How to choose the Right Wet Basement Waterproofing Method?

A wet basement is a trouble for every home owner. Be it a wet finished basement or an unfinished basement with damp walls, water is an enemy of your home. It can cause the problem of mold and mildew. Continuous exposure to water can ruin your belongings as well as damage the stability of the foundation and weaken the structure. 

If you are troubled by leaking cracks and damp walls in basement, you need expert help of a basement waterproofing contractor. 

How does a Basement Waterproofing Contractor take care of Wet Basement? 

A basement waterproofing contractor will review the basement as well as other areas of your home that require waterproofing. He/she will identify the problem and provide you with a couple of effective methods to take care of it. Also, he/she will suggest you the right wet basement waterproofing method that suits your home. 

 

What are the Different Wet Basement Waterproofing Methods?

1. Sealants

If the water is entering the basement through cracks, the basement waterproofing contractor will seal the cracks and help you get rid of the problem. Special sealant/waterproofing coatings are used to seal the crack and keep off the moisture and water.

It is important to remember that even though sealants are an inexpensive way of addressing the water problem, it is not an ideal solution for a home with strong hydrostatic pressure. The solution is ideal for minor dampness but cannot work for a flooded basement.

2. Crack Injection

Crack injections are ideal for poured concrete foundation. If the basement waterproofing contractor comes to a conclusion that the water seepage is originating from the walls, he/she will use epoxy or polyurethane injections to take care of the cracks.

3. Interior Waterproofing - Drainage System

Most home owners opt for the solution because it is less expensive and doesn’t involve exterior excavation. It is also called a “water control” solution because it doesn’t stop the water from entering the walls of the basement. Instead, it deals with management of water after it has entered the walls.

If you opt for interior waterproofing, the basement waterproofing contractor will install weeping tiles to direct the water from the basement to a sump pump system.

Do not compromise on the experience and the expertise of the basement waterproofing contractor. If you choose an inexperienced contractor, he/she can damage the structural integrity of the foundation while installing weeping tiles and sump pump.

4. Exterior Waterproofing - Excavation

The basement waterproofing contractor will begin by excavating the earth around your home. He/she will apply hydraulic cement to take care of affected areas as well as install drainage tiles. If you demand for a window well for better waterproofing, the contractor will build one for you.

Exterior waterproofing is also called “positive side waterproofing” because it addresses the hydrostatic pressure and stops the water entering the basement.

Exterior waterproofing can be expensive and time-consuming depending on the water problem in your home. If water infiltration is caused in more than one area, excavation will be carried out around several foundation walls of your home. It can increase the cost of waterproofing the basement.

One Size doesn’t fit all

There is no one best method of addressing the flooding and dampness issues in the basement. Every home is different and it is essential to address the problem by understanding the cause in detail.

For a few home owners, sealants or crack injections will take care of the problem while others may require exterior waterproofing services. So, it is important to contact an experienced basement waterproofing contractor. He/she will suggest you the right method for taking care of wet basement.

Hydro-jetting Technique - The Safe and Inexpensive Way of cleaning Drains

If you are a home owner, then you must be aware of the fact that life is not all about choosing a pretty carpet or hanging a beautiful piece of art. It also involves the “dirty business” of clogged drain. 

Clogged drain is a very common problem in houses. Waste gets accumulated in the drainage pipes and it builds up over time. It will result in slow drain as well as water back-up. Every year, innumerable home owners spend thousands of dollars on plumbing. If you are facing the problem of clogged drain and water back-up from tub, you need not spend your hard-earned money on expensive plumbing techniques. 

What is the Alternative for Expensive Plumbing Techniques?

When it comes to cleaning the drain, you have to trust the purest thing available in nature – WATER. This is no joke. Hydro-jetting technique is very common among plumbers for cleaning the clogged drain. It involves cleaning drains by releasing water under high pressure. 

 

Water is the perfect alternative for taking care of drains and keeping them clean. Why? The reasons are as follows: 

It is Chemical-Free

Chemical-based drain cleaners are very toxic in nature. They contain extremely corrosive sodium hydroxide (commonly known as lye and caustic soda). It can burn eyes and cause respiratory issues. If you frequently use such drain cleaners, it can cause chronic skin problems. 

So, in order to avoid any health problem, it is important to clean the drain by opting for hydro-jetting technique. 

Snaking is a Temporary Solution

Drain snaking technique involves cleaning drain with the help of equipment called “drain snake”. The drain snake can remove debris or hair clogged in the drain but it cannot remove waste build-up of grease and minerals from the pipe. For a thorough and long-lasting cleaning of drains, hydro-jetting technique is more effective than snaking. 

Perfect for Difficult Places

Plunger cannot be used when drains are slow due to mineral and hair build-up. Snaking is ideal for removing occasional blockages such as food stuck in pipes or toilet paper trapped in the toilet bowl. But, hydro-jetting technique is perfect for every small and big drain pipe of your home. 

A plumbing contractor has knowledge of damaged drains and weak pipes. If you use the powerful hydro-jetting technique without having proper knowledge, you may end up causing grave damage to the drainage system of your home. So, it is important to call an expert for hydro jet drain cleaning services.

Is Hydro-Jetting a DIY job?

Hydro-jetting is an ideal technique of cleaning the drains. But, it is not a DIY job. You need to employ the services of an experienced plumbing contractor. Why? 

