Whether you know it or not your home can make you sick. The term “sick building syndrome” refers to the phenomenon in which moisture, water infiltration, and related problems cause acute health and comfort issues in homeowners and tenants. In many instances your home is overlooked as the cause of your ailment, however, addressing these issues may lead to improvement in symptoms.
Common symptoms of sick building syndrome:
- Respiratory issues: This can include symptoms like coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and congestion.
- Eye, nose, or throat irritation: Individuals may experience dry or itchy eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, or a scratchy throat.
- Headaches: Frequent headaches are a common complaint among individuals with sick building syndrome.
- Fatigue and difficulty concentrating: Some people report feeling unusually tired and having difficulty focusing on tasks.
- Skin irritation: Skin problems like rashes or itching may occur.
- Nausea and dizziness: Some individuals experience these symptoms when in the building.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit a doctor as soon as possible. This article is not meant to diagnose sick building syndrome but to give you the tools to identify and remedy the issues causing your home to be sick in the first place.
Signs that your basement is making you sick:
- Damp and musty odors
- Visible water damage and stains
- Mold and mildew growth
- Cracks in the basement floor
- High humidity levels
- Pest infestations
Understanding the Cause of a sick basement:
If you identify any of the above warning signs of a sick home, it’s important to address the cause of the issue as soon as possible. Failure to do so can lead to more extensive and costly repairs and further exposure to the irritants that are making you sick in the first place. So, what causes your basement to be sick?
Water infiltration
Water infiltration refers to the unwanted entry of water from the exterior of your home to the interior. Water infiltration in your basement can have a variety of entry points including bulkhead doors and basement windows.
Poor drainage:
Poor drainage is an exterior issue, but it has a direct effect on your basement. If your yard is saturated and moisture is unable to drain from around your home’s foundation, that can lead to water infiltration issues. It is not uncommon for homes with poor drainage to have water leak in over the foundation wall during heavy rainfall.
Hydrostatic pressure
Hydrostatic pressure happens when water gets trapped under your basement slab and can’t drain or percolate fast enough. Pressure builds up in the space and water is forced through cracks and seams in your basement floor.
Foundation issues
Foundation issues is a broad term but, in this circumstance, generally refers to cracks and gaps in your foundation wall that lead to water intrusion. If you have a poured concrete foundation, that can look like cracks, tie rods, cold joints, and pipe core outs. If you have a field stone or cinderblock foundation that can mean mortar deterioration between the stones or blocks.
How to fix your sick basement:
It can feel overwhelming when dealing with a basement that has moisture and water intrusion issues. However, there are a few tried and tested methods of managing water issues in your basement.
- French Drain and Sump Pump: Installation of a French drain and sump pump on the interior of your home can help alleviate hydrostatic pressure under you slab, addressing water seepage and concrete cracking.
- Dehumidifier: Basements are known to be humid. That’s because humidity is heavy and when it enters your home it sinks into the basement. A good dehumidifier will greatly reduce moisture in the area that can lead to mold and mildew growth.
- Grading: This refers to the slope of your yard. When your yard is graded properly it slopes away from the foundation walls, discouraging pooling water near your foundation.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Gutters should be installed and cleaned regularly. Downspouts should be properly directed away from your foundation.
- Window wells: Proper window well installation prevents moisture from building up outside of your basement windows and seeping in through the seams.
- Crack repairs: Crack repairs involve injecting some sort of resin or epoxy into an existing crack, leaking tie rod, cold joint, or pipe core out. This material creates a watertight seal effectively fixing the crack.
- Foundation wall wrap: Also known as vapor barrier, this usually takes the form of antimicrobial sheeting that is hung up on your walls. It’s designed to prevent water from coming into contact with your finished space. It’s generally installed behind the studs and paneling.
When in doubt contact professionals:
Water management can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. There are systems that you can put in place to give yourself a clean and conditioned environment, even in that once dingy basement. For people that suffer with sick building syndrome, addressing the cause of your moist basement is extremely important to regaining comfort in your own home.
The benefit of hiring a professional is their experience and understanding of water management systems. Basement waterproofing isn’t just one component that fixes everything. It’s a dynamic system of solutions that helps you manage water around your home.
Basement waterproofing companies often offer free on-site assessments to help you identify solutions to your water issues. Look for a company that has years of experience and a lot of social proof through review platforms like Google.
In Conclusion
Recognizing signs of a sick basement is vital, as “sick building syndrome” often results from moisture and water issues. Common symptoms include respiratory problems, eye/nose/throat irritation, headaches, fatigue, skin issues, and more. Dampness, water damage, mold, cracks, high humidity, and pests are indicators of a problematic basement.
Solutions like French drains, sump pumps, dehumidifiers, proper grading, gutter maintenance, window well installations, and crack repairs can help. Seeking professional assistance is advisable, as experienced basement waterproofing companies can provide tailored solutions for a healthier living environment. By addressing these issues, you can significantly improve your overall well-being and comfort in your home.