Obtaining, And Maintaining A Healthy Basement Is Important For Both The Occupants Of The Home, As Well As The Structure And Longevity Of The House Itself.
Critical Components to a Healthy Basement
There are a few critical components to a Healthy Basement. The following guide can be used by the property owner as a first pass to assessing the overall health of the basement:
- Unwanted Insect Inhabitants
- Some insects in basements and crawl spaces are common.
- Excessive insect inhabitants may be an indication of deeper issues.
- Visible and Apparent Moisture on Walls, in Corners, on Floor
- Moisture can be common – specifically in crawl spaces and in unfinished and uninsulated areas of a basement.
- Excessive moisture that has led to discoloration and mold growth is an indication of an unhealthy environment.
- Water Accumulation Near Exterior Walls Drains Pipes & Sump Pump Basins
- Any amount of water accumulation – specifically where water is not intended to be – is an indication of a potentially serious issue.
- Water accumulation after a rain, or after a thaw can indicate improper exterior drainage and grading.
- Accumulation of water can also be a symptom of structural integrity lost within the foundation.
- Visible Cracks in Drywall & Concrete Walls
- Some level of cracks within a structure can be typical – and not require further attention.
- Other types of cracks – horizontal, vertical, and diagonal can be indications of stressors being applied to the foundation from various sources.
