Do you see a puddle in your basement every time it rains that seems to be coming in near the top of the wall, dripping or pouring down the wall? If you do, your basement windows may be the culprit.

While a leaky window may seem like a minor issue, these types of issues not only become an annoyance, they can actually promote the growth of mold in your basement and damage your belongings.

Most of the older homes here in Toronto weren’t made to have a livable basement.  Moisture and some water leaks are considered normal, and often times the basement window is the culprit.

Since real estate in Toronto is at a premium, most homeowners want to turn their basement into a livable space.  In order to do this, you first have to remove the water and damp in your basement or else you’ll end up with a damp, moldy basement that nobody would want to use.

Schedule a free estimate for your window well project

The basement window well if often a cause of water leaking into the basement.  This is often due to shifting foundation, rotted wood and caulking, and cracks that develop around the frame of the window well.If you find that your basement window is causing that nagging leak in your basement, here are a few things you can do.

If you find that your basement window is causing that nagging leak in your basement, here are a few things you can do.

Caulk Your Basement Window

If water is coming through a basement window, there are a couple different solutions to discover.  If you haven’t caulked the window, that it is your first line of defense.   Something as simple as caulking the window well could solve your problem.  Keep in mind that if your window has already been leaking for some time, the framing around the window could be damaged and rotting resulting in additional repairs being necessary.

Leaking window well in Toronto home

Install a Window Well

Consider window wells for your basement windows.  A window well is a curved piece of steel insert with corrugated pipe that is used to attempt to block moisture from the window area when it is below grade level and drain away water that enters the area.  If you have a window well but there’s no gravel, you may want to consider adding some gravel inside the well.  The corrugated insert is designed to route the water away but sometimes the well can be overwhelmed by the amount of rain that it receives and can also clog over time, making it useless.

Creating a window well as a means of egress
Window Well Cover

Over time, window wells can become clogged with leaves, dirt, and even snow.  They need to be cleaned out from time to time.  Covers can also be purchased to help decrease the amount of water and debris that enter the window well area.  Do your research and consult a waterproofing professional to find the right cover for your situation or repairs to current window well covers.

Window well cover Toronto home

Adjust the Grade Around Your Window

As we mentioned earlier, the grade outside your home can definitely have an effect on leaking windows.  Grade sloping towards your home can certainly contribute to leaking basement windows and result in a wet or even flooded basement.

Repairing the window won’t stop the leaking if the grade is sloped towards the home or the grade is too high above the window area.  A professional waterproofing company or landscaper can assist you in correcting these issues.  Many times water enters your basement in more than one way or location.  It’s always a good idea to speak with a waterproofing, licensed professional with expertise in waterproofing your basement when dealing with these issues.

window wells are a source of basement water leaks
Check your downspouts

If your gutters are overflowing this could contribute to the leaks.  Also, investigate where your downspouts route the water to when it rains.  If they are pouring out right against the foundation of your home, this could also contribute to windows leaking  This is a common problem and luckily an easy fix.

creating a decorative garden in window well
Install New Windows

If your windows are older, they may need to be replaced.  As mentioned previously, if the leak has been continuing for awhile, the frame around the window may be damaged or rotted and need to be replaced as well.  A shifting foundation can also lead to damage to the window frame and a new window with a proper seal may be needed.

Basement Egress Windows Toronto

You can also consider an egress window.  An egress window is larger than a standard window and is designed to provide an escape route or a way for emergency personnel to enter your home during an emergency.  Check your local building codes prior to beginning this type of remodeling as parameters can differ from area to area.  Many areas now require egress windows if you have or are building a basement bedroom, as a means of escape.

Consider hiring a professional if you install an egress window to ensure the egress window in your basement is installed correctly.  Concrete may need to be cut as well as excavation and this is not a small undertaking.  You will want to make sure your contractor knows what they’re doing and has done this sort of work foundation work before.  As an experienced waterproofing company in Toronto called out to help homeowners address their basement leaks, we see improperly installed egress windows from time to time that do cause water to enter the basement.

