You might think that your basement is in great condition. However, there are issues that can remain hidden. Here are some you should be aware of.
Infestation
If you’re unlocked, you could have an infestation of insects lurking in your basement. A basement is a common place where insects like to hide because it is cold, dark and damp – we’ll discuss this more a little further down. A lot of people think they will immediately be aware of a problem like this. However, that’s just not the case. The reality is that it could be weeks or even months before you notice a problem. During this time, the population of those insects is going to be gradually building.
So what are the signs of a problem? Well, it depends on the insect. But, the first sign is usually droppings near where the insects hide through the day. Very few insects stray too far from their hiding hole. It’s best to hire a professional to handle the issue too. If you leave even a few alive, the issue repeats.
Water Damage
You might not worry too much about water damage in your home. However, the basement is an area where this can commonly be an issue. Water damage will often occur if there is a problem with the level of permeability of the land around your property. This will cause water to build upon the surface. Eventually, it’s going to push against the foundation of your property. The first sign of this will be damp walls but this can quickly grow out of control. You will soon find that water begins to pool on the water of the basement too.
One of the easiest ways to prevent this is to make sure that you have a full operational sump pump. If you don’t have a sump pump, it’s worth noting that your insurance provider will typically not cover any damages from flooding. That’s important because if there is an issue then you will also require water damage cleanup.
Alternatively, you can think about speaking to a landscaper. They will be able to ensure that you don’t have to worry about problems with the water pooling up around the foundations of your property. It’s amazing what can be accomplished with the right changes to your garden.
Asbestos
Finally, you might want to think about the issue of asbestos. Asbestos is often used for insulation. This is particularly true in older properties that were built before the 1980s. Despite extensive research into the dangers of asbestos and it’s connection to certain cancers, it still has a presence in homes throughout the country today. The good news is that asbestos is only an issue after it has been disturbed. As such, you won’t have to worry until you complete changes or renovations to your basement. When this does occur, it’s easier and more cost-effective to contain it, rather than attempt to fully remove it.
We hope this helps you understand some of the dangers that you can discover in your basement. Many of these will go completely undetected for years and a lot of people do forget about their basement completely. That’s why it’s best to be on your guard and check your basement for issues like this.
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