The foundation is responsible for keeping your home firmly planted in the ground. The primary bed of support for the home, the foundation can cost a great deal to repair if the damage is extensive. As damage tends to occur slowly, you can typically spot it when you...
It may not seem like it, but the earth below you is moving. Granted, it is moving very slowly and most of us don’t notice. However, while we may not notice, our houses certainly do. Movement in the soil over time can cause foundations to become lopsided or sink,...
Even if your home was built by the finest tradespeople and craftsmen around, using the latest and greatest construction materials and practices, the truth of the matter is that homeowners are always going to have to put thought into preventing, addressing, and...
If you are preparing to put your home on the market, there are so many things to consider, that it can almost be overwhelming. You’re worried about finding an agent, setting the list price, packing your belongings, and even scrubbing 15 years of grease off the oven...
The foundation of your home is a pretty big deal. When it comes to waterproofing your basement, it goes hand in hand. When you hire someone to ensure your basement won’t let in any moisture or leaks, it’s important that you have a good grasp on who you’re hiring and...
Mold – that tiny word that can make you cringe and worry all in an instant. We all know just how potent mold can be and how dangerous it can be for the structural integrity of our homes and the welfare of our health if left unnoticed. But the problem is that noticing...
If you’re considering placing your home up for sale, of course you want to get the best price that you can for it. But there could be problems that go unnoticed throughout your home that can drastically affect and decrease the value of your property. Having a cracked...
If your home base is in the city of Mississauga, Toronto, Oakville, Kitchener, Waterloo or Ottawa and you’re starting to notice some cracks creeping up your walls, it could be time to have them addressed. Here is a list of the most common signs of cracks in your...
All things age and your house is no exception. It is essential to make sure that it ages well and to keep an eye out for the small repairs as problems surface. Your house stands on a foundation and the years can take a serious toll on the foundation. Top it off with...
When moisture seeps into your basement, it can lead to some serious damage if it’s left to fester. Over time, a tiny flood can allow rotting to occur, mold to develop, and even a weakened structure in the surrounding areas. If your basement is retaining moisture or...
Do you loathe looking at your energy bill? It can be emotionally exhausting watching your hard-earned money burn away every month. Surprisingly, one simple investment can go a long way to reducing your energy expenditures: insulating the crawlspace! Insulation...
If you’re considering placing your home up for sale, of course, you want to get the best price that you can for it. But there could be problems that go unnoticed throughout your home that can drastically affect and decrease the value of your property. Having a cracked...
If each time it starts to rain, your thoughts immediately turn towards the basement in a worried frenzy, it could be time to put your mind at ease and address it. Having a wet basement can put you in a precarious situation each time that rain comes tumbling down,...
Your sump pump may not get a whole lot of appreciation, but it’s such an important part of your home. Sump pumps collect water and safely divert it from your home to prevent flooding, water damage, and mold growth. It’s important to give the sump pump the proper...
The foundation of your home is a pretty big deal. When it comes to waterproofing your basement, it goes hand in hand. When you hire someone to ensure your basement won’t let in any moisture or leaks, it’s important that you have a good grasp on who you’re hiring and...
Mold – that tiny word that can make you cringe and worry all in an instant. We all know just how potent mold can be and how dangerous it can be for the structural integrity of our homes and the welfare of our health if left unnoticed. But the problem is that...
If you’re a young couple making that next big move from apartment living into homeownership, it can be without a doubt, overwhelming, the chances are that if you haven’t owned a home before, you most likely won’t know much about the foundation of the one you’re...
The foundation of your home is the most important part of your house. Without a stable foundation, every part of the house can be put at risk. Typically, issues with the foundation will develop over time, giving you plenty of time to take remedial action and fix the...
Putting in a foundation, replacing a foundation, or repairing a foundation are all expensive operations. Finding the best foundation contractor is critical if you want to ensure that you are spending your money wisely. Along with providing superior professional...
If you are committed to waterproofing your foundation from the outside in (universally regarded as the most effective way to waterproof your foundation) you’ll want to make sure that you are working with top-tier experts that can provide you with results you can count...
Seasoned homeowners understand that they are at the mercy of Mother Nature – sometimes nature has its own plans in store. A homeowner’s best defence is to protect themselves against anything foreseeable and take the necessary steps to resolve any damages Mother Nature...
