Why Are Cracks Appearing In My Foundation?

Discovering cracks in your foundation walls can be alarming, and Toronto homeowners frequently ask us about the causes and implications of these concerning fissures. While some foundation cracks are relatively harmless settling issues, others signal serious structural problems that require immediate professional attention.

The Main Causes of Foundation Cracks in Toronto

Primary Causes: Foundation cracks in Toronto homes typically result from soil settlement due to improper compaction, seasonal ground movement from freeze-thaw cycles, poor drainage causing soil erosion, foundation design inadequate for local soil conditions, and structural stress from Toronto’s clay-heavy soils.

When to Worry: Horizontal cracks, cracks wider than 1/4 inch, stepped cracks following mortar joints, doors and windows that stick seasonally, and any cracks showing signs of recent movement require immediate professional assessment.

Solutions Available: Depending on severity, repairs range from simple crack injection for minor settling to comprehensive foundation underpinning, steel pier installation, drainage system upgrades, and soil stabilization for serious structural issues.

Now let’s explore each of these factors in detail to help you understand what’s happening beneath your Toronto home and when professional intervention becomes necessary.

Understanding Foundation Basics in Toronto Construction

A foundation serves as the critical substructure supporting your entire home. In Toronto and throughout the GTA, foundations typically consist of reinforced concrete, though some elevated homes and older properties may feature different construction methods.

Foundation Types Common in Toronto:

  • Strip Foundations: Concrete strips that mirror the wall layout above, suitable for stable soil conditions
  • Raft Foundations: Solid concrete slabs that distribute weight evenly, essential for Toronto’s challenging clay soils
  • Basement Foundations: Full-depth concrete walls extending below the frost line, standard for Toronto’s climate requirements

The choice between foundation types depends heavily on local soil conditions. Toronto’s predominantly clay-based soils present unique challenges because clay expands significantly when wet and contracts during dry periods. This seasonal movement requires foundations designed to accommodate substantial ground shifting—a critical consideration often overlooked in older construction.

The Root Causes: Why Toronto Foundations Develop Cracks

Many builders design foundations assuming they’ll remain stable once installed. However, Toronto’s environmental conditions create ongoing forces that stress concrete structures over time, leading to crack development through several interconnected mechanisms.

1. Soil Settlement and Compaction Issues

The Problem: Inadequate soil compaction during initial construction creates voids beneath foundations that gradually collapse under structural weight. When poorly compacted soil settles, it creates gaps that allow groundwater infiltration, further destabilizing the foundation base.

Toronto-Specific Factors: The GTA’s varied soil composition—from sandy areas near Lake Ontario to clay-heavy inland regions—requires different compaction techniques. Contractors unfamiliar with local soil conditions may use inappropriate compaction methods, creating long-term settlement problems.

Timeline: Settlement-related cracking often appears 2-5 years after construction as inadequately compacted soil gradually compresses under load. However, some settlement issues can emerge decades later as groundwater patterns change or adjacent construction affects soil stability.

2. Seasonal Ground Movement and Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Clay Soil Expansion: Toronto’s clay-heavy soils undergo dramatic volume changes throughout the year. During wet periods, clay can expand by 10-15%, exerting tremendous pressure against foundation walls. Conversely, during dry periods, clay shrinkage creates gaps that allow water infiltration during subsequent wet seasons.

Freeze-Thaw Damage: Toronto’s winter temperatures cause water in soil and foundation cracks to freeze and expand, widening existing fissures. Spring thaw then allows water penetration deeper into these enlarged cracks, creating a cycle of progressive damage that worsens annually.

Seasonal Stress Patterns: Foundation movement typically peaks during spring when frozen ground thaws rapidly and during late fall when ground begins freezing. These transition periods create maximum stress on foundation materials as different soil layers expand and contract at varying rates.

3. Drainage Problems and Water-Related Damage

Surface Water Issues: Poor grading, inadequate gutters, or faulty downspout placement allows surface water to pool around foundations. In Toronto’s clay soils, this water doesn’t drain away quickly, creating sustained hydrostatic pressure that forces water through foundation walls.

