Spring Cleaning In A Whole New Way!

INDICATORS OF FOUNDATION ISSUES

Foundation problems are something every homeowner should be vigilant about, especially during thorough cleaning sessions. With age, settlement becomes increasingly likely, necessitating awareness of warning signs. Here are some key indicators to watch for while sweeping your baseboards or clearing cobwebs:

1. Uneven or Sloping Floors: A settling foundation can cause floor joists and finished flooring to slope or become uneven. If you notice sloping or unevenness, it's likely time to have your foundation assessed for potential repairs.
2. Cracks in Internal and External Walls: Cracks along internal and external walls are telltale signs of settlement and foundation issues. Internal cracks are often found near doors and windows, areas vulnerable to structural weakness. Take note of these cracks and monitor them closely.
3. Cracks in Flooring: Just like walls, concrete slabs around your home can settle unevenly, leading to significant cracks. While cleaning baseboards, be mindful of any separation or cracking where the wall meets the floor.
4. Difficulty Opening Windows and Doors: If your foundation is settling, opening windows and doors can become challenging due to misalignment caused by settlement.
5. Tilting Chimneys: A visibly tilting chimney pulling away from the home is a clear sign of foundation damage. This should be noticeable during landscaping activities. While demolition might seem like the only solution, there are methods to stabilize and save your chimney.

INDICATIONS OF A DAMP OR DAMAGED CRAWL SPACE

Your crawl space plays a significant role in maintaining a clean and healthy home environment. An unencapsulated crawl space can lead to mustiness and mold, affecting indoor air quality. Here are signs that your crawl space needs attention:

1. Musty Odors: An exposed crawl space allows musty, moldy air to infiltrate living areas, contributing to unhealthy indoor air quality. Encapsulation can mitigate this issue.
2. Sinking Floors: Moisture in the crawl space can cause wood rot, weakening floor support structures. If you notice sinking floors, it's time to evaluate your crawl space for wood rot and structural integrity.
3. Worsening Allergy and Asthma Symptoms: Mold thrives in damp environments, making an unprotected crawl space a breeding ground for allergens. Encapsulation reduces allergens and asthma triggers significantly.

SIGNS OF A WET BASEMENT

Basements are often used for storage but can be prone to water intrusion. Signs of a damp basement should be apparent during spring cleaning:

1. Standing Water: Discovering standing water while moving items in the basement indicates water intrusion, which can damage belongings.
2. Musty Odors: Mold thrives in damp environments, leading to musty odors in basements. Temporary cleaning may mask the smell, but waterproofing is necessary to address the root cause.
3. Efflorescence on Walls: Efflorescence, a powdery white deposit, forms when water penetrates walls. Persistent efflorescence indicates ongoing water infiltration.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP! If you notice any of these signs, your home could benefit from an inspection by a certified technician. At Mid-State Basement Systems, we specialize in stabilizing foundations, encapsulating crawl spaces, and waterproofing basements. Contact us today for a FREE inspection and quote.