The basement can be one of the most valuable spaces in your home. That’s why it’s important to waterproof it and make sure that you’re protecting all of the work you put into renovating this space.

There are so many benefits you’ll get from waterproofing, including lower insurance rates, less wear and tear on your property, a more comfortable living environment, protection from flooding and mold growth.

Here are six signs that it’s time to waterproof:

You notice a musty smell when you go into your basement.

Basements that aren’t waterproofed can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can cause a musty smell.  If you notice that your basement smells like a musty gym locker, it’s probably time to get the basement waterproofed.

You see dark spots on the flooring of your basement.

Dark spots on concrete are an obvious sign that your foundation is leaking and needs to be repaired or waterproofed so it doesn’t continue to damage the floor.  As the water seeps into the concrete, it causes it to weaken and crumble, which creates holes in your basement floor.
This also goes for dark spots on wood floors. If you have wooden planks that are rotting from the inside out, your basement is obviously not waterproof.

You notice water pooling on the floor in your basement

If water starts pooling on your basement floor unexpectedly, even if it’s just from the outside when it rains or snows, you need to address the issue immediately. You can’t afford to ignore this problem because it could cause serious structural damage to your home if left alone for any length of time.

The walls of your basement are stained with water marks.

An easy way to tell if you need to waterproof is by looking at the walls of your basement for any signs of staining. If there are dark spots that look like streaks on your wall, that’s an obvious sign that water has been seeping into your basement.

You’re noticing more humidity in the air than usual

If the humidity levels in your area are particularly high and you see a curtain of moisture when you open up your basement, it’s time to waterproof. If left alone, this would cause mold growth and destroy all of your hard work.

Waterproofing will help prevent humidity from causing mod problems. You can also install a dehumidifier in your basement to help reduce the amount of moisture that is trapped in the air. This will reduce the chance of mold growth and other issues caused by excessive humidity.

You see signs of mold growing in your basement or crawl spaces

If you notice that your basement has mold growing in certain spots, or if the crawl space under your house is full of musty, dark-colored mold, it’s time to waterproof. Not only will this protect the structural integrity of your home, but it’s also important for health reasons since mold can be toxic in high amounts. A professional can help you decide how to waterproof your basement and crawl space so that this doesn’t happen again.

If you spot any of these issues, it’s time to call in the professionals. Whether you need a full basement waterproofing solution, structural repairs, or mold prevention, Affordable Waterproofing has over 30 years’ experience delivering waterproofing services to homes in the New Jersey area.