Hard, But Meaningful WorkHard But Meaningful Work


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Hard, But Meaningful Work

Over the years, as we have observed contractors working on our home, one thing has become clear: this is not easy work. Whether the contractor is replacing pipes, framing a new room, or installing flooring, they are always working really hard to get the job done. We admire this. Many other professionals could benefit from observing this work ethic. As soon as we realized how hard contractors work, we had to share that fact on the internet. In fact, there are lots of other facts about contractors that we feel are worthy of sharing, which is why we continue to post on this blog.

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Signs That Your Basement Waterproofing Needs To Be Replaced

Waterproofing is one of the most essential tools you have in your fight against the erosion of your home's foundations. Not only can water slowly eat away at anything from cement to wood, but it also can make potholes in the earth beneath your foundations and cause miniature cave-ins. Basement waterproofing is, therefore, the only real defense you have against these issues, but how do you know if yours is holding up? Here are the telltale signs that your basement waterproofing is collapsing and that you need to do something about it as soon as possible!

Mold

Mold is the easiest and most blatant indication that there is an unidentified water source in the area, which almost always means that some part of your waterproofing has failed. Mold cannot grow without water, so it stands to reason that if you see mold, water is not far behind. Unfortunately, mold presents its own problem apart from just telling you that your waterproofing is breaking, as it can very easily make you sick if it is a dangerous type. Always call for an inspection the moment you see mold, wherever it is, but especially in your basement as that could be a serious leak.

Rising Damp

You may not fully understand what rising damp is unless you have experienced it but basically it is the slow and steady rise of water in the materials that your house is made from. Rising damp can occur in brick, wood, cement, anywhere really. As water is absorbed by these materials you will see it in a visible line where one part of the wall is darker and one part looks normal. This can also lead to paint peeling and other indicators. If you see rising dampness in your home, then make sure your basement waterproofing is checked out by a professional.

Cracking In The Cement

Many people assume that cement basement floors are just meant to crack and that because of the pressure when they dry they will always end up cracking at some point. That is categorically not true, and if you see any cracking in your basement floor, it is likely due to water damage causing weaknesses in the internal structure of the concrete. This can come from plumbing, rain, or other flooding sources, and they need to be addressed quickly or the whole house could be at risk of being ruled unsafe to live in. 

If you feel your basement waterproofing might be compromised, contact a contractor today.