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Health & Fitness

Common Problems In New Homes

A new home doesn't always equal a problem-free home. Many new homeowners find themselves dealing with a variety of unforeseen problems, especially when it comes to water and moisture. With the right information, you can quickly address some these issues before they become serious and costly.

Grading and Drainage Problems
Drainage problems associated with grading (the angle at which land slopes) are a common cause of wet basements in new homes. Ideally, the ground around your home should slope away from your foundation. But even when soil is properly graded, it can still settle in a short period of time. This can lead to pooling of water that can seep into your basement or crawl space. This is especially problematic at the end of winter when snow starts melting. 

Slab or Foundation Heaving
Another common problem with new homes is slab or foundation heaving. This is when underlying soil expands (usually because of heavy rain, frost, or plumbing leaks), causing the foundation or slab to bowl upwards and crack. Many new homes are built on expansive soils which makes heaving all the more likely. 

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Ventilation Issues
A home that isn't properly ventilated can have a lot go wrong. Poor ventilation leads to increased humidity, which increases the chances of mold, dust mites, and other organic materials that can affect air quality. These things are particularly troublesome for people with asthma and other lung problems. Mold also causes rot which can damage the structural integrity of your home.

How You Can Fix This
If you’re experiencing basement/crawl space moisture, foundation cracks, or high humidity, it’s a good idea to solve the problem NOW before it gets worse. At Innovative Basement Systems, we've helped hundreds of homeowners across Minnesota and North Dakota. With our experience and superior foundation repair, home ventilation, and basement waterproofing, we’re confident that no matter your problem, Innovative will be able to help. Call us at 877-365-0097 or fill out our online form today to schedule your free estimate!

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