Exterior Basement Door
This basement has exterior access that is subject to the elements. Exterior accesses pose a concern because they are an access point for water, especially during heavy rains.
Bottom of exterior basement steps
At the bottom of the exterior basement access, we can see water entering has been an issue. Dirt and sediment have been carried down by the water and the infiltrating water has damaged the threshold, the basement door, and causes chipping and peeling of the floor.
Open Sump Pits
This is intended to be used as a sump pit. Sump pits are ineffective in keeping basements dry because they are not airtight and allow any water in the pit to evaporate into the basement. They also collect dirt and sediment, clogging the pump.
Peeling and Chipping Paint
Peeling and chipping paint on the walls and floor are a sign of moisture coming through the walls or floor and causing the paint to pull away from the brick. In an unpainted block wall, we look for staining and efflorescence to indicate moisture moving through the walls.
Moisture and Mold
Water has seeped in through the walls and floor. We can see some staining on the wood from moisture, dirt that has been carried in, and some microbial growth on the wood structure. These are all indicators of moisture entering the basement.
