K & S Contracting specializes in foundation repair for homeowners across Saskatchewan. In addition, they also offer general contracting services to Saskatoon and the surrounding area. In their latest Trusted Saskatoon tip, K & S Contracting, Trusted Saskatoon General Contractors, and foundation specialists, share 5 signs your basement is leaking.
Basements are an integral part of any home, especially in Saskatoon, and it’s important to keep them dry and free from leaks. A leaky basement can not only cause damage to your home but can also create a health hazard by promoting mould growth. Here are five signs that your basement is leaky and in need of repair.
WATER STAINS
One of the most obvious signs of a leaky basement is the appearance of water stains on the walls or floor. These stains are usually brown or yellow in colour and can indicate that water is seeping into your basement. In addition, you may also notice discolouration or efflorescence, a powdery substance that forms on the surface of the wall due to water evaporation.
MUSTY ODOUR
A musty odour in your basement can also indicate the presence of water. This odour is caused by mould and mildew growing in damp areas, which can be a sign of a leaky basement. If you notice a musty odour in your basement, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible, as mould can be harmful to your health.
PEELING PAINT OR WALLPAPER
If you notice that paint or wallpaper in your basement is peeling or blistering, it could be due to exposure to moisture. This can be a sign of a leak, as the water is causing the adhesive to break down and causing the paint or wallpaper to peel away from the wall.
CRACK IN THE WALLS OR FLOOR
Another sign of a leaky basement is the appearance of cracks in the walls or floor. These cracks can be a result of settling or shifting, or they can indicate that water is entering your basement through a weakness in the foundation. Inspecting these cracks by a K & S Contracting professional is important to determine the cause and the best course of action. As this could be 1 of the 5 signs your basement is leaking.
HIGH HUMIDITY LEVELS
If you notice that the humidity levels in your basement are consistently high, it can be a sign of a leak. High humidity levels can cause condensation on walls and floors, which can promote mould growth and other health hazards.
In conclusion, if you notice any of these 5 signs in your basement, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and to maintain the overall health and safety of your home. You need to consult with
K & S Contracting owner, Steve Ostapiw to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. By taking care of your basement, you can ensure that it remains a safe, dry, and healthy living space for years to come.
K & S Contracting specializes in foundation repair for homeowners across Saskatchewan. In addition, they also offer general contracting services to Saskatoon and the surrounding area. In their latest Trusted Saskatoon tip, K & S Contracting, Trusted Saskatoon General Contractors, and foundation specialists, share the advantages of a walkout basement.
Walkout Basements are designed so you can walk out the main floor of your home. Quite often, this basement design incorporates a wall with windows and a door that you can walk out of on the ground level, and it may have a raised patio or covered roof from the upper floor of the house to cover this entrance.
Some of the advantages of a walk-out basement include full-size windows in your basement. Full-size windows allow more natural light into your space. If you are looking to grow plants or use a portion of this space as a workspace, it is always well lit naturally.
MORE LIVING SPACE
Generally, a walk-out basement is the same square footage as your upper living space, based on this, you have more living space. Walkout basements can be transformed into mudrooms that neatly hold shoes, backpacks and other items for coming in and out of the house. When put to its best use, a walkout basement provides endless ways to gain square footage in your home without enlarging its footprint.
ACCESS TO THE OUTDOORS
Because you have built your home with a walk-out basement, you literally have access to the outdoors from this level. Typically you will have a door that allows you to walk right into your backyard creating a hosting space or second living room that leads into the backyard for seamless entertaining; or as an indoor/outdoor playroom for the kids.
SEPARATE APARTMENT FROM YOUR WALKOUT BASEMENT
Based on the amount of space you have in your walkout basement, many people use this space to create a separate apartment. A private door to the outdoors makes a walkout basement ideal for a standalone apartment where older children can live or as a complete in-law suite for flexible multi-generational living. If you’re looking to supplement your income, you might consider turning your walkout basement into a rental apartment where the tenants can come and go as they please without needing access to your home from the side door.