Toronto homeowners can testify that a leaking basement is one of the biggest nightmares for any homeowner due to the varying climate, which brings in moisture and water in large quantities causing damage. While it may only be seepage in its least severe form and can be a major flood at its worst form, basement leaks pose threat to the stability of every home as well as cause health problems such as the growth of molds. Fortunately, there are expert solutions to treat and eliminate such problems. In this article, learn how to stop a leaky basement in Toronto and read tips and services to guard your home.
Common Causes of Leaky Basements in Toronto
It will be of great importance to know why, how, and when basements leak before proceeding to address the problem. Several factors can contribute to water entering your basement:
Cracks in the Foundation: Sometimes, it may take years before such a foundation exhibits signs of having cracks on its surface, caused by settling, changes in temperature, or workmanship. It is these small openings which water gains an easy access into a building through.
Poor Drainage Systems: If proper drainage is not done around your home, you will find that after sometime water will accumulate around the base and this will tend to cause leakage of the walls. Even if downspouts are installed, if they are not adequately spaced from the house, they can also cause the problem.
Hydrostatic Pressure: High amount of water in the Toronto region due to heavy rainfall and snowfall might cause the soil around your home to become wetter. This results into build up of hydro static pressure which pushes water through the crack and porous material into the basement.
Faulty Waterproofing: Most of the older buildings in Toronto do not incorporate modern forms of waterproofing. Sometimes, the waterproofing systems put in place may be old or maybe poorly installed, and they may crack allowing water seepage into the basement.
Expert Tips to Fix a Leaky Basement
Dealing with a basement that has problems with leaking can be a complex process that involves both a treatment of the symptoms and their causes. Here are some expert tips to help you fix the issue:
Identify the Source of the Leak: The first thing one has to do, is to find out where the water is seeping in from. Consider having a professional structural engineer inspect your house especially in the basement for crack lines, signs of water seepage or dampness. If the source of a mold problem is not obvious, consider seeking the services of a professional who will have to use equipment in detecting the cause of the mold.
Repair Foundation Cracks: Therefore, once source of leakage is established, it is important to repair the foundation cracks. This is especially so because of the availability of either hydraulic cement or epoxy injections to close up the cracks depending on the extent of the damage. However, whenever you deal with large or complicated crack, it is advisable to hire and experienced contractor in an effort to do a permanent job.
Improve Exterior Drainage: Appropriate grading around the home means you do not have water building up near the walls of your home. Think about removing 12 inches or so of soil from around your home (to a distance of at least 10 feet from your dwelling) and determining ways to divert more rainwater away from the building’s foundation. For control of high levels of groundwater, it is also recommended to put in a French drain or a sump pump.
Install or Upgrade Waterproofing Systems: Another way of solving a leakage problem in a basement in Toronto is through installing or enhancing the waterproofing system. While exterior waterproofing requires the breaking of the perimeter around the house, creating a waterproofing membrane around the structure and then leveling the foundation, interior waterproofing requires the application of sealants as well as installation of a drainage system to carry water out of the house. However, maximum protection may be attained when both methods are used.
Use a Dehumidifier: However, to avoid such circumstances in the future, it is important to address the core problems, and control the humidity in the basement, respectively. As you use a dehumidifier, this will help in decreasing in moisture and thereby preventing formation of mold and mold mildew.
Professional Services for Leaky Basement Repair in Toronto
Taking on a Toronto based basement leaking problem on your own can be time consuming, costly and much more stressful than hiring a waterproofing company. Here are some services that experts in the area offer:
Basement Waterproofing: There are also two types of methods used by professional basement waterproofing services which are interior and exterior. It is known that exterior waterproofing is more comprehensive and effective, compared to the interior one; however, the works on its implementation involve the necessary excavation that is likely to increase the overall costs. The interior approach is more efficient, less disruptive, and can be completed more cheaply than the exterior design while providing a quick solution for small spots.
Foundation Repair: That common problem with a wet basement is really an early sign of a worse problem with the foundation. Hire professional contractors in Toronto: to inspect the foundation, and fix the crack or any other structural problem so that the home is strong and does not leak.
Sump Pump Installation: Sump pumps help to solve the problem of high groundwater in residences. A sump pump gathers water and drains it off the foundation, which can help in avoiding cases of water flooding a basement floor. A large number of waterproofing companies can provide sump pump installation for customers.
French Drain Installation: If poor drainage is a problem then a French drain can be installed to guide water away from the structure. These trench-based systems can be thus effective for making sure that your basement does not get wet especially when there is so much rain.
Mold Remediation: Water odour and dampness in your basement could cause mould formation and this is hazardous to the health of every individual in the home. Some of the waterproofing companies also have the services of eradicating mold and also preventing future growth of the mold.
Conclusion
Every Toronto homeowner should note that addressing a leaking basement is not a mere process of treating the signs and symptoms of this problem. By avoiding the causes, including cracked foundation and bad gutters and draining systems, and using professional methods like waterproof, foundation, and sump pump, you can avoid water destruction. Whether you aren’t doing some tasks by yourself or inviting companies to do them for you, the more you respond quickly, the better will be the health of your house in the long run.
If you are a resident in Toronto experiencing a leaky basement, don’t just sit back and let the problem get worse. Get professional help is given to protect your home from further damage and be relieved.