured that if there is a problem we will be able to tackle it. We offer our valued customers a lifetime guarantee against the return of mold growth because we are so confident in our work. Give us a call at 1-877-591-MOLD or visit us online for more information. To learn more ways to combat mold growth in your home, follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Google+.
Tags: basement waterproofing, mold, water damage