Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
Sometimes, basements are used as an extension of a family’s living space or a spacious game/entertainment room. Other times, such as in the case of a basement being used primarily for storage, a basement is not much more than a second thought. A healthy basement, however, is the foundation of a healthy home, and often a basement’s condition is a telltale sign of the overall structural integrity of a house. Ignoring signs of damage can lead to costly repairs and even jeopardize the home’s safety. Our moisture control specialists in Nashville are offering the following critical hints that your basement needs structural repairs:
Uneven floors in the home
When a home’s foundation falters, the floors in the home will also shift. Uneven or sagging floors above your basement could indicate issues with the support beams or foundation. Water can also seep through and distort floors if basement waterproofing is inadequate. If your basement floor looks or feels uneven or if you notice gaps between your floor and walls, this could be an indication that your home’s foundation is settling unevenly, which necessitates a call to our Murfreesboro waterproofing specialists at Ameri Care Services.
Wall and floor cracks
Cracks in the exterior walls or steps and cracks in basement walls or floors are often an indication of serious structural issues, especially if the cracks are horizontal or stair-step in nature. These cracks may signal foundation movement or settling that requires professional attention.
Musty, damp basement
A musty odor in a basement is usually a sign of mold and mildew growth, both of which love damp conditions. A damp crawl space or a wet basement often accompanies foundation problems in a home. Water can enter the basement through cracks. This causes foul odors, mildew growth and uneven, sagging floors.
Doors and windows that stick
Doors and windows that suddenly become difficult to open or close can indicate shifting in your home’s structure — a shifting that often originates in the basement because of foundation settlement or structural movement.
Bowing or bulging walls
Basement walls that are bowing or bulging inward often result from external pressure on the foundation walls, usually caused by water-saturated soil expanding and contracting. Bowing walls are a serious issue that requires immediate structural repair to prevent further damage or collapse.
Basement structural repairs in Nashville and Murfreesboro, TN
Your basement, while it can sometimes be a forgotten part of your house, plays an important role in the overall health and safety of the home. If you notice any of these troublesome hints in or above your basement, contact our Ameri Care Service’s waterproofing specialists in the Knoxville area at (615) 823-8224 to schedule a home visit today.