Water seepage in the basement is by no means a rare occurrence which is quite worrying Toronto homeowners such as myself deal with frequently. Because of such factors as water, pressure, and occasional heavy rains, snow melt, fluctuating temperatures in the city and the rest of the year, the chances of water seeping into basements are high. If left unmended, basement leak has various implications such as basement damage, mold development and many others. It is important to know what can cause a basement to become leaky and how that can be solved in Toronto, to help save your property. In this article, the likely cause of basement leaks, and the best approaches towards solving this problem will be discussed.
Common Causes of Leaky Basements in Toronto
There are various causes of a leaky basement in Toronto and most solutions start with finding out what exactly is causing this issue. Here are the most common culprits:
Cracks in the Foundation: The most common source of basement leaks is cracks, which are so prominent in its foundations. At some point in every house’s existence, sometimes due to the natural shifting of the home over time or changes in temperature, possibly even because of the initial construction, but more than likely, some form of structural damage has occurred to the base of the home and it is cracked. These cracks are invasion zone for the water especially during rainy season of when snow melts.
Poor Drainage Systems: This is also true with drainage around the home; poor drainage causes seepage, thus a leaky basement. If the land around your concrete foundation is not sloped adequately, water will gather close to the house foundation and soak into the basement walls. Also, downspouts that failed to discharge water at a sufficient distance from the house can cause leaks.
Hydrostatic Pressure: Toronto receives seasonal rainfall and; therefore, the ground encompassing your home may be dampened by water. This buildup of water applies hydrostatic pressure to the walls of your basement through pressure and forces moisture through cracks or porous surfaces. This pressure can build upon during spring especially after snow meltage and increased water table.
Faulty or Aging Waterproofing: Several houses especially the old ones in Toronto do not incorporate modern systems of waterproofing. In the long-run, although it is possible to occasional install, some houses may need to use waterproofing membranes as they may wear out with time. An old or an improperly done waterproofing system will leave your basement exposed to potential leaks.
Clogged or Failing Weeping Tiles: Weeping tiles or sometimes referred to as drainage tiles are installed to ensure water drains away from your home’s foundation. However, in case the tiles have been filled up by soil, roots, or debris, water accumulation results to basement leaks.
Solutions to a Leaky Basement in Toronto
Basement leaks are categorized into two, the one currently being experienced and the subsequent ones in future, and one needs to repair it by solving both issues. Here are some common fixes for basement leaks in Toronto:
Repair Foundation Cracks: In treating a leaking basement, the first mitigation process that can be checked is the repair of the foundation cracks. Small cracks can be closed by hydraulic cement or epoxy resins are injected into the crack. However, for the huge or more severe crack which requires brick work the service of a professional civil contractor should be sought in order to make a proper diagnosis and fix Reid.
Improve Drainage Around Your Home: Proper completion for drainage should also be done around your structure so that in future, leeks do not occur. This can include reforms of the terrain around your house with an aim of draining water away from the foundation. Also, making downspouts to provide gradients of at least six feet from the foundation can prevent water seepage into the basement.
Install a French Drain: French drainage system is one of the best systems which can be used to deal with water problems around your home foundation. This underground trench full of gravel and one pipe that is also perforated diverts the water away from the house and stops it from sending water into the basement.
Upgrade or Install Waterproofing Systems: Contemporary waterproofing systems are adequately useful in eliminating the cases of leaked basements. Exterior waterproofing entails digging around the basal and entails placing a waterproof covering over it, interior waterproofing entails placing barriers of vapor or sealing in the walls. Cohesion can be achieved through other means as well, it thus would not be surprising to find homes that have adopted the two methods.
Install a Sump Pump: If you live in an area where you have a high water table, then a sump pump is the solution to your basement flooding issue. A sump pump gives in pits, and dispels water and prevents it from accumulating in the basement of your house.
Maintain and Replace Weeping Tiles: Weeping tiles are an integral part of the house drainage system, however, it plays the role of drainage it needs repair work often. If for some reason your weeping tiles are blocked or deteriorated, it might be wise to hire a contractor to fix or replace them, in order to effectively manage water flow away from your house’s foundation.
When to Call a Professional?
Although the occasional small leakage in the basement can be easily fixed by one’s own hands, most of the problems need the services of a waterproofing professional. A leaking basement may be a sign of other structures that require inspection and service from a contractor. However, the waterproofing companies in Toronto provide services such as foundation crack repair, exterior application, sump pump, and improve your drainage system to prevent water from penetrating into the basement.
How to Stop Basement Leaks Again?
However, as soon as a leakage problem has been solved, it becomes crucial to prevent similar situations in the future. Make sure that your foundation has no cracks and that your drainage systems are not blocked, and your waterproofing systems are in good health. However, one area that is often overlooked and needs attention is basement and one of the ways of doing it is to introduce a dehumidifier in the area.
Conclusion
When you live in Toronto, a leaky basement can be a major issue, once you identify the causes below you’ll be in a better position to protect the integrity of your home. There are many indexes to the complaint of Basement Leaks; some of which include cracked foundation, poor draining system among other and there are many ways to stopping the problem, for instance, foundation repair, installation of waterproofing systems, and considering sump pump. Regardless of one doing it or hiring a contractor, then it is important to deal with basement leaks as soon as possible to avoid having to spend a lot of money as well as protect the safety of your home.