According to jesbasementsystems.com, a drain tile that is clogged with silt and settlement, causing the drain to not function properly, can cause water leakage. When the water doesn't drain properly, it causes the wall in the basement to deteriorate, cracks start to surface, bulges in walls occur, and the basement starts to produce a musty smell. The smell occurs from mold and fungus left untreated. This smell will contribute to allergies and asthma problems if left untreated. If there is a white chalky substance on the walls, then that is a sign that the concrete is breaking down the bonding agent that holds the wall together. Once the water is permanently in the foundation wall, then the wall will collapse because nothing is holding it together.
According to The American Society of Home Inspectors, "over 60 percent of basements have moisture seepage in one form or another, while 38 % experience mold and fungus growth due to an elevated moisture level."
Water vapor is the gas phase of water and it can be produced from the evaporation of liquid water or from the sublimation of ice. Once water vapor occurs it can seep inside the basement, and it condenses. Water vapor will only condense onto another surface when that surface is cooler than the temperature of the water vapor.
"The humidity will build up, and this will lead to molds, mildew, and musty odors," says Cumpelik.
If the basement shows signs of water seepage, then necessary precautions need to be taken to waterproof it. There are quality basement waterproofing systems called WaterGuard, DrainTrak, DryTrak and others. According to timesunion.com, "the idea is that basement water problems never get better, they only get worse as the house ages and the drains and coatings that protected the house fail."
Another problem that occurs in basements is radon gas. Radon is a natural, radioactive gas that is an extremely toxic, colorless gas. It emanates from uranium and radium in the ground.
"It is all around us because it comes from the ground to the air," says Cumpelik.
Radon gas can occur in any home in any state; even new homes can have this problem. The poisonous gas can get into well-sealed homes as well. There are kits that homeowners can buy at hardware stores or online to determine if the gas is in your home. After doing the kit and determining if the gas is present, then necessary actions need to be taken. Radon gas causes lung cancer and can affect anyone young or old.