Solve the Problem at the Source

No matter which solution is appropriate for your leaky windows, it’s important to note that these aren’t the type of problems that take care of themselves.  Basement leaks do get worse over time and wet, damp, humid environments such as your basement encourage mold growth.  Many homeowners have or develop allergies to mold that make using your basement difficult.  Remediating the mold could even become necessary.  Act now to solve your wet basement by calling your local waterproofing professional company and request
Have questions about a leaking window or would are interested in fixing or installing a window well?  If you live in Toronto or the GTA, contact us here for a free in-home inspection and estimate.

Finished basement with musty odourSpring is upon us, and you know what that means: melting snow. Keeping your basement dry is critical in your overall home maintenance to fight against mold, leaky basements, and property damage.

Contractors will often use a wide array of materials to help factor basement from membranes and drain boards, to perforated pipe, sump pumps, and more. One item that does not usually make it onto the list until you have problems, but nonetheless is equally as important to have, is a dehumidification system. If you’ve noticed changes in your home’s air quality or are worried about  it may be time to consider a dehumidifier.

A dehumidifier works to lower humidity levels by drying the air. A dehumidification system is often an asset not only for your basement, but for your overall living conditions. By maintaining good air quality in the lowest level of your home the effects are seen throughout the other levels of the home, based on the laws of physics in what is known as the ‘Stack Effect’. Dehumidifiers also work at drying out the invisible moisture that lies within the nooks and crannies, as well as the cracks of your basement. Studies have shown that even in the driest of basements, dehumidifiers can pick up over 10 gallons of water per day through sucking up moisture. Dehumidification is also essential when waterproofing your basement.

basement leak in Etobicoke homeThere are two approaches you can take when it comes to dehumidifying. The dehumidification process can be done with either condenser systems or venting systems. When selecting the option that is right for your basement there are factors you need to consider like the size of space, efficiency, temperature, and the goal of dehumidifying.

Let’s take a closer look at these two options:

1. Condenser Systems

A condenser system will decrease humidity by breaking it down into water. Condenser systems are a more common choice for homeowners, as some professionals If you are in the market for a condenser system experts recommend that a key factor to look for is a highly efficient system that also includes an air purification component. Although these factors may cost more initially, if your basement needs ongoing attention it has the potential to save you money. Condenser systems vary in sizes, while most small units can handle somewhere around 500 square feet of space whereas larger ones can do about 2500 square feet. For optimal performance condenser systems work best in conditions of 80° F and 60% relative humidity.

2. Venting Systems

A venting system will decrease humidity by venting the moist air back outside before it works its way up into your living space. The idea behind a venting system is that the increased ventilation decrease humid air, plus it will filter the moist air with drier air while exhausting odors. Where condenser systems work to condense moisture to water venting systems skip the process altogether, thereby making them more energy efficient. This premise has been highly criticized amongst pool professionals. Venting systems vary in sizes and can work with larger spaces up to 7000 square feet.

Don’t forget to consider the For best results, it is important to contact Nu-Site Group today for more information on sourcing the system that is right for you. Nu-Site offers 24 hour emergency service throughout the GTA if you experience any flooding issues.

If you are home has a leaky basement, naturally it is a source of concern. Moisture can not only ruin wood, drywall, and carpets in a finished basement, but it will also promote mold. Mold is dangerous to human health as the spores may be inhaled into the lungs causing respiratory problems. If you are wondering whether it is possible to repair a leaky basement yourself, the answer really depends on the cause of the water.

