My Basement is Always Wet and Smelly

Some people love their basements while other people wish they didn't have one. A basement could be that perfectly comfortable space where the kids play and the sleepovers are the most fun. Or it's the room with the chain and lock. Unfortunately you'll need more than that to keep what's down there from entering the rest of your home.

What's in My Basement?

Old clothes, wood, storage, and maybe some bikes and the pool tarp-- but that's not all. We all know there can also be a pretty musty and icky smell along with some flood water. Although this isn't the case for all homeowners, there's a solution for those who do recognize these irritants.

Must and Mold

The musty smell that's somewhat common in homes of all ages is actually the result of unresolved moisture damage.

If your basement has ever withstood a pipe burst, a water heater leak or a flood from the recent rainstorm-- it may be enduring the effects of water damage. Not all basements are completely restored after water has wreaked havoc on the space. In fact, many homeowners think they've done enough by opening the windows and using fans.

Although these methods don't completely dry or prevent future water issues, there are proven ways to protect your basement and home from the distress of water.

Once water has made its way into your basement and you've tried to clean and dry the space, there may be some more cleaning to be done if your home begins to smell a bit musty. That musty smell is actually the result of unresolved water damage because mold has grown in the space.

Mold only needs moisture, organic material to feed on and a comfortable temperature to survive in your basement. Once it has these things mold can grow within 24-48 hour intervals. That's a lot of mold.

What to Do?

If you have difficulty keeping your basement dry or simply keeping it smelling nice, then you need to contact a basement waterproofing expert. A basement waterproofing contractor will come to your home and investigate the environment. Be sure to tell them of the home's past-- how frequently it floods, what kinds of smells and how you've tried to remedy the problems.

Don't think you've done anything wrong or caused the problems. Sometimes homes are made on soils that contain high volumes of water, which will then rise very quickly when it rains. This means that water will seep into your basement from beneath the floor in addition to the water that may enter through any cracks and holes.

Since water can enter through many areas of the basement, it's up to the basement contractor to identify the areas in your basement that leak and perform the necessary repairs. The contractor will also discuss with you the various water drainage options. A sump pump is a wonderful option to suck in the water from beneath the foundation and divert it away from your basement.

If you're interested in learning more about basement waterproofing in Ohio or surrounding areas, contact Superior Basement Systems today. They are the trusted authority in basement and crawl space repair and are the Ohio basement waterproofing contractor you can call for any problem!