Groundwater Fluctuations: Toronto’s position atop buried river systems means groundwater levels can fluctuate significantly. Rising water tables during heavy rainfall periods increase pressure against foundation walls, while dropping levels can cause soil settlement and foundation shifting.

Erosion Concerns: Water infiltration gradually washes away soil particles around foundations, creating voids that allow foundation movement. This erosion often goes undetected until significant structural damage becomes apparent.

4. Construction Activity and External Forces

Adjacent Construction Impact: New construction, road work, or utility installation near your property can affect soil stability and groundwater patterns. Heavy equipment, excavation, and soil compaction from nearby projects often influence foundation performance in unexpected ways.

Infrastructure Changes: Municipal water main work, sewer system updates, or subway construction can alter local drainage patterns and soil conditions, affecting foundations even in well-established neighborhoods.

Utility Installation: Underground utility work, including gas line installation or electrical service upgrades, can disturb soil around foundations or change drainage patterns that affect foundation stability.

Recognizing the Warning Signs: When Foundation Cracks Signal Serious Problems

Unless caused by sudden events like major construction activity or severe weather, foundation cracking typically develops gradually over months or years. Understanding early warning signs helps Toronto homeowners address problems before they become structural emergencies.

Early Indicators of Foundation Problems

Seasonal Door and Window Issues: Doors and windows that stick during Toronto’s wet spring and fall seasons but rattle loosely during dry summer periods often indicate foundation movement. This seasonal behavior suggests ongoing foundation shifting that worsens over time.

Visible Crack Patterns: Different crack patterns indicate different underlying problems:

  • Vertical Cracks: Often settlement-related, may be less serious if narrow and stable
  • Horizontal Cracks: Usually indicate serious lateral pressure, requiring immediate attention
  • Stepped Cracks: Following mortar joints in block foundations, often signal significant structural movement
  • Diagonal Cracks: May indicate differential settlement or structural stress concentration

Interior Warning Signs:

  • Cracks in basement walls that appear to be growing or changing
  • Water seepage along foundation cracks during heavy rainfall
  • Musty odors indicating moisture infiltration through foundation cracks
  • Uneven floors or walls that appear to be tilting or bowing

Advanced Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Attention

Structural Deformation: In extreme cases, foundation problems manifest as:

  • Visibly distorted or bowing walls
  • Tilting chimneys or exterior structural elements
  • Large cracks that allow light or air passage
  • Significant floor level changes throughout the house

Rapid Change Indicators: Any foundation crack showing signs of recent growth, new water infiltration, or seasonal expansion requires immediate professional assessment. These active cracks often signal ongoing structural problems that will worsen without intervention.

Professional Solutions: Addressing Foundation Cracks in Toronto

While the visible cause of foundation cracking may be ground movement or soil erosion, the underlying issue often involves foundation design inadequate for local conditions or improper initial construction techniques. Short of complete structural replacement, professional foundation repair focuses on strengthening existing foundations to handle Toronto’s challenging soil and climate conditions.

Modern Foundation Repair Techniques

Steel Pier Systems: Helical or push piers transfer foundation loads to stable soil layers or bedrock below problematic surface soils. These systems work particularly well in Toronto’s clay soils where surface conditions change seasonally but deeper soil layers remain stable.

Underpinning Solutions: Concrete underpinning extends existing foundations to greater depths or wider footprints, providing additional stability and load distribution. This technique proves especially effective for older Toronto homes with shallow foundations that don’t meet current building standards.

Wall Stabilization Systems: Plate and tie anchors, carbon fiber reinforcement, or steel beam systems can stabilize foundation walls showing signs of bowing or lateral movement without requiring complete foundation replacement.

Hydraulic Lifting Systems: For foundations experiencing settlement, hydraulic lift systems can restore proper elevation and correct structural problems before installing permanent stabilization solutions.

Comprehensive Approach to Foundation Repair

Drainage Integration: Effective foundation repair in Toronto must address underlying water management issues. This often includes installing or upgrading weeping tile systems, improving surface drainage, and ensuring proper waterproofing to prevent future water-related damage.

Soil Stabilization: Some situations require soil improvement techniques such as compaction grouting, soil injection, or installation of drainage systems to address the root causes of foundation movement rather than just treating symptoms.