Here are some of the most common reasons why your home’s basement may be leaking:

  •  Roof water – the water that flows from your roof is not being carried away properly by your eavestroughs and downspouts. These devices must be free from debris and leaks to do their job properly.
  • Over-watering – perhaps someone is over zealous with the hose when watering the flowerbeds or shrubs around your home.
  • Groundwater – there is always water underground, but sometimes it is redirected towards your home because of changes in the landscape. Other times it is drawn up under the building by capillary action. This can usually be identified by a white residue on the floor. This is mineral deposits after the water has evaporated.
  • Runoff – Snow and rainwater can collect in depressed areas and then leach into your basement.
  • Bad drains – drains can be improperly installed, damaged or clogged. Sometimes underground drains do not have enough of a slope to move moisture away from the building.
  • Broken lines – water and sewage lines do deteriorate over time and may rupture. Other times tree roots can penetrate the pipes.
  • No ventilation – if air cannot circulate in the basement, humidity will build up inside the structure. To check if you have a humidity problem or a leak, tape a 1’ square of aluminum foil on the wall and leaving it overnight. If you find condensation on the room side of the foil, you know it is humidity that is causing your problems. If moisture is on the wall side, you’ve got water coming in from the outside.

To repair water leaks, there are some DIY fixes any homeowner can try. Let’s take a look at some of these methods: 

  1. Vertical crack Toronto foundation basementThe first thing you must do in all cases is to fill all of the cracks and gaps in the wall that are under 1/8-inch wide with polyurethane caulk made for concrete. If there are larger cracks that need filling, use epoxy filler.
  2. Next, you can choose one of the many commercial products on the market to help seal the cracks, including concrete waterproof coatings, silicate-based sealers, waterproofing paint and interior water-control systems.
  3. Add your waterproof coating to the filled crack. Concrete waterproof coatings go on like cement over top of most finishes. However, silicate-based sealers are intended for untreated surfaces as they need to chemically react with bare concrete. Waterproofing paint is a heavy latex paint meant to seal the wall with an acrylic layer.
  4. Interior water-control systems involve wall vapour barriers and drip moldings to collect water coming from wall cracks and other foundation wall defects. A drain then directs the water to a sump pump and finally the sump pump directs the water out of the basement. While a DIY homeowner may attempt this, it is an extensive project, and requires proper attention to getting the job done right. In some cases, calling a professional to assist is highly recommended.

Sump pump installation in Toronto basementIf your DIY methods do not work, or you cannot access your basement walls to do the repairs, you will need to call in a contractor. They will excavate around the foundation, seal the leaks and wrap the foundation in a waterproof membrane. New weeping tiles are placed near the foundation and the soil is backfilled. If you are still having issues controlling water, it may be necessary to install a sump pump. 

It is always better to call a professional sooner, rather than later. Water damage can be expensive and the long-term effects are cumulative.

Contact Nusite Waterproofing to for a free in-home estimate and inspection of your basement water problems.  We service Toronto and the surrounding GTA.

 

damp-windows-torontoDamp is a problem that strikes fear into the most clued up homeowner, however, with the right know-how you can treat damp effectively and return your home to its former glory. Take a look at our top five tips and become one step closer to dealing with damp for good!

1. Diagnose your damp problem accurately

How you treat each individual damp problem depends entirely on the type of damp your property is affected by. There are three main forms of damp – condensation, penetrating and rising – and each has its own remedy.

Condensation is perhaps the most common form of damp, especially within homes that experience high humidity levels and have poor ventilation. Condensation forms on windows, doors and other glass or metal surfaces and is caused by excess moisture within your home. Penetrating damp occurs when water enters through your walls or roof and moves throughout the property leaving a path of defects, water staining and damp patches behind. Rising damp on the other hand rises from the ground upwards causing similar effects.

It is recommended that you enlist a professional to identify your damp problem accurately, they can also help you find a cost-effective and efficient solution.

2. Improve your ventilation

Whatever the cause of your problem, properties without adequate ventilation tend to be more susceptible to damp problems, especially rooms that are exposed to a high level of humidity such as the kitchen, bathroom or utility area. Improving your ventilation and boosting air circulation is a quick and easy way to ease the nasty effects of excess moisture and prevent damp problems from reoccurring once more. Install vents and extractor fans in moisture-prone areas, and utilize these to enhance your wider property’s ventilation.

