3 Subtle Signs That Your Older Home's Foundation May Be Leaking

If you own an older home, you may worry that the foundation could have damage inside that you are unable to see. If so, look for the following subtle signs that this could be the case.

White Powder Has Formed On The Basement Walls

While standing in your basement, look carefully at the walls using a flashlight to fully illuminate the surfaces. Look for a white, powdery substance, which is called efflorescence. This is caused by water being forced through tiny holes in cement walls, usually caused by tiny cracks in the outer foundation walls.

If you do find this powder, walk around the outside of your home to see if you find any hairline cracks or chipped concrete. These could be letting water seep into the foundation, causing the efflorescence. If not repaired by a professional, the buildup of water inside the foundation could make the openings larger, leading to substantial water leakage.

Black Streaks Have Appeared In The Corners

After looking at the walls of your basement, turn your attention towards the corners to see if you find any black or dark green streaks. If so, these streaks are likely caused by black mold that is growing in the pores of your foundation. Because mold requires ample water to thrive, this could be an indication that water is seeping through the foundation.

If you suspect you have black mold growing in your basement, you may want to have it inspected by a foundation repair specialist as soon as possible, since the mold carries health risks with it, including adverse respiratory reactions in those who are allergic to it or who already have breathing issues.

Floor Is Uneven Or Starting To Dip

Once you have inspected the walls, look at your basement floor, especially where it meets the walls. While standing back, you may notice that it is uneven or has areas that dip down. If you see either or both of these characteristics, there could be a problem with your foundation.

If too much water is seeping in around the outer walls of the foundation, it could be softening the ground around them, as well as the ground beneath the floors. If not fixed, your floor could eventually crack or crumble.

If you notice any or all of the signs above, your foundation may be leaking on the inside and may need repairing. If you suspect this is the case, you may want to contact a foundation repair service like Safe-Guard Waterproofing to come inspect your foundation and discuss with you your options.