Preventive Measures: Professional foundation repair includes recommendations for ongoing maintenance, drainage system upkeep, and monitoring procedures to prevent recurrence of foundation problems.

Understanding the Severity: When Foundation Cracks Become Serious Problems

Foundation cracks fall into two broad categories based on their underlying causes and potential for progression. Understanding these distinctions helps Toronto homeowners make informed decisions about repair timing and investment levels.

Minor Settlement Cracks

Characteristics: Narrow vertical cracks (less than 1/8 inch wide) that appear stable over time, show no signs of recent growth, and don’t allow water infiltration typically represent normal settling that occurs in most foundations.

Monitoring Approach: These cracks should be monitored for changes but may not require immediate repair. However, even minor cracks can provide entry points for water infiltration, so sealing them provides long-term protection against moisture problems.

Serious Structural Issues

Immediate Concern Indicators: Wide cracks (over 1/4 inch), horizontal cracks at any width, cracks showing recent growth or seasonal movement, and any cracks allowing water, light, or air passage indicate serious structural problems requiring immediate professional attention.

Progressive Damage Potential: Structural foundation cracks typically worsen over time, leading to increasingly expensive repairs and potential safety hazards. Early intervention prevents minor problems from becoming major structural emergencies.

Taking Action: Protecting Your Toronto Home Investment

Foundation problems don’t improve on their own—they require professional assessment and appropriate repair to prevent costly damage to your home’s structure and value. Toronto’s challenging soil conditions and climate make foundation maintenance particularly important for long-term property protection.

Professional Assessment Benefits:

  • Accurate diagnosis of crack causes and severity
  • Comprehensive repair recommendations tailored to local conditions
  • Cost-effective solutions that address root causes rather than just symptoms
  • Long-term monitoring and maintenance guidance

Timing Considerations: Foundation repairs are typically more effective and less expensive when addressed early. Waiting for obvious structural damage often means more extensive and costly repair requirements.

Foundation cracks appear for interconnected reasons involving both structural inadequacy and environmental forces beyond original design specifications. While some settlement may be minor and primarily cosmetic, foundation cracks often represent the beginning of serious structural problems that worsen significantly if left untreated.

Understanding the causes, recognizing warning signs, and seeking professional assessment when concerns arise protects both your family’s safety and your investment in Toronto real estate. Don’t let foundation cracks become foundation failures—professional evaluation and appropriate repair ensure your home remains structurally sound regardless of what Toronto’s challenging soil and climate conditions deliver.

Vertical Crack In My Foundation Wall

Finding a vertical crack in your foundation wall can be alarming for any property owner in the Greater Toronto Area. With Toronto’s unique climate conditions, including freeze-thaw cycles and clay soil composition, basement and foundation issues are unfortunately common throughout the GTA. Understanding what these cracks mean, their potential causes, and when to take action can save you from costly repairs down the road.

As experienced waterproofing and foundation contractors serving Toronto for over 30 years, we’ve seen how vertical foundation cracks can range from minor cosmetic issues to serious structural concerns. This guide will help you identify the warning signs, understand the risks, and know when it’s time to call in professional help.

Understanding Vertical Foundation Cracks: The Basics

Vertical cracks in foundation walls typically run straight up and down, following the mortar joints in block foundations or appearing as hairline fractures in poured concrete walls. Unlike horizontal cracks, which often indicate serious structural problems, vertical cracks are generally less concerning but still require attention.

In Toronto’s climate, these foundation cracks commonly develop due to natural settling, temperature fluctuations, and the expansion and contraction of building materials. The GTA’s clay-heavy soil composition adds another layer of complexity, as clay expands when wet and contracts when dry, creating additional pressure on foundation walls.

Most vertical cracks start small and gradually widen over time. Early detection and proper assessment are crucial for preventing minor issues from becoming major waterproofing and structural problems that could affect your entire basement.

Common Causes of Vertical Foundation Cracks in Toronto

Natural Settlement and Age All buildings in the GTA experience some degree of natural settling, especially during the first few years after construction. Toronto’s diverse soil conditions, ranging from clay to sand deposits, can cause uneven settling that manifests as vertical cracks in foundation walls.