3.  Invest in a dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers offer an excellent quick fix for properties that are been destroyed by damp, this handy home appliance takes in moisture from the air and expels dry air to return humidity back to its recommended levels. There are a range of dehumidifiers on the market, and leading specialists like the Air and Water Centre can provide a solution that suits your home and your budget.

The use of a dehumidifier also improves air quality, which provides great health benefits for your family as excess humidity, dust and airborne mold can cause and worsen a range of health concerns.

4. Change your home habits

You have more influence over the excessive humidity levels that cause damp than you think. Humidity is caused by a variety of everyday home activities such as washing dishes, drying laundry and bathing, and ensuring you take precautions can prevent moisture from causing long term damage to your home.

Try drying laundry outdoors if the weather is nice, open a window when washing the dishes, turn on your extractor hood when cooking food and open vents when taking a bath or shower to minimize moisture damage.

5. Look for long term solutions

Whilst many methods may ease the side effects of condensation, penetrating damp and rising damp, long term solutions must be sought to prevent damp problems returning and causing more mayhem. Repairing the damp proof course of your basement is one of the more expensive options when treating rising damp, but this ensures your property is protected for years to come.

Penetrating damp can be resolved with repairs or replacement of faulty pointing, downpipes, guttering, render and flashings, whilst windows and doors will have to be fully insulated and sealed to prevent long term condensation problems.

This post comes to you from Martin Davies from the Air and Water Centre.

 

White powder basment wallIn a word, it’s called efflorescence. When people see it on their basement walls, they often refer to it as the white powdery stuff, white mold, or white mildew.

The white stuff you have on your basement walls, officially called efflorescence, is actually a deposit left behind by water. You may have noticed it on the outside of your house walls too (hopefully below the damp course, that is). The stuff is normally harmless, although you’re still advised to wear hand and face protection when you brush it off, just in case.

The big question is “why is there water there in the first place?” Walls are supposed to be dry. Having damp walls is a bad idea because the moisture could eventually cause the structure to begin to break down.

To answer the question we need to take a trip underground to the dynamic, natural world. Water – the source of life they say – is constantly on the move filtering through the earth and stone. As it travels, it picks up natural minerals and salts that it transports along and finally deposits someplace else. It’s almost as if sand and stone were made for the job!

Our homes certainly are. They are built from natural materials in the form of sand, cement and stone. Water passes naturally though these too, which is why we go to the trouble of baking bricks and painting outside walls with expensive waterproofing paint. We also add damp courses, roofs, gutters, downpipes and overhangs like eaves.

efflorescence-concrete-basement-wall-toronto

We do everything “upstairs” to keep the water away from our walls. Down in the basement it’s often a different story. When it rains the earth around the foundation becomes saturated. Many basements we’ve encountered are little better than “leaky buckets” rammed into the ground.

In a sense, efflorescence on an inside basement wall is like a friendly sentry-guard. It’s telling us that moisture is penetrating through our basement walls and leaving its customary calling-card behind. It’s likely to be historic evidence left behind as the moisture evaporated, which is why it’s normally more evident in dryer summer months.

This makes it the friend of home buyers too, especially when viewing the basement of a home in summer that’s subject to intrusive damp during winter time. The seller can try their hardest to brush it off, but there’ll always be a stain when you know where to look for it.

This is the biggest single reason to track down the cause of efflorescence if you have it in your basement, and to get rid of it before it starts working down the value of your home. It’s a sign that moisture is making it’s way inside your basement, and with that dampness often comes mold.

Not sure if you have efflorescence or not on your basement wall?  Contact us here for a free in-home inspection of your basement.

 

 

Basement odors are common, especially for older homes, but no matter how old or new your home is, there are many reasons odors can pop up in a basement. With the changing sometimes strange weather here in The Bay Area, it’s easy to start getting some funky odors down there if there is dampness and poor air circulation.

