Basement inspections are designed to keep your Alexandria home protected from water intrusion. Here are a few things contractors are looking for. 

Cracks 

Cracks are an obvious sign of damage to your foundation. Just because there is a crack, it doesn’t necessarily mean there is already leaking, but it is more likely to leak as it does present an entrance for water to get into your home more easily. 

• Horizontal cracks: often due to unbalanced soil and hydrostatic pressure against the foundation wall 
• Vertical cracks: do not pose a structural threat and are commonly found in poured foundations running straight up and down the wall 
• Diagonal cracks: do not pose a structural threat to the structural integrity and are caused by the natural curing of the concrete foundation wall or settlement over time. 
• Stair-step cracks: happen along mortar joints and pose a serious threat to the integrity of the basement foundation

Obvious signs of water intrusion 

• Wet carpet
  • It’s not common for homeowners to walk closely to the perimeter of their wall, so wet carpet may not be obvious to them unless it’s noticeable. An inspection may include pulling up a corner of the carpet where it meets the wall to see anything that may be underneath. 
• Damaged basement finishings
  • If you have a finished basement, there may be potential damage and decay on your drywall and baseboard. Mold thrives in damp and dark places. 
• Damp, musty smell 
• Efflorescence
  • A chalky, white substance that can collect on block foundation walls. 
• Peeling Paint 
• Bubbling Drywall

If you already see any of these warning signs, contact us today to schedule your free consultation and estimate.