Finishing your basement space is a great way to leverage unutilized (or underutilized) livable square footage that would have otherwise gone to waste. Some people will move in old furniture, maybe an old television, and turn the basement into a causal hangout....
If you have suffered through a basement flood in your home in Mississauga, or feel weary about the structural integrity of your home each time a downpour occurs, an exterior weeping tile system could help strengthen your foundation and give you peace of mind. Here’s...
Purchasing a home is a major investment. That’s why it’s imperative to ensure your Mississauga home is structurally sound and solid so that you can avoid any surprises down the road. The structural integrity is quite literally the foundation of your home, generally...
If your home base is in the city of Kitchener and you’re starting to notice some cracks creeping up your walls, it could be time to have them addressed. Here is a list of the most common signs of cracks in your foundation that should never go unnoticed. Cracks in...
If you’re using a sump pump within your home in Mississauga to protect your basement from the elements and keep it nice and dry - it’s always important to maintain that pump and ensure it’s working correctly. But like any other system in your home, it too can fail. So...
At the first sign of a basement crack, does your mind start running wild? “Has there been an earthquake?” “Is my house falling apart?” and more of the like. Foundation cracks are a concern, but they aren’t always threatening to the structural integrity of the home....
Every part of your home needs care and attention. It is easy to focus on the living room, where we hang out and watch TV, or the bedroom, where we get a well-earned good night’s rest. But how often do you think about your basement? How much time and effort do you put...
Are you wondering about mold growth, mildew, or dampness in your basement? We get a lot of questions from clients about mold, so we’ve put together the most frequently asked questions. What causes mold to develop? The growth of mold entails three basic requirements:...
People often consider turning their basements into something more useful, like a guest bedroom, a home office, or a media room. If your basement is damp or musty, this needs to be addressed first before you can start the renovation project. Basements can be a great...
Did you know that radon exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, behind only smoking? Radon is an odourless, colourless gas caused by the natural breakdown of uranium in the ground. Radon seeps into our homes through tiny cracks and holes and...
Do you have a crack around the house that haunts your nightmares? We understand. Cracks around the house or a leak in the basement can be a big problem if not dealt with right away. Unlike some small problems around the house that can be handled with some elbow grease...
You know what is really trending with basements these days? Turning that drab, dusty space into a functional paradise. Whether you want to create a home theatre, add a guest room, install a fully equipped home gym, or make an income suite, the options are endless....
Beyond the price of your mortgage and property taxes, being a homeowner is an expensive proposition. If you’re not paying to buy a new dishwasher, hiring a repairman to clean out the gutters, paying a plumber to fix a running toilet…there’s always something. In order...
When you go about looking for recommendations from neighbours, friends and family you will often come across them saying a few things about basement repairs that surprise you. How can you separate fact from fiction? Let’s discuss a few of the more persistent myths out...
It is great to be able to call yourself a homeowner until you realize all the blood, sweat, and tears that come with such a title. There are hundreds of little things that need to be taken care of around the house, and basements are a whole category in itself....
We Canadians spend the entire winter season yearning for the sun and curse away the snow and rain. The outside freezes us to the bone, the days are gloomy and there is no end to it. We do everything we can to prepare for the winter season, but we usually forget that...
With prices of, well, everything soaring by the day, homeowners look for little loopholes to get out of spending too much money on renovations and regular home maintenance. Since savings have become a hard thing to come by, you want to find extra dollars everywhere...
Homeowners are blessed with a roof over their head that they can call their own. On the flip side, they are cursed with the forever maintenance and all the things that can go wrong on their property! If you are a homeowner and your home has a basement, then you must...
We spend untold thousands of dollars turning houses into dream homes. Over the years we spend even more to maintain the dream home. There are so many little things around the house that need attention, the list is never ending. And then there are the big ones which...
When you picture your dream home, do you think about the basement at all? Must it be the dark, spooky place that gives you the creeps when you need to go down there? No, not anymore. You will be surprised to know how people are getting creative with their basement...
Your home is a major investment – perhaps the largest investment you will ever make. If you aren’t attentive, seemingly minor problems will pile up over the years and eat away at the resale value of your home. For example, moisture problems are a common issue,...
Basements don’t always have to be dark and gloomy. Homeowners all across Ontario are turning their basements into home theatres, media rooms, guest suites, kids’ playrooms, and fully equipped home gyms. You can take a basement and design it to your liking. You’ll have...