Temperature Fluctuations and Freeze-Thaw Cycles Toronto’s climate presents unique challenges for foundation integrity. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summers can be quite warm. This constant expansion and contraction of concrete and masonry materials creates stress points that often result in vertical cracking.

Soil Movement and Hydrostatic Pressure The GTA’s clay-rich soil is particularly susceptible to moisture-related expansion and contraction. During Toronto’s wet spring months or heavy rainfall periods, saturated clay soil exerts significant pressure against foundation walls. When the soil dries out during summer heat waves, it contracts and can cause foundation movement.

Poor Drainage and Water Management Many older Toronto homes lack proper drainage systems or have failing weeping tiles. Without adequate waterproofing and drainage, water accumulates around the foundation, creating hydrostatic pressure that can force vertical cracks to develop and widen over time.

Construction-Related Factors Some vertical cracks stem from construction issues, including improper concrete curing, inadequate reinforcement, or poor-quality materials. In Toronto’s competitive construction market, rushed timelines can sometimes lead to foundation work that doesn’t meet optimal standards.

Warning Signs That Require Immediate Attention

Crack Width and Growth While hairline vertical cracks (less than 1/8 inch wide) are often cosmetic, cracks wider than 1/4 inch or those showing signs of active growth require professional assessment. In Toronto’s climate, even small cracks can quickly worsen due to freeze-thaw cycles.

Water Infiltration Any vertical crack that allows water into your basement is a serious concern. Toronto’s spring snowmelt and summer storms can quickly turn a minor crack into a major waterproofing problem. Look for signs of moisture, efflorescence (white chalky deposits), or actual water seepage.

Displacement or Step Cracking If your vertical crack shows signs of displacement where one side of the crack is higher or lower than the other, this indicates more serious foundation movement. Step cracks that follow mortar joints in a stair-step pattern are particularly concerning.

Multiple Cracks or Pattern Development A single vertical crack might not be cause for alarm, but multiple cracks or cracks appearing in patterns suggest broader foundation issues that require professional evaluation by experienced contractors.

Basement Wall Bowing or Bulging Vertical cracks accompanied by inward bowing or bulging of the foundation wall indicate serious structural problems that require immediate attention from qualified foundation specialists.

Potential Problems and Long-Term Consequences

Structural Integrity Compromise While most vertical cracks don’t immediately threaten structural integrity, they can weaken foundation walls over time. In Toronto’s challenging climate, untreated cracks often worsen, potentially leading to more serious structural issues that require extensive foundation repair.

Water Damage and Mold Growth Toronto’s humid summers combined with basement moisture infiltration create ideal conditions for mold growth. Vertical cracks that allow water entry can quickly lead to widespread mold problems, affecting indoor air quality and requiring costly remediation.

Decreased Property Value Foundation issues are major red flags for potential buyers in the Toronto real estate market. Visible foundation cracks, even if currently minor, can significantly impact your property’s value and marketability.

Escalating Repair Costs What starts as a simple crack sealing job can evolve into comprehensive foundation repair, basement waterproofing, and structural reinforcement if left untreated. Toronto’s freeze-thaw cycles accelerate crack expansion, making early intervention much more cost-effective.

Basement Flooding Risk In a city like Toronto, where spring flooding and severe storms are becoming more common, foundation cracks create vulnerable entry points for water. A small vertical crack can become a major flooding pathway during heavy rainfall events.

Toronto-Specific Considerations and Building Standards

Climate Impact on Foundation Performance Toronto’s climate presents unique challenges for foundation longevity. The combination of cold winters, warm summers, and significant precipitation requires robust waterproofing and foundation systems. Many older Toronto homes were built before current moisture management standards were established.

Local Building Code Requirements The Ontario Building Code requires specific foundation waterproofing measures for new construction, including proper drainage systems and moisture barriers. However, many existing Toronto homes predate these requirements and may benefit from retrofitting to current standards.

Soil Conditions Across the GTA Different areas of the Greater Toronto Area have varying soil conditions. Properties built on clay soil in areas like North York or Scarborough may experience different foundation challenges than those on sandy soil closer to Lake Ontario. Understanding your local soil conditions helps inform appropriate foundation maintenance strategies.

