Here’s the Secret for Long-Lasting Solution to Basement Flooding

What are the Signs that indicate the need of Waterproofing your Home?

Wet basement and leaky walls are the most common indicators of a water leakage problem. But, these are not the only ones. There are a few other subtle signs that will help you identify the urgent need of waterproofing your home: 

1. Slight odor and dampness
2. Formation of mould and mildew
3. Decaying of furniture
4. Difficulty in breathing and
5. Pest problem in the basement

If you undertake a waterproofing project at your home, you will be able to do the following things: 

 

1. Use your basement again
2. Protect the foundation and footings of your home
3. Get rid of dampness, mildew and mould from your basement
4. Stop premature decaying of your home
5. Avoid a pest problem
6. Protect the health of your family

Why to choose an Experienced Contractor for Waterproofing?

If you do not treat water leakage, it can damage your home and compel you to build a new structure. Tearing down your home and building a new one can be very expensive for you. So, it is important that you waterproof your home at the right time. An experienced waterproofing contractor knows his/her job well and restores the strength of your home. Here's why you should contact a reputed, experienced and knowledgeable waterproofing contractor for total protection of your home: 

Experience Matters

Locating the cause of water problem on your own can be quite time-consuming. So, it is important to employ the services of a reputed waterproofing contractor because he/she is well-experienced and trained in finding the main of cause of flooding and dampness in your basement. 

Survey and Inspection

An experienced contractor conducts a survey before starting the process of waterproofing your basement. He/she undertakes the following tasks in order to understand the real cause of flooding: 

1. Visual inspection
2. Laboratory testing
3. Detailed exploration
4. Exposing the leaks
5. Humidity and moisture measurement

Once the contractor and his/her team of engineers are sure of the cause of flooding, they will provide you with a detailed pricing estimate to avoid any unpleasant surprises in future. 

Quality Control

An experienced and reliable contractor will identify the trouble-spots in the structure and devise an action-plan. Usually, waterproofing contractors employ an on-site quality control supervisor to ensure that the work is progressing according to the action-plan. Additionally, the supervisor will keep a check on the quality of material used. 

 

Long-Term Benefits

Even though an experienced waterproofing contractor may seem costly at the moment, hiring him/her will be beneficial in the long-term. A contractor with vast experience and up-to-date knowledge of waterproofing will ensure that your house stays protected against water for several years. Also, reputed contractors provide guarantee which is an added advantage. 

The benefits of employing the services of an experienced contractor are many. Do not ignore them by waterproofing your home on your own. It is not a DIY job. 

Pour Concrete is a reputed waterproofing contractor in Toronto. Contact us on 647-847-4009 and obtain a free estimate for interior waterproofing as well as exterior waterproofing in Toronto.

How to ensure a No Headache Underpinning Work at your Home?

A building is made of bricks and beams. 

                                   But, your home is made of hopes and dreams.

Your home is one of your most cherished possessions. It ensures the safety of your family. If the foundation of your home is weak, it can weaken your life. So, it is important to repair and restore the strength of the foundation. 

How to strengthen the Foundation of your Home? 

If you have noticed several cracks in your home, there are chances of a serious problem with the foundation. In such a situation, underpinning may be required to restore its strength. 

What is Underpinning?

Underpinning is an engineering method of restoring the strength of the foundation. It includes excavating sections under the existing foundation and pouring concrete blocks under each section. The end result is a new foundation under the existing foundation structure. 

You can initiate underpinning at your home for any of the following reasons: 

1. The original foundation is weak.

2. Land subsidence has occurred under the foundation.

3. Natural calamities have caused a movement in the structure of your home.

4. You want to add floors to the existing structure.

5. You want to increase the height of basement and use it for rental purposes.

What Factors should be considered before Underpinning?

Underpinning is a complex process that requires the knowledge and expertise of a specialist. So, it is important that you contact a licensed underpinning contractor. Also, you will have to consider the following factors: 

The Cost

As underpinning is costly, homeowners consider it as the last resort for repairing the foundation. It is expensive because of the risk involved. If you are thinking of underpinning a foundation, get a clear idea of the cost. 

The Insurance

Home insurance providers require you to provide detailed information of any home renovation project that you undertake. When you begin a project such as underpinning, the home insurance provider will change your policy to “home under renovation” policy. 

If you start underpinning without informing your home insurance provider, the insurance contract may be considered void. Also, you will not be covered if an accident occurs. 

The Building Permit

If your contractor does not obtain the building permit required for underpinning, you can face the following severe legal as well as financial consequences: 

1. Pay “work without permit” penalty;

2. Delay underpinning till the permit is obtained; and

3. Undo the work done. 

Starting underpinning without permit can even impact the selling price of your home. It will also create problem in making an insurance claim. 

So, it is important that you remind the contractor of obtaining building permits. 

Underpinning is the perfect solution for strengthening the foundation of your home and making it durable. But, it can become a source of headache and heartache if you are not careful. So, ensure that your trusted underpinning contractor does the right work in the right way. 

When it comes to underpinning basement, Pour Concrete is the perfect choice of every homeowner. You can trust the contractor for every kind of foundation crack repair. Call on 647-847-4009 or inquire online.

Happy underpinning!

Basement Lowering - An Efficient Way of getting rid of Uncomfortable Basement

Do you find it difficult to store your belongings in the basement? Is your basement not high enough to walk comfortably? Is it impossible to consider it as a living space? If you are facing the problem of limited space in your basement, do not consider buying a new property. 

