If you have a few inches of water covering your basement floor after a hard rain, it's pretty obvious you have a problem to fix. Other times, you might not be sure if your basement needs to be waterproofed. A wet or damp basement can affect your entire home, so keeping the basement dry is important. Here are some signs your home could need to be waterproofed.

Mold Growing On Surfaces

Mold is an indicator of moisture problems. When you see mold in your house, it's time to track down the source of dampness and repair it. Mold can appear in a range of colors and it might cover an entire wall or be confined to a small area. The dangerous thing about mold is that it can be hidden so you have no idea how bad the problem is.

What looks like a small patch of mold could be just a tiny part of a large mold growth that's hidden behind drywall. You can't always see mold, but you can often smell it. If your basement has a mildew or musty odor, it could be due to chronic dampness that needs to be addressed by waterproofing your basement.

Water Stains On The Walls Or Floor

You may not think to check the basement often for signs of moisture, so when you do check, the water might be gone. However, water often leaves behind clues such as stains on the floor or walls. There could even be a white substance on the walls that looks like salt, but it's minerals left on the surface after water has dried up. You can see water stains on concrete as well as wood. If you have rugs on the floor, these may stay damp or soggy in addition to becoming discolored with stains.

Rust On Metal Objects

When metal things in your basement start to rust, you know the humidity levels in the space are too high. You might see rust on the sides of a refrigerator you keep in the basement or on a metal toolbox. A metal filing cabinet might be rusted on the bottom if the floor is wet frequently. When you notice metal objects in the basement rusting, be sure to check the basement frequently for signs of water. You may need to do this after it rains or every morning when the lawn sprinklers shut off.

Bugs Multiplying In Your Home

Certain bugs love damp and wet places. Bugs such as silverfish can be indicators you have a water problem in your home. However, since other bugs are drawn to water-loving bugs as a source of food, you may notice an increase in all kinds of bugs when you have a chronic wet basement problem. You may see roaches and spiders everywhere. If you use your basement for storage, the boxes may become infested with bugs that scatter when you move a box.

Once you've determined you have a problem with a wet basement, a contractor, such as from Safe-Way Waterproofing, can help you figure out what to do about it. There are several options for home waterproofing, so you can find a solution that works and fits your budget. Water is an enemy to your basement and your home. The longer your basement is wet, the more damage that occurs and the more problems that develop in your house. Drying out your basement and keeping it dry is an important way to preserve the value of your home.