Keeping up with the condition of your house is an absolute must. One of the ways you can keep up with the condition of your house is by routinely getting basement inspections. Basement inspections can identify moisture and any other damages present and check the integrity of the house’s structure and foundation. Here’s some insight on the importance of basement inspections and why you should make them a priority for your own home.
Identifies Foundation Issues
Over time, the weather and the moisture that can come with it can cause foundation cracks. If you don’t discover these cracks in your foundation for a long time, they can cause a more harmful and serious situation. Checking your basement yourself throughout the year will help you keep up with these issues; however, it’s always a good idea to have a professional check out your basement, too. A professional might be able to identify which cracks you should be worried about and what areas need to be fixed.
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Catches Leaks
Water can enter the basement in many ways, but identifying how water is getting into your basement might be hard to do. Hiring a professional to inspect your basement will allow them to get a good look at how the water is getting inside. Some examples of where water can enter include window wells, cracks, and pinholes. A basement inspection will catch whatever problem is present.
Uncovers Moisture
People often don’t even realize moisture is present in their basements. A professional will be able to identify any moisture, even at the smallest scale. Moisture is dangerous, and it can lead to issues such as mold and mildew, which can directly lead to serious health issues if you don’t deal with them.
Reveals Broken Sump Pumps
Sump pumps help remove groundwater from your home’s basement or crawlspace. If your sump pump stops working, water could get into your basement and foundation walls, causing mold and mildew. If too much water gets in, your basement could flood. We recommend replacing your sump pump on an average of every 7 years. If you have an older sump pump, you should check if it’s still running correctly.
Exposes Air Quality & Health Risks
Once water enters your basement, mold can begin to grow on your walls, floors, or areas where water pools up. If you notice black or green spots appearing on a wall or floor, that’s mold taking over your home. Mold can grow on wood, wallpaper, ceilings, insulation, and floor carpet. The last place you want mold is your furniture, which can be ruined instantly. Mold comes with major health hazards.
- Eye irritations
- Skin rashes
- Nasal congestion
- Breathing problems (worsening with individuals with asthma.)
There are also a small number of molds that produce mycotoxins. Individuals exposed to a high level of mycotoxins can suffer from nausea, fatigue, eye irritation, lung irritation, and headaches. If you can’t see the mold, it comes with a musty odor that can help you find it.
Did you know you breathe the air of the floor below you? If there is mildew in your basement, it will travel throughout the rest of your home. A basement inspection can help find the problem areas so you can get back to breathing healthy, clean air.
The Real Seal
Understanding the importance of basement inspections will make you want to prioritize them. If you’re looking for a company to fix the issues your basement inspector found, reach out to us here at The Real Seal LLC. We specialize in repairing foundations as well as in waterproofing basements. These inspections are just what you and your family need to keep your basement and home in tip-top shape!
