Most of the different types of basement repair deal with moisture and cracks in a home's foundation. Both issues can have serious effects on a house if they aren't dealt with as soon as possible. Common types of basement repair done to fix cracks or prevent moisture include adding caulking, repairing drains and waterproofing.
Waterproofing basement repair involves coating the walls and floors with a special type of paint or spray. The paint or spray acts as a sealer to keep moisture out of the basement. Concrete requires sealing to resist moisture because it's an extremely porous material. Even brand new basements should be waterproofed. Waterproofing sprays and paints may be used on poured concrete, mortar and cement blocks.
Leaks needing basement repair may be caused by a clogged pipe or drain. Clogged floor drains in basements are common repairs. A long de-clogging tool called a snake may be used to unclog the drain. Basement drains should be regularly maintained and cleaned of hair and other debris that may lead to clogs or cause leaks.
Caulking is used to seal small cracks and gaps that are easy for most homeowners to repair. It's important to do regular maintenance and basement repair to keep small problems from getting worse. The areas around basement windows and doors should be caulked to help prevent leaks. Foundation cracks caused by deterioration of the supportive materials within the concrete usually need repairing by a professional, experienced contractor. Specifically, the metal support rods within a house's concrete foundation may become rusted and need to be replaced.
Crumbling basement concrete can be caused by soil problems. A shift in a house's foundation can cause cracks. Small cracks can get bigger fast, so it's important to check a basement regularly for any needed repairs.
Since basements are so close to the ground, dampness is very common. Even small leaks can cause big moisture problems in a basement since it can cause wood support beams to rot. Musty odors may be signs of mold. Mold problems should be repaired as soon as possible or health and respiratory issues may result. If a basement is damp and awaiting repair, regular washings with a bleach and water solution may help prevent mold growth until needed repairs can be made.