You may want to do an initial inspection yourself but I would suggest finding a quality contractor to help find the issues as sometimes it can be hidden. There are many great contractors here in The Bay Area and we found a great remodeling contractor here in Redwood City. If your basement has a slight odor, here are six things that could be causing it:

1. Cracks

Having cracks on basement walls is something that is very common. Those
who are living in newer homes may also find some cracks on their cinder or
concrete basement walls. These cracks will then start to leak thereby
creating dampness which will eventually result to a musty odor. So, once
you notice some cracks in your basement walls, be quick enough to patch
them very well. But, if you think that the cracks are active and could
develop into long cracks be prepared to call on the help of an expert.

2. Condensation

Annoying basement odors brought about by condensation usually occurs
during summer when pipes have been covered with condensation. Cold water
pipes will have condensation build-up resulting to drips into the basement
floor. Once you find some condensation developing cover the pipes
immediately with insulated wraps to avoid dampness and musty odor in your
basement.

3. Leaking Pipes

There are also times when people mistake condensation for leaky pipes.
When a pipe leaks, annoying odor in the basement will likely to occur.
Cover the leaking part of the pipe with epoxy compound. But, the pipe may
require a different repair method if it has tiny holes in it. If these
pipes will continue to leak after doing some quick-fix then you should
start thinking about calling a licensed plumber

4. Humidity

Humidity is another cause of having annoying odors in the basement. This
is true even when the basement is not damp. If you notice your basement
having musty odor and you cannot find any damp area, you should try using
a dehumidifier. Attach a hose into the dehumidifier to allow the extra
moisture to pass through the basement drain. Putting a dehumidifier in the
basement is one effective way to eradicate the bad odor in the basement
caused by trapped humidity.

5. Weeping Walls

Weeping walls in the basement is one great source of musty odor.
Unfortunately, weeping walls do require complete repair or much work by
using several other methods in order to stop having musty odor problems in
the basement. A dehumidifier and other moisture control methods will
certainly not work in eliminating the musty odor in the basement if it is
caused by weeping walls.

6. Mold and Mildew

If stagnant moisture is left unchecked in the basement a musty odor will
most likely to occur. This is due to the growth of bacteria that manifests
in the form of mold and mildew which may spread rapidly or slowly depending
on the size of the leak. Mold will almost always be present in the basement
because of the moisture from the underground unless you live in a very arid climate or have awesome ventilation in your basement.

 

Ice damming on Toronto roofDo you have a giant sheet of ice on your roof waiting to wreck havoc on your home?  The last few Winters here in Toronto have been a mix of warm days and freezing days, the perfect storm for ice dam formation.  Ice dams can not only damage the outside of your house, they do a lot of damage inside as well.

When snow falls on rocks and trees it comes in contact with something perhaps even a little colder and does not melt. It builds up until a combination of gravity and weight causes it to slip loose, and fall harmlessly to the ground. If on the other hand it falls on something warmer then it melts, and either dams (freezes again before it drips off) or runs off as water depending on the gradient.

How Do Ice Dams Form?

Here in Toronto, we go to great expense to warm their homes in Winter and that’s perfectly understandable. Unfortunately heat rises and despite best efforts at ceiling insulation some heat is inevitably transferred to the attic. This can be a result of inadequate insulation, or gaps caused by pipes and trapdoors. With the best will in the world, nature will always have a way, meaning that your attic will inevitably be a little warmer than the winter air outside.

This temperature difference causes the snow to gradually melt and travel down the roof. When it reaches the eaves that are at ambient temperature it freezes again, and gradually forms into a ridge. Above, the snow keeps on melting and adding to the pile of ice. As this grows in size the melt water becomes a dam pooling on the roof. Ice dams are a roofer’s worst nightmare come true.

This is because roof coverings work on the assumption that water will run off before it has time to seek out crevices and work it’s way under the shingles. This problem is surprisingly common on most roof surfaces except corrugated sheet metal. It’s worst of all on flat roofs and shingles.