Professional Assessment and Repair Standards Toronto contractors working on foundation repairs must adhere to provincial licensing requirements and building standards. When selecting contractors for foundation work, ensure they’re properly licensed and experienced with local soil and climate conditions.

When to Call Professional Contractors

Immediate Professional Consultation Needed Contact experienced foundation contractors immediately if you notice water infiltration through vertical cracks, cracks wider than 1/4 inch, or any signs of foundation wall movement. Don’t wait for Toronto’s next freeze-thaw cycle to worsen the problem.

Annual Foundation Inspections Given Toronto’s challenging climate conditions, annual foundation inspections by qualified contractors can catch problems early. Spring inspections after winter freeze-thaw cycles are particularly valuable for identifying new or worsening cracks.

Waterproofing System Evaluation If you discover vertical foundation cracks, it’s wise to have your entire basement waterproofing system evaluated. Many Toronto homes benefit from comprehensive waterproofing upgrades that address both current cracks and prevent future problems.

Trust Nusite Group for Your Foundation and Waterproofing Needs

When you discover vertical cracks in your foundation wall, you need experienced contractors who understand Toronto’s unique challenges. At Nusite Group, we’ve been serving the Greater Toronto Area for over 30 years, providing comprehensive foundation repair and waterproofing solutions for residential and commercial properties throughout the GTA.

Our team understands how Toronto’s climate, soil conditions, and building requirements affect foundation performance. We provide thorough assessments, honest recommendations, and quality repairs that protect your property investment. From simple crack injection to comprehensive basement waterproofing systems, we have the experience and expertise to handle foundation challenges of any scale.

Don’t let a small vertical crack become a major foundation problem. Contact Nusite Group today for a professional assessment of your foundation and waterproofing needs. With our decades of experience serving Toronto property owners, we’ll help you protect your basement and maintain your property’s structural integrity for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are all vertical foundation cracks serious problems? A: Not all vertical cracks indicate serious structural issues, but they should all be evaluated by experienced contractors. In Toronto’s climate, even minor cracks can worsen quickly due to freeze-thaw cycles. Hairline cracks may be cosmetic, but any crack allowing water infiltration or showing signs of growth requires professional attention.

Q: How does Toronto’s climate affect foundation crack development? A: Toronto’s freeze-thaw cycles create significant stress on foundation materials. When water enters small cracks and freezes, it expands and widens the crack. Combined with the GTA’s clay soil conditions, which expand and contract with moisture changes, Toronto foundations face unique challenges that accelerate crack development.

Q: Can I repair vertical foundation cracks myself? A: While minor cosmetic cracks might seem like DIY projects, foundation work in Toronto requires understanding of local soil conditions, climate factors, and building codes. Professional contractors have the expertise to determine whether a crack indicates deeper structural issues and can ensure repairs meet local standards and provide long-term solutions.

Q: How much do foundation crack repairs typically cost in Toronto? A: Repair costs vary significantly based on crack severity, accessibility, and required waterproofing measures. Simple crack injection might cost a few hundred dollars, while comprehensive foundation repairs involving excavation and waterproofing can cost several thousand. Early intervention is always more cost-effective than waiting until problems worsen.

How Can I Tell if a Foundation Crack is Serious?

As a homeowner, seeing a crack in your foundation can certainly be cause for concern. Here in Toronto, the harsh Winters and rainy Springs and Summers can cause havoc on our home’s foundation.  Even if it hasn’t happened to you, many of us have heard horror stories of water damage and shifting foundations that can cost a pretty penny to repair. The last thing any homeowner wants to see is a crack running along their foundation.  So, how can you tell if the small crack you discovered signifies a much larger problem? Read on to find out.