Need of Equipment

It involves releasing water with extremely high pressure from 7000 PSI to 60,000 PSI. You will have to buy the hydro-jet equipment for undertaking the cleaning. The equipment is expensive. So, it is a wise financial decision to call a plumber for cleaning the clogged drain instead of buying the equipment. 

Understanding of Drainage System

When you select a plumbing contractor for your home, make sure that he/she has a valid license and wide experience. Do not be in haste. Do some research and make an informed decision. 

Pour Concrete is Toronto’s licensed plumbing contractor. It will efficiently clean clogged drain with hydro-jetting plumbing technique. It is an expert in drain cleaning with rootering and snaking as well. Get in touch for free estimate.

Tips for choosing the Right Concrete Contractor

Are you a home owner? Do you want to renovate your home or build a concrete structure on your property? You may think that knocking down a wall or building a concrete garage is an easy job. But, remember not all DIY jobs are successful.

Expert Care for your Home

If you want your home to be sturdy and beautiful, you have to take care of it. And, who can give better professional care than an experienced concrete contractor? He/she will deliver quality results and save you from expensive problems in future. Choosing the right concrete contractor can make a huge difference to your home. So, how to choose the right person for your project? 

Preparation is the Key

Start with a budget and know what kind of concrete installation or repair services you want. If you are not clear about the project, you may end up spending more than your budget. 

Also, having an idea of the project will allow you to explain your situation to the concrete contractor in a better way. It will enable you to obtain accurate estimates. 

It is also important to ask your family, friends and co-workers for references. If you have admired your friend’s home, ask him/her about the contractor. 

The Interview Process

Once you have received estimates from concrete contractors, choose a couple of them who will work within your budget. In order to choose the best contractor, ask several questions related to the following things: 

1. Raw materials

2. Sub-contractors

3. License of the contractor

4. Time estimate

5. Information of the crew

6. Insurance coverage of the crew

Also, do not hesitate in negotiating with the concrete contractor for obtaining the best price. 

Inspection is a Must

 

You should not choose a concrete contractor by simply talking to him/her. You must inspect the following things before saying yes to a contractor: 

1. Check the validity of his/her license. 

2. Ensure that there are no multiple complaints against him/her. 

3. Check his/her litigation history. 

4. Read online reviews. 

5. Check his/her nearby sites to get an idea of the work. 

Sign the Contract

Once you have chosen the concrete contractor, make sure that every point discussed is present in the contract. It will help you in avoiding any conflicts in future. A typical concrete project will include the following things: 

1. Time estimate for finishing the project

2. Payment schedule

3. Information related to the material

4. Contact information of sub-contractors

Once you sign the concrete contractor for your project, he/she will start the work. It is important that you stay in constant touch with him/her and discuss any new issue. 

Once the project is finished, stay calm. Do not make 100 percent payment until you receive copies of materials’ receipt and lien releases from the sub-contractor. 

Pour Concrete is the right concrete contractor for your home. It will take care of concrete installation of garage pads, patio, driveways, sidewalks and sideways as well as provides affordable structural repair service for residential homes and commercial properties. Call on 647 847 4009 or obtain a free estimate online.

How to evaluate the Cracks in your Home?

A stronger home means a safer family.

If your home is strong, it can sustain the harsh impact of weather and keep your family safe. But, if it becomes weak due to multiple cracks in the structure, it can become hazardous to the safety of your family members. 

Cracks are not only unappealing but they are also precarious to the foundation of your home. But, is every crack a danger for your home? 

Do all Cracks damage the Foundation of a Home?

Concrete tends to expand and shrink due to changes in moisture and temperature. And, it can cause unsightly cracks in your home. But, all the cracks that you find in your home do not damage the foundation. 

How to evaluate a Crack in the Concrete Structure?

The most common parameter for evaluating a crack in the concrete structure is its width. If the crack is wider than 1/4th inch, it can cause damage to the concrete structure. Remember that if a dime can fit into the crack, get it examined by a concrete contractor.

 

If the crack isn’t wide enough, there are several others factors that should be considered while evaluating it: 

Is the crack static?

Do not worry if the crack in the concrete structure is static. But, if you notice that the crack is widening day by day, it could manifest a structural problem.

Is the damage limited to a specific area?

If there are only a few cracks in a specific area, you need not worry about them. But, if you see multiple cracks in several rooms of your home, it indicates a major problem. 

Is the crack hazardous in nature?

Is the crack in the floor wide enough to cause a tripping hazard? If it has the potential to harm you or your family member, it is important to call a concrete contractor immediately. 

Does the crack leak?

Is the crack in the concrete structure wide enough to allow moisture or water into your home? If yes, it should be immediately repaired by calling a waterproofing contractor because it can weaken the foundation of your home.

Is the crack becoming an eye-sore for you?

If the crack is located in a high-visibility area, it can make your home unappealing. So, if you want to keep your home beautiful, you can contact a concrete contractor and repair it instantly.

Contact the Expert

If you are unable to evaluate the cracks in your home, contact a concrete contractor. He/she is experienced in dealing with cracks on a daily basis and will provide a durable solution to your problem. 

Are you in search of an expert concrete contractor in Toronto? Your search comes to an end with Pour Concrete. It will analyze the cracks in your home and ensure stress-free, durable and affordable foundation crack repair service.