There are many ways that a person might use their basement. Some use it as a storage space while others might use it for laundry, a play area, or a bedroom. Regardless of how you use your basement, it’s important to keep it dry. A dry basement can add durability to your home and help you to avoid dangerous situations and costly repairs. The earlier you—or a home inspection company—find a leak in your basement, the easier and cheaper any cleanup or repairs will be. Here are some signs that you have a leaky basement.

Mold

Mold grows best in dark, damp areas, making a wet basement the ideal spot. The existence of mold in a home could have a negative effect on the health of its occupants. Some of the issues that might be caused by mold are headaches, breathing difficulties, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and asthma symptoms. The most likely reason that mold is growing in your basement is that there’s a leak somewhere that is allowing water inside. If you notice the existence of mold in your basement, you should look for a leak.

Stained Concrete Cracks

Whenever concrete is poured, it will naturally crack. This is due to the shrinking during the drying process, the shifting of soil under the foundation, and pressure caused by water or soil. Cracks in cement are usually nothing to be concerned about. If the foundation is properly waterproofed, there should be no way for the water to enter your basement. However, if these cracks have water stains or are wider than a hairline, it’s a sign that there might be a leak. The result is that water could end up in your basement, creating further problems.

Water Stains at the Top of the Basement Wall

A common reason why there’s the intrusion of water in your basement is due to runoff. This can be either roof runoff spillage or surface runoff. Either way, it can cause water to come into your basement. If this situation occurs in your home, you’ll be able to recognize the problem by moisture staining at the top of the basement wall. As soon as you notice this stain, it’s important to determine the cause of the leak so that you can have it repaired. If you determine the cause of the leak early enough, it could allow you to avoid a costly repair.

Tie Holes

When concrete is poured into the foundation of a home to create a concrete wall, wood is used as a placeholder and is held by steel rods. Once the concrete is poured, the wood and steel rods are removed. This results in the concrete wall having small holes where the rods once stood. Those holes should be patched with a strong cement-based material. Poorly patched holes could result in a significant weak spot in the concrete wall, allowing water to seep in. The staining or softening of the paint or drywall over the concrete is a sign that you have a leak and that the tie holes are the cause.

A leak in the basement can be a serious situation as it can cause damage to the room and a health hazard for occupants of your home. Recognizing the signs that you have leak will allow you to have it repaired before any further problems arise. Contact Lodestar Inspection Services at 410-878-3039 today if you need a full home inspection in Baltimore, MD.