Buying a new home is very expensive. You will have to undergo the trouble of selling your current home at an attractive price and find a new home at affordable rates. Instead of spending your time and energy on searching for a home, you can make your current home larger. How? Here's the solution. 

Basement Lowering - The Affordable Solution to your Space Problem

Basement lowering is a process that lowers the flooring of your basement and increases its height. Thus, allowing you to have a larger and more comfortable living space. There are several other benefits to basement lowering such as:

1. It strengthens the foundation. 

2. It provides you with an opportunity to add floors to the structure. 

3. It helps you to correct a structural problem. 

4. It allows you to use your basement for rental purposes.

How to Lower the Basement?

A basement lowering process can be achieved by the following techniques:

1. Underpinning

It is a complex technique that involves excavating sections of earth under the footing of your home. Once the earth is removed, concreted blocks are poured. When the concrete dries, adjacent sections are removed and the same process is followed.

After all the sections are finished, the extra earth is removed and a new layer of concrete flooring is added.

2. Bench-Footing

Bench-footing involves excavation around the foundation and not under it. After excavating the soil, new foundation walls are built. This creates a bench-like structure between the original foundation wall and the new floor.

How to choose a Basement Lowering Technique?

Here are a few useful tips to help you choose a basement lowering technique for your home:

1. The Strength of Foundation

When the foundation of your home is not strong, it is advisable to avoid excavation under the footing. If you excavate under a weak foundation structure, there are high chances of collapse. So, the bench-footing technique will be of help to you in such a situation.

2. The Type of Soil

If the soil around your home is not stable, then it is not a wise decision to disturb it. In such a situation, excavating under the footing can cause damage to the foundation and ruin your home. Here, the bench-footing technique is advisable.

3. The Space Factor

Bench-footing reduces the square footage area of your basement. It is because the bench-like structure takes up space. So, if you are looking for a basement lowering technique that ensures zero decrease in area, then underpinning is the best technique for you.

4. The Neighbor Problem

If you share a common wall with a neighbor, you will need his/her permission before starting the underpinning process. It is because when you excavate the soil under the foundation, his/her building will also be affected. If your neighbor doesn't permit you to lower your basement through underpinning, you are left with the only option of bench-footing.

5. The Cost Issue

Underpinning is costly because it involves risk. Also, precision is very important when it comes to working under the foundation. On the other hand, the bench-footing technique can be finished quickly and involves lesser risk. And, so it is less expensive.

Before you make any decision about choosing a basement lowering technique, you must consult a professional basement lowering contractor. He/she will help you in understanding the condition of the foundation and the soil around it. So, it will help you in making an informed decision.

When it comes to lowering your basement and increasing the living area of any property, Pour Concrete is the best underpinning contractor in Toronto. Its services are not limited to underpinning. But, it also provides excellent wet basement waterproofing services. Call on 647-847-4009 or inquire online now.

Best of luck!

How to detect a Drainage Problem in your Home?

Today, thousands of home owners face drainage problems. Water-backup, drain clogging and basement flooding are the obvious signs of a faulty or a damaged drainage system. But, there are many other subtle indicators of a drainage problem which are listed below. If you address them today, you will be able to save money. 

1. Overflowing Gutter

Gutter or eavestrough is used for carrying off rainwater. It protects the foundation by directing water away from the foundation. It is also useful in preventing leaks in basement. The most common cause of an overflowing gutter is accumulation of dirt or debris. But, overflowing of gutter can also be caused by improper installation. If you do not address the problem, you will end up with damaged siding, peeling paint and weak foundation of your home.

2. Downspout Dumping

Downspouts carry rain water from gutter and dispose it away from the foundation. If the downspout of your home is dumping water near the foundation, it will cause flooding in the basement. So, make sure that the downspout is at least five feet away from the foundation of your home. 

3. Water Staining

Water stains are a good indicator of a drainage problem. If they are high on the foundation wall, they are caused by an overflowing gutter. If the stains are all over the basement wall, they can be a result of fluctuating water table. In such a situation, it is important to install a sump pump and a weeping tile to seep water out of your basement. 

4. Foundation Cracks

Foundation cracks are often neglected because they are caused by a plethora of reasons such as faulty concrete mix, inaccurate foundation structure, general wear and tear, etc. But, if you find a crack that is constantly increasing, do not ignore it. It can be a sign of a drainage problem. 

5. Deposits on Walls

If there is white or grey crust on the basement walls, it is a sign of a drainage problem. The crust is called efflorescence and it is a mineral deposit that is left behind by evaporating water. 

6. Spalling

If the paint is peeling off in big patches, it is called spalling. Spalling occurs because the water is seeping in the masonry work of the walls. If you notice spalling, it is important to address the problem quickly. 

7. Mildew Problem

Dampness can cause mildew in any part of your home. If you see mildew in basement or in attic, it indicates water leakage or moisture problem. So, search for any sign of mildew or mold development in your home. 

Whenever you see subtle signs of a drainage problem in your home, do not hesitate to call a plumbing expert. He/she will ascertain the real problem and help you solve it. 

Pour Concrete is Toronto’s licensed plumbing contractor. Its services are not limited to plumbing. But, it also provides excellent basement waterproofing in Toronto. Call on 647-847-4009 or inquire online now.