What Different Types of Cracks Can Signify

There are several different types of basement cracks that commonly occur within the foundation of a home, each of which can signify a different problem:

  • Horizontal Cracks – A crack in your wall that extends horizontally, or looks like a stairstep, commonly signifies a more serious problem for homeowners. These cracks leave your foundation susceptible to lateral pressure and with the natural expansion of the ground around your foundation, with moisture, it can actually cause your wall to bow around the crack. A horizontal crack can eventually lead to the entire failure and snapping of the foundation walls if not cared for appropriately. This type of crack cannot be fixed by simply filling it, it will require professional attention by an experienced foundation repair company to truly repair.
Horizontal crack in Toronto foundation home

Horizontal Crack in Foundation in Toronto Home

  • Vertical Cracks – As concrete and the foundation of your home settle it can cause vertical cracks to occur throughout your foundation. These cracks are quite common and can be easily repaired by filling the crack with filler materials to prevent further spreading.  While vertical cracks can potentially be a sing of something serious, most often it is due to natural settling of your home’s foundation.  If you see new vertical cracks appearing in your foundation, it is best to contact a foundation repair company to take a look at it.
Toronto home with vertical crack in foundation

Toronto home with vertical crack in foundation

  • Diagonal Cracks – A diagonal crack is typically an indication of a fracture that has spread over time, so a simple filling might not fix it permanently. It is a good idea to get these types of cracks stabilized and reinforced by professionals so that further spreading does not occur.

    Toronto home with a horizontal foundation crack

    Toronto home with a horizontal foundation crack

Depending on the types of cracks that you are noticing within your foundation, you can better determine the next step that you need to take to protect your investment.

Even Minor Cracks Need to Be Monitored

Even if you have a vertical crack, you want to be sure that you monitor all cracks regularly. Expansion, bowing of walls and leaks can only cause more damage to your home and cost you more money. If water is leaking into your basement from the foundation crack it is important to get it fixed.  Water can erode the foundation over time and turn a relatively minor repair into a major repair job later on.  A great way to monitor your cracks is to use a pencil to mark the ends of a crack with the date reviewed. A few months later you can return to the crack and see if it has changed or expanded. If you notice an expansion then perhaps it is a good idea to seek professional assistance to ensure that you home is not in danger.

When to Get a Foundation Professional Involved

If you notice that a crack in your foundation has seemed to worsen, or you have a horizontal or diagonal crack, then you are going to want to consider bringing in a  professional. A contracting company that specializes in foundation repairs can give you an assessment of whether it’s a minor problem or a more serious matter.  If it’s a very serious problem, a structural engineer will likely be recommended to assess the foundation.

Your home is your sanctuary and an investment that should be protected, don’t let a little foundation crack threaten your home and family.

 

Have questions about cracks in your foundation?  If you live in Toronto or the surrounding GTA, we at Nusite Group offers a free in-home inspection and assessment of your foundation cracks. We have been serving Toronto for over 30 years and are experts in foundation repairs.   You can contact us here for more information.

Basement Leaks Through a Concrete Block Wall

Concrete Block Wall Basement in Toronto

Many homes in Toronto and the surrounding GTA have poured-concrete foundations, but some of them are made of concrete block, which is often referred to as concrete masonry units (CMUs) or cinder blocks. The walls of concrete block foundations sit on a footing which is a concrete-poured pad that is wider than the building’s foundation wall. This helps to distribute the home’s weight load. The foundation’s construction starts with pouring the footing inside a trench which contains metal or wood forms. The footing needs to sit lower than the freeze line and possibly deeper if there’s going to be a full-height basement.

 

Foundation Footings

The footing’s thickness and width depends on the construction and size of the home as well as the soil’s load-bearing capacity. During the basement excavation, the first row of concrete block is laid on the footing when it has cured to describe the structure’s perimeter. For foundation walls, the typical thickness of the concrete block is eight inches. However, foot-thick blocks are sometimes used for heavier loads and higher walls. More courses of block and mortar are added in a brick-like pattern until the proper height is reached. At this time, any openings and windows are built and the mortar in the wall is given time to  cure.

If there are hollow cores in the block walls they may be filled completely with mortar, but usually the edges of openings and corners of the wall are filled. In addition, extra strength may be added with steel rebar. Once the walls are finished the basement floor is poured with concrete and the ground floor framing is completed. The foundation is now supported at the bottom and top and it’s backfilled and compacted with soil while construction begins above the ground.

 

Fixing a Leak in a Concrete Block Foundation

Poured-concrete and concrete block foundations both have identical load-bearing strength, but concrete block walls are more susceptible to any type of lateral pressure which can result in seepage problems. This is because water can seep into a basement through concrete block walls via the porous blocks and any cracked mortar joints. It’s recommended that you waterproof a home’s block foundation by installing a waterproofing membrane to the exterior. This method can be done while the building is being constructed or by excavating around it.

