Unpleasant, musky odors. Water gets into the basement by leaking in from outside soil or rain, or by indoor plumbing or appliance issues. Once it comes in, it soaks into surfaces and begins to allow bacteria to grow, causing a familiar musty odor that you could probably make yourself smell even as you read this. Many people have grown to believe this is simply the way basements and underground rooms smell, but that shouldn’t be the case. This smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment, and though you may not yet see them on walls or floors, the smell should tip you off that there’s a problem that needs to be addressed.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. If your paint is bubbling or cracking, you can almost be sure there’s a water issue behind it somewhere that needs to be searched out. Even waterproof paints that kill mold and mildew can’t prevent water from coming through, and in fact they may merely mask a greater problem. If you see flaking and bubbling, water is almost certainly the culprit.

Foundational cracks. While homes have been known to shift over a period of years, a legitimate crack in the foundation requires immediate attention, and may be a sign of a significant water leak or loss under the house. Foundation cracks may manifest themselves inside the home as well: Cracks can show up in the floor, the ceiling or in your walls, a sign that a foundation crack is putting strain and lopsided pressure on the rest of your home’s structure. Hairline cracks inside are no cause for immediate alarm, but keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t increase in number or size.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more.