It is safe to say the word “harsh” falls short of describing the winters in Canada. Whether you live in Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, or Ottawa, the weather makes itself known during the winter months. As blizzards, heavy snow falls, freezing rain, and frosty...
When you are a homeowner in Kitchener, it’s in your best interest to do everything you can to protect the integrity of your home. Not only will you protect the value of the property, but your family’s health and safety will be a priority. If you are keen on...
Is your home your safe haven, an escape from a hard day at work? Wouldn’t it be nice to keep it that way for the years to come? For this to be a reality, you need to think about the well-being of the house and keep investing in it to eliminate all chances of the...
A clean and tidy house is a healthy house. So if you notice a little puddle in your basement where eventually a whole lot of mold will start to grow or a lake on the front porch that wasn’t there when you first bought the place, then we have to break it to you: your...
We spend a fortune looking for that perfect house to live in forever and to make memories to love and cherish. We spend another fortune in designing and decorating it according to our likes so that it may truly become the home of our dreams. We then spend so much more...
Have you ever had to deal with a window leak in your basement? If you have, you know that this has the potential to trigger water damage in basements. If your basement windows are leaking, the first thing to do is decide whether or not they need repair or replacement....
Hydrostatic pressure sounds fancy, but it’s really just another term for “water pressure.” Hydrostatic pressure has the potential to trigger leakage into the basement of your home. If you’re having problems with water in your basement, you should know that...
A waterproofed basement will help you to protect your home investment. After all, water damage is hard to deal with and it may negatively impact the comfort, safety, and resale value of a Kitchener home. In order to help you put together an effective basement...
Avoiding basement water damage is just one great reason why you should keep your gutters and downspouts clean in the fall. You may not realize that clogged gutters and downspouts often cause water to collect in basements. Keep Your Basement Safe and Dry Most people...
A French drain is simply a trench designed in a sloped manner that is filled with round gravel and a pipe that diverts the flow of water away from your house, helping to keep your basement dry. While they can also be decorative, French drains serve a very important...
Most homes with basements will leak eventually, and this isn’t necessarily caused by poor construction or damage--most of the time it is caused by time and the forces of nature such as shifting concrete, settling dirt, and water seepage through windows. Hydrostatic or...
An unfinished basement can seem like an easy project for homeowners to tackle on their own, but professionals warn that unexpected expenses and challenges lurk around every corner. Considering a DIY basement finishing project? Read on to be sure you’re ready for the...
Your crawlspace doesn’t need to have puddles to have a water problem. Crawlspace humidity can be caused by house settling and other structural issues, when your foundation is no longer able to support the weight of your house or when the soil under your home shifts....
If you (like millions of homeowners throughout Canada) have to deal with foundation repair issues, you’re going to need to make sure that you are staying as proactive as possible and working through the project in a systematic way. This is the kind of repair project...
There’s absolutely nothing “DIY” about foundation repair. The most critical component to a safe and structurally sound building, your foundation needs to be in tip top condition at all times or you’re going to be dealing with a seriously dangerous situation. You need...
There is nothing worse than opening up a basement door and taking a handful of steps down the stairs, only to meet that familiar smell. The damp, musty, stale, earthy smell that tells you that you’re in a basement, but also tells you that you’re dealing with a serious...
The last thing that you want to have to deal with as a homeowner is a basement that fills up with water every time it rains, or even one that is just “swimming” in moisture and humidity. Water is absolutely the most destructive force inside of a home (outside of fire,...
Discovering a crack in the foundation of your home can be a particularly distressing time. Your home is a huge investment, and with the literal foundation of your family home in deteriorating condition, it’s hard not to get worried. Fortunately, foundation repair...
Mould and mildew growth is a very common problem in basements. Whether caused by a leaky pipe, foundation crack, or other issue, mould can grow into a very serious problem that affects the health of everyone in the home. Here are some steps for preventing mould from...
If you have a mold problem in your home, your best course of action is always to hire a professional mold remediation service. This is especially true if the mold growth area is larger than ten square feet, or if the mold is toxic. If you’re in doubt about either...
A sump pump is a very important component in the plumbing system in many homes. It is an automatic pump that drains the sump basin, which collects water from the basement waterproofing drainage system. They are most commonly found in the basement of homes to prevent...