The exterior membrane consists of asphalt-modified polyurethane. It’s applied in a thick coating to the exterior of the foundation walls and it created a barrier which helps keep out water. The waterproofing membrane is different than a damp-proofing spray as the spray is a thinner liquid which is sprayed over foundation walls when the home is built to keep condensation out of its interior. The membrane can be improved with exterior drain tile when the water table is high. The drain tile is designed to carry ground water away. In addition, drainage board can be installed on the walls as a method to help protect the exterior membrane by channeling the water downward.

If you don’t have the option of exterior waterproofing, then interior drain tile can help keep a block wall from allowing water through it. This often sees the installation of a vapor barrier on the inside walls which transports any water to the drain tile. This can be kept from view as a finish wall can cover the vapor barrier.

No matter what the reason is for your damp basement, if you have a concrete block foundation that needs to be waterproofed please feel free to contact our team of professional contractors at Nusite. We have over 30 years of experience dealing with concrete block walls in the GTA and will gladly schedule a visit to your home for a free inspection and estimate.

Make Sure Your Waterproofing Contractor Is Covered BY WSIB

WSIB Covered Basement Contractors Ontario

Insurance and income tax are said to be among mankind’s greatest grudge expenses. They seldom seem to provide the benefits to match their cost. That’s why we try to put off settling those bills for as long as possible, and do our best to cut them back to the minimum. Sometimes it seems we’re hoping they’ll go away.

The problem with computers is that we are becoming far too used to having an undo button, and that’s spreading beyond our keyboards too. However time machines do not exist, the revenue service has a habit of getting its way, and medical bills for accident injuries have become outrageously expensive.

Ontario WSIB for Waterproofing Companies

Accidents Will Happen

Work-based accidents in Ontario are still surprisingly common.  Power tools (and the fact that some contractors work alone on jobs in order to remain competitive) ensure this. When an uninsured worker is hurt, the costs of emergency transportation, surgery, after care, rehabilitation and temporary loss of income are horrendous. An uninsured worker, if not covered by their waterproofing contractor company, will either have to pay their own medical bills or look to other liable parties for to pay for medical costs.  Those liable persons can be the homeowner where the work was being performed.

So the question is, are you comfortable getting sued by a worker because their employer does not carry the required insurance?  You may say that couldn’t happen, but it happens every day.  Lawyers look for the person who carries the most insurance and liability, and that person is the homeowner when it comes to workplace accidents on their property.

WSIB Insurance

Until the Ontario Workman’s Safety and Insurance Board introduced its accident insurance scheme, local contractors and employers were both at risk. Contractors who do not enjoy the Board’s accident coverage and do not employ other means of workplace employment still face their costs of injury alone. However they also have the right to sue their customers – and some successfully do. It is not only their homes that sometimes have to be sold.

But Isn’t this Coverage Automatic?

It’s supposed to be. However a contractor still has to register with the WSIB and pay an annual fee. Some waterproofing contractors may take the risk of not being insured to save money (and try and undercut reputable companies who carry the necessary insurance), while some think they can’t afford it or for the employees they hire. Others simply forget.

A related problem is that some employers either don’t know about Ontario’s WSIB insurance, or just assume that everything’s under control. When that happens, both parties are literally surfing naked on a potential time bomb, if you’ll excuse the mixed analogy.

What If a Contractor is Injured on my property as a homeowner?

The law requires that you as the homeowner take reasonable steps to minimize the effects of injury, and ensure the individual receives the necessary attention. After that, your involvement should be over. Unless, of course, a lawyer thinks they can prove your negligence. In the latter case the legal bills alone could break you.

How Can I be Sure a contractor has proper coverage?

Ask to see a waterproofing company’s Ontario WSIB clearance number, which is now valid for ninety days. If they’re not insured, think twice before you hire them. It’s simply not worth the risk. There are many waterproofing companies operating in Toronto with very little insurance or none at all.  They operate out of the back of their van and charge low rates because they are taking big risks for themselves, their workers and you the homeowner.  These same waterproofing companies will offer generous warranties, knowing full well they have no intention (or means) of hounoring them.  If they’ve forgotten it (or think they’re covered), the WSIB website is able to provide instant confirmation online.

