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.
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 crawlspaces is 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 crawlspaces 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, and 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, and 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