Cracks in foundation Toronto home

If you have a leaky basement you could solve the problem yourself if you’re handy or you may be better off seeking professional help. It will depend on what exactly the problem is and how complex the work is involved in repairing it. Of course, if you’re not able to pinpoint the source of the leaking water that’s probably an indicator that you should call a waterproofing contractor to find the root of the trouble. If you have small cracks in the foundation you may be able to plug them epoxy. But while this may help stop the water from entering the home it doesn’t solve the underlying problem. We have been repairing foundation cracks and water leaks in Toronto for over 30 years, While some things are minor and can be left alone or repaired yourself, other things can be an indicator of major problems and should be investigated.  Below are some situations in which you should probably call a waterproofing contractor.

Chronic Water Around Your Foundation

Water can accumulate around your home by pooling in the soil around its foundation. The soil then expands and can place pressure on foundation footings and walls. In turn, this can result in cracks. You should always make sure the downspouts and gutters are free of debris and in working properly. The soil around the home’s foundation should be properly graded by sloping at a minimum of six inches for each 10 horizontal feet. Many foundations have a drain system installed around the perimeter which is designed to move water below the surface away from the home’s foundation. This drainage system can sometimes get clogged and if t does you’ll need a professional contractor to unblock it.

Cracks in The Foundation

If the home’s foundation is cracked or has tipped, it will need to be reinforced to prevent it from deteriorating even more. The walls may be able to be repaired from the interior with steel braces, wood, wall anchors or carbon-fibre mesh. This will help prevent the foundation from any further shifting. As an alternative, the repair could involve the spreading of epoxy and then and using carbon-fibre mesh to make sure the wall is locked in place. If wall anchors are used they’re comparable to large bolts. Your yard will be excavated and metal plates are installed inside the foundation walls every six to eight feet. These plates use steel rods to connect them and they will help to help straighten and stabilize the wall.

Water Entering The Foundation

If a part of the home’s foundation has been washed out you may want to seek help. Water can get inside a foundation’s perimeter via a drainage issue, a clogged gutter or a broken water pipe. The affected area may be shored up with concrete or by leveling the area. However, you may need to take out a part of the foundation and then re-pour and tie this new section to the old with epoxy and rebar. Since there are numerous reasons your basement may be leaking and need waterproofing you can save a lot of time, energy, and money by calling a professional foundation contractor to find where the problem lies and what the most effective and least-expensive solution will be.

If you’ve called in a professional foundation company it’s a good idea to ask for a written report which lists the specific problem your facing as well as the options which can be used to repair it. You should also ask the contractor for the pros and cons associated with each of the repair methods. For more information on leaking basements and waterproofing solutions in the Greater Toronto Area please feel free to contact us at Nusite Waterproofing for prompt assistance.

Important Questions to Ask When Waterproofing Your Basement

When you’re about to have your basement waterproofed you should take the time to find a reliable, professional waterproofing company to handle the job and make sure they stand by their work.  Here in Toronto, basement waterproofing is a big business due to the age of the homes in Toronto, along with the weather extremes.  Since it is such a big business, there are many unqualified and inexperienced people selling waterproofing services.  Most lack the necessary insurance and equipment to do the job properly and sell extended warranties that they have no intention of honouring.

When getting estimates, there are also several important questions you should ask before deciding which company to go with. Below is a list of questions you may want to have answered before waterproofing your basement.

  1. Is the company licensed, insured, and bonded?

One of the first questions you should ask the waterproofing contractor is if they’re licensed, insured, and bonded. You want to be sure you’re dealing with a legitimate waterproofing company and find out if any permits are required by the city. Be sure the company’s employees have liability insurance and workers compensation protection.  If a waterproofing company and its employees working on your property are not properly insured, all of the responsibility and liability will rest on the homeowner and their insurance if there is damage or personal injuries during the project.  Also, many homeowner’s insurance plans will not pay damages if it is revealed that you hired an unlicensed, uninsured company to do work on your home.

  1. Do they waterproof homes from the outside?

The better waterproofing companies will offer both interior and exterior waterproofing systems depending on the home’s unique needs. It’s a good idea to ask the contractor which method they will use and why it’s the best for your situation. Even though an exterior waterproofing method is more expensive it’s generally regarded to be the best as it protects the home’s foundation. Remember, you’re looking for a long-term solution to your problem, not just a quick band-aid fix.  Many smaller companies do not have the equipment or experience to do exterior waterproofing so they will always sell you on a crack injection solution or interior waterproofing solution even if it is not the best solution for you.

  1. Can they provide references?

Don’t be too shy to ask the contractors if they can provide you with references to call regarding their workmanship. In addition, don’t be afraid to call the customers they refer you to.

  1. What type of warranty do they offer?

It’s important that you find out exactly how the contractor backs up their work. You need to know what’s under warranty and for how long, such as labour and materials. Be sure to go through any contracts with a fine-tooth comb and ask questions to have everything clarified. Don’t be afraid to back out of a contract if you’re not comfortable with any of the terms. A lifetime transferable warranty is the best since it stays with the house no matter who owns it. Also, ask if the sump pumps used are guaranteed for life.  When asking about warranty information, it’s important to find out how long the company has been in business as many new waterproofing companies have never had to honour a warranty before and have no idea the work and responsibility involved in offering one that you intend to stand behind.

  1. How long have they been in business?

If the company has been in business for quite some time then it must be doing something right. You’ll know they have experience in waterproofing and have enough clients to be successful in their profession.  Look for companies with a long track record, especially when it comes to honouring the warranty.

  1. What will my home look like after the waterproofing?

Some homes need extensive repairs with an exterior excavation or an interior drain system and you want to make sure everything will be done professionally and neatly. You don’t want your home looking like a disaster area after the work has been completed.  Let them explain to you what will happen after the project is finished and who is responsible for what.

  1. What else can I do to stop a leaky basement?

Good contractors will gladly assist you by sharing their knowledge about leaking basements. They’ll be able to give you several tips to keep your home as dry as possible. These tips will likely regard your eavestroughs, spouts, drainage system, and window sills etc.

  1. Can I have your office and/or website address?

A professional waterproofing contractor should have an office like any other type of business and may also have a website. You don’t really want to have your basement waterproofed by somebody who’s working out of their car or garage.  Good luck trying to find them if something goes wrong.

Most of the above questions regarding waterproofing are quite straightforward and a good contractor should have no problem answering them honestly.  Nusite Waterproofing has been providing basement waterproofing services in Toronto for over 30 years.  We offer free, in-home written estimates and pride ourselves on our customer service and commitment to quality.  Contact us today to schedule your free estimate.