As a waterproofing firm in the Greater Raleigh Area, we possess extensive experience evaluating homes and commercial buildings for signs of moisture damage. Property owners usually benefit by detecting water drainage and water leak problems as quickly as possible. We recommend property owners periodically check basements and any visible structural foundation surfaces for signs of damage.

Six Common Signs of Water Leaks

Sometimes, owners notice conditions which strongly suggest the presence of a leak. Look for any of these six common signs:

Wet or Flooded Surfaces:

The walls and floors of your basement and the exteriors of any exposed building foundations should not visibly leak. If you notice wet surfaces caused by pooled water in interior locations, then your home or business may benefit from skilled assistance. A waterproofing company strives to help customers enjoy dry, comfortable interiors and secure building foundations through a variety of means. In some situations, the installation of basement drains and/or sump pumps offers effective assistance.

Stained Drywall:

In a finished basement, discolored, stained drywall sometimes indicates the presence of a leak. In certain cases, these marks simply denote the existence of a previous (and now corrected) problem. However, if you observe a fresh stain on drywall, particularly one which appears to expand in size over the course of time, you’ll want to determine the cause. A waterproofing expert may offer valuable assistance.

Moldy Odors:

A dank, musty smell emanating from an exposed foundation or a basement interior often signifies a water leak. Although molds thrive in nature, their growth indoors on basement walls or floors points to excessively moist conditions. Once again, if you notice moldy odors or detect mold growing in your basement, consider requesting a waterproofing inspection. While you’ll want to remove the mold correctly, it remains important to also determine and fix the conditions contributing to fungus growth.

Cracked Concrete:

While all cured concrete will develop minor surface imperfections, visible cracks in this material sometimes reveal the presence of a water leak. Water entering a basement may seep into the walls through small cracks; over the course of time, unless repaired, the fissures generally expand in size.

Bubbling, Blistering Concrete:

Builders typically insert metal bars called “rebar” inside thick concrete structures during construction to provide extra support. If water or other conditions cause the rebar to begin rusting, concrete on the surface may appear discolored. It often develops a “bubbly” or blistered appearance. This type of concrete surface damage has gained the name “concrete cancer.” Its presence in a foundation or basement indicates the property requires repair attention. Concrete structures with this condition may eventually start crumbling or breaking apart in the absence of suitable corrective measures.

Soggy Soil Around Basement Exteriors:

The ground in yards will inevitably become damp following a heavy rain or the seasonal melting of snow. However, if you notice the terrain immediately around your house remaining soggy and waterlogged for extended periods of time during the year, it remains a wise precaution to request a waterproofing inspection. Many possible reasons can underlie this problem: a poorly functioning gutter and downspout system, a leaky roof, inadequate yard drainage, a broken sprinkler system, or even a leaking underground water or sewer pipe. Many conditions can produce soggy ground around the perimeter of a home. Unless corrected, chronically damp and waterlogged earth surrounding basements and foundations may eventually cause water leak problems for homeowners. A waterproofing company can usually offer a number of possible solutions. For example, in some cases installing a French Drain helps redirect water away from the home. This solution may prevent soggy conditions from developing around the perimeter.

If You Suspect Possible Water Damage

When alert property owners detect evidence of possible water damage impacting a concrete slab, a foundation or a basement, it makes sense to request expert assistance as soon as possible. Delay may simply exacerbate damage to the property. Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. helps customers obtain effective waterproofing services throughout the Greater Raleigh, North Carolina region.

We offer valuable assistance to homeowners and businesses seeking dry premises. In some situations, we’ll undertake leak repair measures by supplying crack injection and foundation repair. The availability of this assistance depends upon many factors, including the extent of the damage. We urge concerned property owners to contact us as soon as they suspect a possible drainage or water leak problem. Customers often ask us to perform inspections to verify the presence of leaks. Contact us at 919-877-9969 to request our services.

Further Information:

1. https://www.raleighwaterproofinginc.com/crack-injections.html