Basement Waterproofing Iowa City

kelly concrete logo

Basement Waterproofing Iowa City

Signs you might need basement waterproofing

The arrival of the spring thaw combined with an anticipated rainy season makes basement waterproofing in Iowa City a primary concern for homeowners. Even if you have not ever experienced the struggles of flooding, it is common for many homes to have wet basements resulting from an aging infrastructure, poor workmanship and/or the use of inferior materials. So, how do you know if your basement needs waterproofing? Here are some of the most common signs you should be aware of.

Bowed Foundation Walls

When foundation walls are bowed, the problem can typically only be seen from inside of your basement, unless your home is a split-level with a walk-out basement. It is common to not notice the problem right away unless you are actually looking for the problem or if you are renovating or stripping the walls before painting. Bowing walls are usually caused by an inward pressure of soil around your home, which increases the weight due to inadequate grading, poor drainage and/or heavy rains. As the amount of water builds up in the soil, it increases the pressure and eventually pushes the walls inward. Unfortunately, if the problem isn’t corrected by repairing the walls and using quality basement waterproofing Iowa City homeowners may experience possible collapse of the walls.

Chipping and Cracking

In some situations, chipping and cracking may accompany the bowing or they may simply be a sign that soil around the foundation is settling and shifting. As the foundation settles, the movement may cause the appearance of cracks and if the basement is finished, you may find paint chips and/or plaster falling as the damage spreads. Although cracks and chipping may affect the appearance, minor cracks in the wall aren’t themselves much of a problem. However, if you have water in the soil surrounding the foundation, the cracks can allow water to find its way into your home. A quick and easy solution to the problem is with basement waterproofing in Iowa City; not only will basement waterproofing increase the resale value of your home, but will prevent these problems from occurring.

Dampness and Humidity

If there are spots of dampness on the floors or walls or if the basement air is more humid than the outside weather should merit, there may be water entering the basement through cracks in the foundation. Another sign of water seeping through the foundation is efflorescence, which is an accumulation of dissolved minerals. As the water travels through a porous material, such as brick, it accumulates dissolved minerals which appear invisible until the water evaporates; leaving the trace elements behind. Efflorescence appears as a white, chalky residue. If you notice any of these signs, basement waterproofing in Iowa City might be in order.

Mold, Mildew & Musty Odors

If your basement has a musty odor and/or you notice mildew or patches of mold growth, it is a sure sign of a damp basement. Mold thrives in damp spaces that have no exposure to natural light and little air circulation, which describes most basements. Not only is mold visually unattractive, but it can also cause health problems, such as asthma, allergies and other respiratory problems. It is best to not ignore these signs and contact a company that provides basement waterproofing in Iowa City as soon as possible.
Water leaks into the foundation of your home can lead to extensive damage to the structure of your home as well as damage to any items you have stored in the basement. It is best to not ignore any of the signs of water possibly seeping into the foundation walls or floors of the basement. The sooner the problem is addressed, the less you are to incur more expensive repair bills.
If you are concerned about a leaky basement, contact Kelly Concrete Co for an in-home estimate. We are the leading foundation repair and basement waterproofing company in Iowa City. Basement waterproofing is only one of our specialties; we are renowned for our rapid response times, attention to detail and expert workmanship.
Share by: