Most basements are susceptible to water problems.  Eventually, the water soaked soil surrounding your basement eventually starts to find it’s way through cracks and seams in your aging concrete foundation.  Other times, a slow leaking pipe in the wall starts to cause mold and water damage to your basement.

Water finds its way into a basement through ceilings, walls and floors (and cracks and openings in them) in a variety of ways. When it does, your precious investment begins to deteriorate as your once dry basement, starts to develop a damp, musty small. This article lists the most common signs of damp, so you can take precautions.

 

Where to Look

Water readily collects at the bottom of basement walls, and makes its way through basement floors as the result of rising hydrostatic pressure. Often its hidden behind the skirting’s, carpets and laminate floors we install to conceal the concrete foundation. The only way to spot it is to look for adjacent efflorescence, mold or damp. After that, you have to remove the covering and get to the root of the problem.

Leaking window well in Toronto home

Window wells can be a recipe for disaster because they fill up like little dams if the drains are blocked. After that, the water leaks past cracked panes and seals in basement windows, before running down the wall and pooling on the floor. Once the drainage is sorted out, the only solution may be complete replacement of the window module.

Another common problem is damp appearing on a basement ceiling accompanied by mold. At least this time you know where it’s coming from, and where to look depending on what’s above. The cause could be a leaking pipe in the structure overhead, or a poorly sealed basement roof, depending on the design. If you can get into the floor space overhead, stick your head down and look carefully with a flashlight.

Basement bathrooms are another source of leaking pipes. This time it’s worse because the water has nowhere else to go. Look for mold where it shouldn’t be, and efflorescence on the walls. Then do something soon, before the tiles start falling off.

Don’t forget to inspect closets and other concealed spaces carefully. Look in corners, around doorframes and under ledges too. If there are signs of water leakage anywhere, you have to track it down and fix it.  Remember that just because you see water in one area, this may not be the source of the leak.  Water will follow a path of least resistance and can travel quite a ways before finding a spot to settle.

basement leak in Etobicoke home

Why This is So Important

Builders go to a great deal of trouble to waterproof houses, especially when it comes to roofs, and openings through outside walls. While you may think this is a cosmetic exercise aimed at increasing comfort, there’s a far more deep-seated reason why they do it .

Many of the materials in our homes are derived from timber and other plant based products. Think wood trusses, paneled walls and gleaming timber floors. When you add the curtains, upholstery and clothes with which we fill our homes, it’s obvious that a large part of our investment is at risk from flooding. And that’s because water causes natural materials to rot.

Basements are full of similar materials. However this time we don’t have easy access to the outside, proper ventilation  or the luxury of gutters, downpipes and run-off water courses. Once basement damp has been left unattended for a few months, the damage to some materials can be irreversible.

If your basement starts to show signs of water or mold problems, the best course of action is to be proactive and fix the problem before it becomes a big problem.  If you’re unsure where the water leak is coming from or if it’s in an inaccessible area, you can always call in a waterproofing professional to provide some expert advice.

 

 

Basement contractors in Toronto for walkout basementAs a basement waterproofing company in Toronto, sometimes we come in to waterproof a basement or repair a foundation because the home owner is finishing their basement so it can become a rental unit.  We’ve been asked in the past by homeowners whether a basement apartment is legal in the city of Toronto.  Our answer is “it depends”.  There are several criteria that must be met in order for a basement apartment is to be considered legal or not. Most professionals in real estate and the construction industry would have a hard time answering this question as it’s very complex.

Some regulations are retrospective, while others are in force regardless of timelines.  Below is a brief outline of several factors that go into determining the legality of a basement dwelling in Toronto, though you must contact a lawyer for legal advice to truly determine if it’s legal or not.

Differences in construction methods, confusing time-frames and complicated rules make the answer to this complex. The following summary provides a general background. Home buyers should check details carefully before buying based on first impressions, and risking expensive consequences later.

The same applies to sellers and their agents. The days of a terse “retrofit not warranted” are no longer sufficient. They are advised to make more complete disclosure of compliance. However it remains the buyer’s duty to inspect the premises in terms of law.

Finishing a walkout basement in Toronto

Fire Regulations

This is the only section of the Ontario building code that is retrospective. This means that a once-compliant basement may no longer be so. Requirements for basement apartments include:

  • Dry walls between a basement and main dwelling must have a thirty-minute fire-rating.

 

  • There must be an alternative exit. This can be a basement window, provided it complies with size and positioning rules.

 

  • A basement must have a smoke detector (connected to the main house if the fire rating is in doubt).

 

  • Some municipalities require a carbon monoxide detector in addition.

The only sure way to confirm legality is to obtain a retrofit compliance certificate from the local fire department. Some sellers arrange these to encourage buying confidence.

Other Building Regulations

Changes to general building regulations are not retrospective. Basements built pre-1995 are exempt because there were no laws applying to them at the time. More modern ones (and older ones without evidence of construction dates) must meet the following requirements in order to be used as apartments:

  • The minimum height is 6 foot 5 inches measured from floor to ceiling.

 

  • The entrance opening must be at least 32 inches by 78 inches.

 

  • Bathrooms must have either windows or exhaust fans.

 

  • Parking space must be evenly distributed in the case of multi-apartments.

 

  • A valid certificate of electrical compliance is necessary.

Ceiling Height

Some older basements fail to meet the ceiling-height requirement because they were originally built for storage, not habitation. Techniques exist for lowering basement floors without affecting structural integrity. A buyer contemplating this should allow for the cost of construction work (and total re-fitment afterwards) in their calculation of total purchase price.  In some locals, have full length windows or a walkout basement may be a requirement for a legal basement apartment.

In Summary

The rules that are summarized here are necessary to ensure safe, comfortable basement apartments, and merit compliance for this reason alone. The homeowner who chooses to ignore them risks stiff fines from city inspectors – and having to vacate apartments and forfeit rental income too.

 

So far this Fall we’ve been pretty lucky up here weather wise in Toronto.  With a warmer than usual Fall and being fortunate enough to miss hurricane Sandy’s ugly path, Winter still seems like it’s a ways off from us.  But we all know that Canadian Winter is coming, she’s just taking her time this year.

If you haven’t done so already, be sure to spend a weekend afternoon going through your home and preparing it for the coming cold.  As a waterproofing company here in Toronto, one of the most important steps you can take as far as avoiding water leaks in your basement over the Winter is to examine and clean out your gutters before the snow and ice come.

Some of the things you should check for are making sure the Fall leaves have been removed and won’t clog your downspouts.  If water and ice start to accumulate due to a clogged downspout, you run the risk of water leaking over the top of the gutter (or through cracks and leaks that develop) and that water accumulating around the perimeter of your home.  What happens is that on warmer Winter days, that accumulated water starts to make its way through the tiny cracks in your basement’s foundation.  Also make sure that your downspout extensions are directed far enough away from your home so water doesn’t start to accumulate in the soil around your foundation.

While we are the waterproofing experts here in Toronto, there are other things you should do before the freeze sets in.  Check out this infographic courtesy of elocal.com for a quick and handy checklist of things you should do to Winterize your home.

Winter checklist Toronto home

indoor air quality in TorontoWith Winter fast approaching here in Toronto, homeowners are getting ready to “seal” their homes off from the outside until Spring arrives (hopefully sooner than later).  While sealing your home off from a sometimes harsh Canadian Winter, it also means that your are sealing in your indoor air.  It’s a fact that indoor air pollutants cause more damage than outdoor air pollutants, even if you live close to the 401 here in Toronto!

While indoor air pollutants in the home can come from chemicals and fumes from products inside the home, sometimes organic matter, called Bioaerosols, can do even more damage if exposed over a prolonged period of time.  Some studies even suggest the main reason we tend to get chronic colds and other ailments over the Winter is because we spend so much time indoors, breathing in everything floating around our home.

What are Bioaerosols?

Bioaerosols are airborne contaminants that can cause a variety of respiratory problems when inhaled. Common examples of this are pollen, viruses, bacteria and mold spores. Some may cause allergic reactions, and others infections. Frequent contamination can lead to chronic raspatory difficulties.

Symptoms of the Problem

Early signs of attacks by antigens and allergens include coughing, sneezing, runny noses and tight chests. Some sufferers develop a condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis as a response to repeated infections. If left untreated, this can lead to more serious conditions including asthma.

Where to Look for Bioaerosols

Bioaerosols including bacteria, mold, mildew and dust mites are living organisms that thrive under similar conditions to people living innocently in their homes. These factors include moderate to high humidity and warm ambient temperatures. Hence they also often develop naturally in humidifier reservoirs and dehumidifier drip pans, as well as toilets, showers and ice-making machines.

They soon appear in flooded houses, where they thrive on damp ceiling panels, wet carpets and paneling that’s absorbed moisture. When disturbed, they release tiny spores into the air as they migrate to more destinations. You’ll know when they arrive because you’ll either have an allergic reaction, or spot those characteristic stains.

What to Do when You Detect Mold

Mold is a surprisingly common occurrence in modern homes. Some people overlook it, some pretend it’s not there, while others spend a lifetime trying to get rid of it. The truth is that the environment must change first, or else you’ll just keep on moving it around.

First Steps

  • By a hygrometer at a garden store so you can gauge the temperature and humidity level in your home

 

  • Compare your home with others in your area. Is it warmer with a higher humidity factor?

 

  • Do you make the problem worse by hanging damp clothing up indoors, or bathing or showering frequently?

 

  • Does your basement, or attic feel damp when you enter? Touch the walls, rest your hand on the floor, and look for dripping pipes.

 

  • What are you doing to vent the moisture? How often do you open the windows during winter?
If you discover a severe mold infestation or it’s in a hard to reach place, consider calling in a mold removal company.

Setting Targets

Aim to keep the humidity in your home below 50%. Experiment by opening windows, venting the clothes drier properly, and taking cooler showers. You’ll soon find the best match to your life style. If this sounds a challenge, take another look at your mold before you drop the idea.

The Promise of a Happy, Healthy Lifestyle

Once you get mold and other bioaerosols under control in your family home, you’ll not only benefit from a cleaner house and better health, you may also feel a better sense of well-being too.

 

finished walkout basement used as family room in TorontoHave you ever thought about turning your dark and damp basement into an enjoyable living space for your family?  If you are considering a basement renovation, and if your property allows for it, consider creating a walkout basement that the whole family can enjoy.

Here in The Bay Area, many homes have basements in the older parts of the area, and with our climate, most tend to have some sort of damp problem.  Some homeowners have been living with a wet basement for years and have learned to live with it, though not happily.  One of the main causes of dampness and mold problems in the basement is water seeping through from the soil around the foundation, and a lack of proper ventilation in the basement.

If you are looking to maximize the square footage of your house, a Walkout or Daylight Basement in the home can provide many benefits that are lacking in a traditional basement setting. A walkout basement is most frequently found in houses situated on a slope, since part of the basement level is above ground – however a walkabout basement is most simply defined as a basement with full windows and a door to the outside. A walkabout basement has many benefits, including the fact that it can create more living space and increase the appraisal value of your house.  The key to a successful project is hiring a high quality home addition contractor that knows what they are doing and have experience with bigger projects like these.

walkout basement under construction in Toronto

Create More Living Space

By its design, a walkabout basement creates a unique indoor/outdoor space that allows you to use your basement more as a living area than a storage area. Having full-fledged windows and doors increases natural sunlight and allows the basement to be finished and furnished like the rest of your house. You can use the walkabout basement as a mud room, entertainment space, or even a bedroom. This can be particularly valuable if you have house guests, or even choose to rent your lower level. A door to the outdoors means that guests and renters can come and go as they please without needing to use the front door!  Rather than just use the basement for storage, you can turn it into an extra room for entertainment and living.

Exterior of walkout basement of Toronto home

Increase Efficiency In Your Home

Many walkabout basements lead to patios or outdoor spaces. This makes entertaining – especially in the summer months – very appealing. However, since the living space in a walkabout basement is more viable, this means that storage and plumbing can be tucked away, but easily accessible. It is quite simple to access a furnace and plumbing in a walkabout basement without compromising any living space.

basement bedroom in a walkout basement

Improve Your Home’s Worth

Homes with walkout basements typically appraise higher than standard basement homes. This is due in part to the increase in viable living space. The natural sunlight that having windows in the walkout basement provides means that the basement can house bedrooms or other living areas and can be more easily used for recreation and entertainment.

Having windows and doors to the outside also means that walkout basements aren’t as damp and musty as traditional basements, and can reduce the mildew and mold commonly found in basements. This means that the space can be truly utilized year round without worry of potential health hazards or unappealing smell that result from a chronically wet basement.

 Think About a Walkout Basement When Your Renovate

Regardless of whether you are looking to expand your living space or increase your entertaining capacity, a walkabout basement is a smart and economical move that not only gives you a better living space, but can increase the value of your home. Working with a contractor, you can easily assess the best way to turn your basement into a walkabout basement with full windows and a door to the outside.

Have questions about creating a full height basement in your home?  If you live in Toronto or the surrounding GTA, we offer a free in-home inspection and estimate for all of your basement renovation needs.  You can contact us here.

Indoor Damp, Health and Mold in the Home

Mold is a fungus that grows naturally on decaying organic matter in moist conditions, and migrates to new sites by releasing microscopic spores into the air. It thrives in any similar environment where there’s a source of carbon. A modern, centrally-heated home is ideal for it.  Though modern homes do a great job sealing the house from the outside, it also drastically reduces air flow and can produce stale, moist air, that’s ripe for mold growth.

The Toxigenic Risk

Mold is not poisonous or dangerous in itself. In fact, you could probably eat it if you wanted to (although we’re not advising that). The danger lies in the mycotoxins some variants produce. It’s important to note that the evidential linkage to the following conditions is circumstantial, not scientifically proven.

  • Allergic Reactions include red, itchy or watery eyes, nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and irritations of the nose, mouth and throat. These are set off when mold spores come in contact with our bodies. If they erupt when we’re removing mold infestations, then the two are likely linked.

 

  • Hypersensitive Pneumonitis (HP) is a condition whereby an allergic reaction becomes an immune system sensitization  Unlike an allergy that soon fades when the cause is removed, HP-related coughs, breath-shortness, chills, fevers and night sweats – and even profound fatigue – can last for several days. Persistent attacks may lead to tissue-scarring and even lung disease.

 

  • Asthma is a chronic condition that’s influenced by the environment in 15% of cases. Symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, breath-shortness and coughs are the result of bronchial passage narrowing. A major attack can result in asphyxiation in extreme circumstances. Where a relationship to indoor contaminants appears possible, urgent attention could be vital.

Practical Action

After a causal link has been established between bronchial health and mold  its removal is no longer a cosmetic matter. Because mold can repopulate even the cleanest home with impunity (and modern domestic materials make ideal hosts), the only hope of eliminating it, is to moderate the damp or humid conditions it relies on.

An experienced mold inspector with sophisticated equipment will help identify mold problems in a short time. Root causes will likely be a combination of water intrusion (especially in the case of wet basements), and ambient humidity because windows are kept closed and the thermostat’s turned up too high.

Other Benefits

A clean, dry and mold free home that’s well-ventilated is not only a pleasure to live in, and easier to keep clean. It also holds its value better in the current economic climate, and contributes to a general sense of happiness and wellness among the families that reside in them.

 

The problem with a basement is that it’s underground, and that rainwater permeates below the ground too. It acts like an inground swimming pool, but in reverse, trying to keep water out.  Usually, this moisture filters away naturally, unless of course there’s a deluge of rainwater. Few homeowners realize that their roofs can have the same effect, and this is how it happens:

  • Roofs are designed to shed water 100% effectively (so it doesn’t leak into the attic), and to discharge it through a system of gutters and down-pipes  A roof that’s 1000 square foot (93 square meters) in size, can process 600 gallons or 2250 liters an hour from a single inch of rain.
  • This water ends up on the ground, unless it’s led away through drains. If not, it pools and saturates the ground below. As it accumulates it becomes heavier. This converts to what hydrologists call hydrostatic pressure. This enables water to manipulate the weak spots in basement walls and floors, and cause a flood.

The best way to prevent this is to install a series of “waterproofing defenses” that combine to do the job for you. This is easy to understand, when you follow the logic outlined below.

 

Lay of the Land

If a garden or paving slopes towards a house, it’s going to pool up against it, and cause water leak problems. Builders know this, although their efforts can be undone over time due to shifting and settling of the earth. Prime culprits for this are previously-disturbed earth that subsides, and the over-zealous efforts of a gardener. Fix this first, making sure there’s a clear hand-width below the level of the damp course at the very least. The fall should be one inch per foot, or 1:12 (or more).

 

Roof Water Discharge

It’s not good enough to simply lead the water through the downpipes. It must be taken further away from the house where it can cause no harm. Ideally you can lead it to the street where it discharges naturally. If not, you may need expert help to dispose of it through a system of sumps and pumps.

 

Backfill Problems

Builders dig out a bigger hole for a basement than the finished product, so they can waterproof the outside. When they’re done, they fill in the remaining space. The better ones install a drainage system at foundation level first, and then compact clean earth above it.

Others fill the space with all kinds of junk, cover this over with a layer of earth, and cart away your topsoil. This system works just like the colander you drain pasta with, except in this case, the water goes down and sits against your basement walls and not into the kitchen sink.

Try dealing with this problem by hard-surfacing the open ground above the basement, plus a meter or so around for safety. With a little ingenuity you can create a garden sit-out or a rockery afterwards. However the main objective is to stop the rain from filtering through.

 

If This Doesn’t Work

If your basement still floods after you’ve sloped the garden, led the roof water away and hard-surfaced overhead, then I’m afraid your problem lies with water arriving from further afield through ground strata.

In this case, It’s recommended that you consult a basement waterproofing specialist who can provide good references in your area. You’ll likely need a system of French drains and sump pumps, and these require an expert.

 

 

The North East of the Americas have experienced a record number of storms this season, resulting in billions on property damage and loss of personal memories that can’t be replaced.  Here in Toronto, while we experienced quite a bit of flooding, we were luckily spared from most of the damage.  We wanted to introduce everyone to a really useful guide available to residents from The Institute of Catastrophic Loss Reduction

This helpful guide, sponsored by the Canadian insurance industry and produced in collaboration with the University of Ontario, is available for free via a pdf download (see the link at the end of the article). It’s packed brim full with everything you need to know about reducing the risk of basement flooding, and recovering from it when it happens.

It’s laid out like a reference book with handy summaries in the index, content that’s easy to understand, helpful diagrams, and even a glossary of terms you might not know. It puts you in a picture to either do the work yourself, or to negotiate with a tradesperson from a position of knowledge.

Format of the Book

The Handbook for Reducing Basement Flooding is built around twenty projects, twelve of which are within the reach of most Canadian householders. The author calls these “options” because not all of them apply to every home. The book starts with a general introduction to the three main reasons why basements flood, and the principles behind avoiding this.

The twelve basic options are all intensely practical. They range from preventative measures (like fixing cracks and watching what goes down the sink), to sensible things like having a risk-assessment done, getting insurance in place and chatting with the local municipality.

The other eight options are more technical in nature, and will likely require expert intervention. Nonetheless, the knowledge gained by reading them will go a long way towards spotting cowboy contractors and avoiding scams.

There are five drawings in the Handbook for Reducing Basement Flooding that illustrate the primary causes and solutions, and how the twenty options fit into the bigger picture. It’s a good idea to print these out and have them available as you read the other content. You’ll be sure to want to pass this essential information on to others.

 

You can download the Handbook for Reducing Basement Flooding Here

Mold can be unpleasant when it invades our homes.  In a city like Toronto, where the homes are aging and the weather isn’t always pleasant, mold can easily take hold if left unchecked. Mold looks unsightly and can leave a terrible smell in the house. Left too long it damages soft furnishings irreparably. However before you dash off and have another go at it, it’s worthwhile considering these ten tips before you decide to tackle any mold problems.

Safety Comes First – Setting aside the risks of standing on ladders cleaning ceilings, the spores you release at the same time can be harmful to the very young, the very old, and anybody with upper-respiratory tract concerns.  Mold spores are the most dangerous when disturbed, usually when trying to clean up the area so wear proper protection.

Seek Advice – There are different kinds of mold. This includes the black mold you’ll find taking hold in your bathroom if you look, and the lighter-colored ones that thrive in clothes cupboards. Research can save you loads of time and trouble. Read articles like this one and do your homework before jumping in.  If it looks like it’s spreading to areas you can’t reach, or just looks like alot, consider calling in a mold removal company.

Be smart – When you touch mold  it releases thousands of tiny seeds called mold spores. Once in the air, they settle on almost anything, and that includes you and your clothes. Wear protective clothing that you can disinfect thoroughly afterwards. Professional mold removal companies will seal an area off before starting work as to not spread the spores throughout the house.

Test First – Among other things, mold looks dirty, and sometimes it’s confused with other signs of neglect. Test first by diluting bleach in water to a ratio of 1:16 and dabbing it on with a cotton bud. Mold lightens quickly, dirt does not. Deal with the problem accordingly.  Think twice before purchasing a mold inspection kit, they don’t work very well.

Look for Reasons – It’s pointless to remove mold without first dealing with the root causes, or else it becomes a permanent resident. Inspect your home for leaking plumbing, failing roof flashing and bad air-conditioning joints first.  If you fail to remove the leak in your basement, the mold will just return.

Kill It Dead – Don’t waste time with old wives’ tales and urban myths. There’s only one true way to evict mold  and that’s to wipe it out on the spot with anti-microbial spray that’s easy to disperse.

Manage Condensation – Central heating and double glazing produces tropical conditions that mold just thrives on. Ventilate your house each morning to disperse humidity. The air will soon warm up again!

Clean Regularly – It takes a while for mold spores to take root, and this provides a window of opportunity to prevent this happening. Wipe areas where you see moisture gathering regularly – prevent mold from taking over.

Lifestyle Changes – Could settles in our homes because we share a similar life-style. Try turning down the thermostat a few degrees, and opening the bathroom window after you shower. Little things like this can save a huge amount of trouble later.

Establish Norms – Create a regular inspection schedule to check susceptible areas in your home for mold.  Consider making it a part of your Fall and Spring home inspections.

When you follow these handy ten tips you’ll know how to get rid of mold  and how to prevent it coming back. That’s not to say it won’t keep on trying. This means the battle to keep mold from our homes is never over.  The only way to rid mold from your home permanently is to remove the source of moisture first.

 

 

using wd40 around the houseIf there is one product every basement and garage in North America has on hand, it’s most likely WD-40.  The “Blue Standby” has become as essential as duct tape in helping the resident handyman fix everything from a rusted bolt that refuses to turn, to our children’s bicycles after a long Toronto Winter.

WD-40 is a water dis-placer (WD) that helps to remove moisture (and keep rust away) from hundreds of household items.  Over the years, the uses for WD-40 have gone beyond home repairs.  Crayola Crayons recommends using WD-40 regular crayon marks from everyday surfaces and a bus driver once used a can to loosen a Python that coiled itself around the undercarriage of his bus.

Below is a great infographic from the makers of WD-40.  It’s a survival guide of everyday problem solving with your handy can of old blue.

Using wd-40 for everyday use