The basement of a house or any other property is an often overlooked part, one that is much more important than what you may believe at first glance. Problems in the basement can easily lead towards structural problems, which would lead towards safety hazards. With this in mind, you need to be really careful and always pay close attention to maintenance.
Look For These Possible Problems
- Downspouts
In the event that you have downspouts or gutters, make sure that they are always properly connected and positioned. They basically have to be turned away from the property’s foundation so that water can be diverted from the foundation at a difference of over five feet. You basically want to avoid water from pooling against walls.
- Grading
Ground grading needs to slope from the property. Water will have to be turned away from foundation, with a fall that is of over 6 inches at the first ten feet away from home.
- Mold And Dampness
Carefully inspect the entire basement for mold and dampness signs. As soon as such a problem is noticed, you will need to try to fix it. Speed is important in this case since we are talking about a sign of a huge problem.
- Window Wells
In the event that you have windows under grade in your basement, you will need to be sure there are wells built around them. Proper bottom drainage is necessary. When the window wells are clogged, water can start entering the property. Insect infestation can appear and window well sides have to be checked to be sure that everything is properly sealed.
- Sump Pumps
When a sump pump is present, it needs to operate properly. Water has to be discharged properly. When the sump pump will discharge on the ground, water has to be carried far enough from your house. Connections should not leak since freezing during winter becomes possible. A sump pump that is older than 5 years is especially problematic and you have to see if it operates properly.
- Pests
Always inspect your home often from pest presence. Look for droppings along basement walls, where home framing sits.
- Pipes And Ducts
In the event that you have heating ducts or air conditioning going through your basement, make sure that conditioned air will not go into finished areas since that can lead towards energy waste. Seal leaks as soon as they are noticed and avoid all un-insulated ducting. Water piping should also be insulated at all times.
- Support Columns And Beams
Every single support beam needs to be inspected to be sure that there are no gaps that are present between main house girders and the beams. Abnormal positioning, moisture damage and insect infestation signs should always be seen as problems.
On the whole, the most important thing to consider is making sure that you often inspect the basement for any sign of damage. If you do see that there are problems, solve them as soon as possible. Do not waste time since this would lead towards really costly repairs.