If you really want to hire a waterproofing contractor but the insurance angle isn’t crystal clear, then this should be your first port of call. After all, it costs you nothing yet could and will prevent you from potential liability if an injury occurs on your property.

 

Fix Your Roof Problem Before It Turns Into A Leaky Basement

Did you know that problems on your roof can lead to a leaky basement?

The roofing system on your house, which includes the shingles, eavestroughs, and drains, are meant to do one thing; to channel rain water from your roof and away from your foundation.  If the system is working properly, that’s exactly what it will do.  If it’s not, then rain water will begin to pool around your home’s foundation, eventually causing water problems in your basement.

Here in Toronto, the roofs on our homes are subject to some severe weather conditions.  The long Winters, with snow build up, thawing, then re-freezing, can really wear down your roof over time.  It’s important to schedule times throughout the year where you can inspect your roof system and make sure that it’s properly channeling water away from your foundation.

The infographic below provides a nice pictorial of potential problems you may come across when you examine your roof.  Take a few minutes of preventative maintenance to help avoid costly foundation repairs later on.  Have questions about channeling water away from your foundation?  Feel free to contact us here, we’re happy to help!

Roof Maintenance Infographic

 

Signs Of Foundation Problems In Your Home

Foundation problems are pretty common in older areas, like in San Francisco, especially in older homes closer to the bay.  San Francisco is a city with a high water level table, meaning many areas experience chronic problems in their basements due to ground water swelling up underneath the foundation.

The earth’s not static beneath your home’s foundations. In fact, it’s a dynamic living thing that reacts to moisture welling up, or coming down as rain. As it absorbs water, it expands, and as it dries out again, it contracts. This translates to your foundation moving up and down during the change of seasons.

While concrete foundations are reinforced and seldom fracture, the brick, mortar and concrete structures standing on them are only hardened to the extent the builders considered necessary.  Fortunately, they give off early warning signals like cracking and splitting when underlying problems start to develop. Depending on the severity of the cause, you could try to fix it yourself, or ignore it at your peril.

Warning Signs

 

Where there’s sudden, catastrophic erosion after a severe flood, the problem may display as a seriously tilting house that could finally collapse. Where the problem is chronic due to fundamental soil conditions, the indications are likely to be more subtle and could include the following:

  • Step-cracks in brick walls that spread out from structurally weak points like openings and corners. These typically open wide in drought, and close again when the earth below is moist and expands. The power of heaving soil is mighty and it’s pointless trying to patch them. You have to tackle the foundation problem that’s causing them first.

 

  • Movement in the walls may also display as sticking doors and windows during rainy periods, and correspondingly loose ones when it’s dry. Here, it’s often possible to apply a flexible seal to keep out the draught. Once again, this is just a temporary solution.

 

  • A more serious problem is indicated when a concrete floor starts to crack, either on ground level or down in the basement. If moisture starts finding its way through then a crack is likely caused by a ground-water problem. If not, there’s a likelihood of poorly-compacted earth beneath.

Tackle the Problem

Subsiding foundations and cracking walls are not a job the average homeowner should tackle themselves. The work is highly technical, especially because it’s seldom possible to inspect the root cause of the problem without an experienced foundation contractor employing special detention tools. Moreover, exposing foundations is hard work that requires specialized equipment.

Seek Independent Advice First

Arrange to have your home inspected by a registered, competent structural foundation contractor. Get a few opinions to be sure you’re going with the right solution as it foundation repairs are usually a fairly big job. Sometimes, your problem turns out minor and you can just learn to live with it. At other times, a trained expert can provide a detailed specification of what needs to be done (and inspect the job as it goes along too).

Appoint a Foundation Repair Specialist

Again, remedial foundation work is hardly the job for the average contractor (or worse still the local handyman). You need to find someone who can repair the underlying problems, fix the consequences like cracked walls, get rid of damp problems and ensuing mold, and finally, provide an effective guarantee against a return of the problem.  If you’re in Toronto, you’ve probably seen stories like this one where inexperienced and low priced contractors were hired to do a complex job, resulting in dangerous and expensive results.