Top 7 Basement Waterproofing Problems in Toronto Homes (and How to Fix Them)

One of the most frequent troubles that Toronto homeowners have is the basement leaks. Rainy season and wet basement is no longer only an issue that causes problems to those who live near the ocean or in old places downtown but also a headache of a new homeowner with a new house in a new place out in the suburbs.

The special climate of Toronto characterized by freeze-thaw processes, plentiful spring rains, and deposits of soil are of clay nature adds additional loads to foundations. Being informed about the causes of the basement water problem and the ways to cope with them, you will never waste your time, nerves, and money.

These are the 7 most typical issues of waterproof basements in Toronto homes and proper ways of resolving.

1. Foundation Cracks

Sometimes, cracks in your foundation are not considered dangerous, but in most cases, they are the initial way water gets inside your house. Foundations in Toronto may shift and crack with time due to expansive clay soil, which may expand and contract with the change in temperature and the winter frost. To get moe about Foundation Crack Repair Toronto click here.

How to Fix It:

In many hairline cracks, it is possible to seal on the inside with epoxy or polyurethane injection. Bigger or picky cracks would need the exterior excavation and water proofing that will remove the hydrostatic pressure and stop the future ventures.

2. Poor Exterior Drainage

In case rainwater is not picking its way out of your house, it might just accumulate along the base or even trickle down to the basement. This is more prevalent in old Toronto neighbourhoods where grading has changed with time.

How to Fix It:

Ensure your garden is covered by a gradient that is directed out of your house. Make your downspouts go at least six inches away from your foundation, and utilize gutters that are clean and operational. In case of recurrent problems, having a French drain system can be installed.

3. Clogged or Failing Weeping Tile System

Weeping tile systems (sometimes referred to as perimeter drains) are supposed to remove ground water around your foundation. Most of these systems have been clogged or are absent in many homes in Toronto, particularly those that were constructed prior to 1980s.

FixIt:

When one is doing exterior waterproofing, there can be the installation of a modern weeping tile system, which is made up of a perforated PVC pipe. It is a system that redirects the water away quickly without damaging the home and it is secured by gravel and filter cloth, which prevents the system getting clogged.

4. Window Well Leaks

The other vulnerable area is the basement window. The water that fills the window wells normally leaks into the basement through the windows or through the walls via cracks due to improper drainage.To get more about Basement Window Well Installation Toronto you can visit here.

How to Repair It:

Put covers on windows wells to avoid build up of water and debris. Good drainage under the window well is usually a vertical drain leading to weeping tile. It can also be required to caulk window frames or change those.

5. High Water Table

The water table is already high in certain regions in Toronto, particularly on the lakeshore or along the ravines. This results to hydrostatic pressure whereby water flows against the basement walls and the floor resulting to the basement leaks without there being cracks.

What to do about it:

Place an interior draining system in the basement to drain water along the outer perimeter where a sump pump system is installed. Such systems reduce pressure and pump the ground water out in a safe way. A stand by power battery makes sure that the system functions even when the power goes down.

6. Sump Pump Failure

Your sump pump comes as your final means of prevention of your basement flooding. In case of its failure with mechanical problems, loss of power, clogged discharge line, water can back up within a short period of time.

Fixing it:

It is important to check your sump pump periodically and regularly clean the pit to avoid build up of debris. Put in a backup battery or water-driven pump to run with the battery in the event of outage or severe storms.

7. Ineffective Interior Waterproofing

All too commonly the homeowner works to seal a wet basement with a coat of water proof paint or home made sealant. These might cover up the problem atleast in the short run but they never solve such hard-core problems such as poor drainage, hydrostatic pressure or damaged foundations.

The Way to Repair It:

Obtain professional inspection of the basement to get to the truth. The long term solutions such as full exterior waterproofing, interior drainage systems and sump pumps are much better in ensuring that basements remain dry on a permanent basis.

Final Thoughts

The waterproofing of basement is not a JUMP style in a city like Toronto. The most important thing is to identify it at an early stage, and collaborate with the professionals who prefer to familiarize themselves with local conditions and codes.

When you are experiencing some indications of a moist basement stuffy odor, moisture on the walls, mold, or there is water puddling do not hesitate. The correct waterproofing solution will ensure that your home will remain safe, its value goes up and you will sleep peacefully.

Searching assistance with basement water proofing in Toronto?

You can have a free consultation regarding Basement Waterproofing Toronto with Royal Work Corp at any time. Our local professionals will evaluate your house and advise on the personal solution.