Ice dam on home in Scarborough

Referred Problems

Ice damming on roofs inevitably finds its way into the roof space below. There, it drips quietly onto insulation and accumulates on ceilings. If the leak is serious this can lead to minor flooding and damage to ceilings, carpets and upholstery. If the problem is minor then the attic becomes dank and starts smelling of mold.

The mold spores find their way past cracks through which the heat transfer happens. As they do so, they find themselves in an almost perfect habitat where they can procreate to their hearts content.

Tackling to Root Cause of Ice Dams

Ice dams exist because of differences between ambient and attic temperatures. Your wisest first point of call is to inspect your attic insulation because it’s pointless generating heat to melt the snow above and cause these problems. You may require expert advice because the problem’s probably lurking in an almost inaccessible place.

Your second line of defense is to improve ventilation through your roof so you constantly exchange the warmer air for cold. Point being, keep the attic as cold as the air outside. This can be effective in the case of steep roofs with gable ends. If you have a badly pitched roof covered with tiles or shingles you could be up for expensive alterations.

Have questions about ventilation and air quality inside your home?  We’re happy to answer and questions, you can contact us here.

A water soaked carpet can be a real mess. Especially when it’s in your basement and it’s soaked from possibly contaminated sewer water.  Yuk! Every moment you delay, your carpet’s survival is under threat. At the same time, there’s little purpose in trying to do anything while the water’s still coming in. This is definitely no time to be rash. You need a cool head here.  Here in Toronto, between the weather and the age of many of our homes, basement flooding is quite common.  If you do experience a basement flood, and your have carpet down there, here are a few tips for you to follow.

flooded carpet with mold

Turn off the Water Supply – If a basement suddenly develops a leak, it’s quite possible an appliance down there has developed one too. Turn off the water at the entry point. Just don’t go below because it might not be safe to do so yet.

Switch off the Electricity – Don’t mess with this one. Your life could be at stake. Turning off the main switch is only good enough if the basement’s correctly wired. Rather ask an electrician to make your basement electrically safe for you.

Inspect the Area – Now you can take a good look around the basement, and hopefully find the root cause of the problem. Check the ceiling and the walls for obvious signs of running water. Look at every plumbed-in appliance carefully. Then examine the carpet for water-intrusion from beneath. The darkest, wettest spot is likely where your problem lies.

Salvage the Carpet

If the carpet is cheap, or clearly ruined, don’t waste your time with it. Put in an insurance claim and have a new one fitted. A carpet that isn’t cleaned and dried properly is a great candidate for mold.  However if you have a high insurance excess and consider it worth salvaging, here are two alternative solutions.

  • If the carpet is recoverable but really water-sodden (or you need to uplift it anyway to attend to an underground leak) clear the basement and use a commercial wet-vac to mop up as much water as possible. Then remove the carpet (watch out for rusty nails on edging strips) and take it someplace where it can dry out in the sun.

 

After that, you can find a carpet fitter to relay it for you. Don’t waste time trying to salvage the underlay though. It’s relatively cheap, and will stretch and tear as you take it up in any case.

 

  • If the water spill is localized and clearly not welling up from below, all you may need to do is mop it with the commercial wet-vac (don’t press down hard) and then turn on several large fans plus a powerful dehumidifier. Don’t rush things. When it’s finally dry, you can shampoo it clean.

Move Quickly

Ignore a damp carpet in a basement, and you’re inviting mold to settle down there, from where it could gradually migrate upstairs and affect your family’s bronchial health. Should you be unable to take any of the steps we recommend immediately, then it’s time to call in a commercial carpet cleaning service urgently.

Longer-Term Concerns

Clearly, there’s little point in reinstating a carpet until the root cause of the flooding has been solved. Depending on your skills you may be able to sort out a plumbing problem yourself. However, if you’re faced with water intrusion you’re going to need advice from a basement water-proofing specialist, because that’s probably a more serious concern that will require a professional inspection.