DON'T IGNORE ODD SMELLS IN YOUR HOME

ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM AT ITS SOURCE

One our inspectors sent me these photos this morning and I thought it would be a good reminder to some readers. The homeowner had noticed some musty smells in their basement the last 2 or 3 weeks so they called us for a free inspection. During the inspection, AJ went through and examined the space and most likely causes only to reveal a problem the homeowners had even suspected. Water coming into one wall of the basement had destroyed the wood flooring, and mold had begun to fill the space. The family had a large rug with a couch over the top of it so the water was out of sight out of mind.

They didn't even know they had a leak. Now at this point, they have to replace the wood flooring and install a drainage system that will ensure their space stays dry. Here are 4 things that you as a homeowner can do to make sure that you are aware of the condition of your home and make sure that you are protecting your space. 

1. Regularly inspect the corners of your space for warping or signs of water damage. (You may have to move rugs or furniture in order to check this) Cracks or buckling in the sheetrock or along the baseboards is another sign of potential water issues. 
2. Make sure that you are keeping below grade spaces dry and as free of moisture as possible. This will help control the ability for mold to grow or form. 
3. Look at investing in inorganic building materials for your below grade walls and flooring. Products such as our Everlast wall panels and Thermal Dry floors are specifically designed to keep below grade spaces dry and healthy. These products prevent mold growth and also provide a moisture barrier for your space. 
4. Get your basement and crawlspace routinely inspected. John's Waterproofing provides free estimates and inspection of your below-grade spaces. Our trained inspectors will thoroughly inspect the space and ensure that you don't have any lurking issues that could wind up being large problems down the road.