Do You Have A Musty Basement? The Sure Signs That You’ve Got A Problem

The Importance of Addressing a Damp Basement

A wet basement is the perfect breeding ground for mold. Mold can damage your things and your home. It can also cause major health problems. Mold spores can become airborne and float their way up to the rest of the house. This is why it’s important to get a damp basement taken care of right away. The first step is to look for these signs:

Visible Mold

Mold is a sure sign that you’ve got a wet basement causing you problems already. It comes in a whole rainbow of colors, usually black, grey, brown, yellow, or green. It often accumulates in the northwest corner of the basement because this is usually the coldest area.

A Damp, Musty Smell

The surest sign of a problem is a musty, mildew smell. The signs of a damp basement are often not visually apparent but you can smell them. If you pick up a musty smell down there, this means that it’s not adequately protected from the elements.

Flooding Or Leaks

If you’ve either had leaky pipes or flooding after heavy rains, this will greatly increase the moisture level of your basement. It doesn’t have to be a massive flood that puts you knee-deep in water; even a little bit of standing water poses a threat.

Water Condensation

If you see water condensation on the windows or walls, this is a sign that you’ve got a damp basement. This condensation most often occurs where there are cracks on walls or floors. You might also see it on surfaces such as appliances or tables.

Increased Allergic Reactions

Allergies bugging you more than usual could be a sign. This could be caused by other factors as well, of course, but if you’re already got a mold infestation going down there, you might find yourself sneezing, coughing and getting sore throats more often. If, when you step down the stairs into the basement you feel your symptoms intensify, this is definitely a sign. In this case, the mold is already out of control and should be remediated immediately.

If you have a damp basement, you’re at risk. Dampness in that area of the house will definitely breed mold. It will also attract rodents and insects into your home, as well as cause serious damage to anything you’ve got stored there. The best way to keep moisture down and prevent a wet basement is to get it completely waterproofed. You can keep the moisture outside of your home where it belongs.