A flooded basement is a nasty incident. Not only can it ruin your belongings, but it can threaten the integrity of your home and the health of your family if the water isn’t cleaned up properly by professional wet basement repair company like the Crack Doctor. To...
If you’re the handy type, there are a lot of household tasks that can be handled on your own. You take pride in fixing problems on your own and upgrading your house piece by piece. No matter how handy you are, however, there are some problems where a DIY approach just...
Being a property owner is no easy task. You must be vigilant and keep your eye on many things, because an ounce of prevention could save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run. Keep a watchful out for any of these interior or exterior signs of foundation...
Any kind of foundation crack is bad news. What can start off as a minor blemish on the foundation of your home could end up threatening the entire structural integrity of the building. While all types of foundation cracks should be addressed immediately by a...
If you have noticed a foundation crack, you may be tempted to take a DIY approach to save money and fix the problem. Beware that this approach is not recommended, and can often make the problem much worse. Here’s why you should hire the foundation repair experts:...
Every aspect of your home relies on your home’s foundation for support and stability. If something is wrong with your foundation, you may notice indications around your home, some more obvious than others. If you notice any of these ten signs, your home may need...
Misinformation about foundation problems can spread pretty quickly. It makes sense – you’re likely to believe almost anything if the literal foundation of your family home is being threatened. However, trusting in some of these myths as fact could wind up causing more...
There is no doubt that trees are an overwhelming net positive for our environment. They improve air quality, reduce energy bills by providing shade, give us plump and delicious fruit and nuts, and are a vital part of the world’s ecosystem. At the same time, they do...
Being a homeowner can be a pretty thankless job. Even as you try to make improvements to improve the look and functionality of your home, you may accidentally damage the integrity of your home’s foundation as a consequence. Learn to avoid these common ways that...
If moisture in your basement is not under control, the potential consequences are very serious. For one, mold can harm the health of you and your family. Rot and deterioration can also threaten the structural integrity of your entire home. Here’s how to identify a...
If you’re sick and tired of dealing with a wet and leaky basement, it’s time to make a change. Follow these dos and don’ts for basement waterproofing courtesy of The Crack Doctor: DO Inspect Your Basement If you never go into your basement, a problem can spiral out of...
No matter the age, size, style, or material composition of your home, it is important to know everything you can about the foundation. From a century-old Victorian home to a new build bungalow, every type of foundation can run into issues if it wasn’t built correctly...
We’re well into spring, and you’re probably more concerned about how your tulips are growing than the status of your foundation and basement. If you haven’t inspected your home yet, do it immediately to prevent a wet basement problem from developing: Inspecting Your...
With the arrival of spring, Ontario residents begin thinking of renovations. Basement finishing is often near the top of the list as a spring project. Such an undertaking must be carefully planned in order to avoid the pit falls commonly associated with building out a...
Have you noticed changes in your concrete foundation? We are the concrete foundation repair experts, so we can help you diagnose concrete changes and signs of foundation shifts. Noticing the problems is the first step in fixing your foundation problems and protecting...
If your home has a wet basement, you’re dealing with a ticking time bomb that can severely affect the structural integrity of your home and potentially affect the health of you and your family. Fortunately, prompt action can undo the damage and provide you with...
Basement mould is a troublesome problem caused by excess moisture or water leaks in your basement. If you suspect that your basement has a mould problem, it is extremely important that you call the experts to have the mould removed. Water damage in the basement can...
Fixing your home’s foundation problems is one thing that should never be pushed to the backburner. Protect the integrity of your home by keeping a vigilant eye out for signs of distress. Last year’s problems will only become bigger as spring nears. Moisture from...
When it comes to preparing your home for sale, you have probably been told many tips and tricks to make your home more appealing to potential buyers. While putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls or infusing the home with the smell of fresh-baked cookies is never a...
You have been waiting for this day for months – you finally are ready to take the step and move to a new Toronto home. Whether you’re upsizing or downsizing, or perhaps just moving due to your occupation, you want to make it official. Before you call your realtor,...
Have you just bought a home in Ottawa? Are you looking to ensure that your investment will retain its value, years down the road when you are thinking of selling it? If so, you should look into foundation waterproofing, one of the best preventive maintenance solutions...
Ontario property owners who require basement foundation repair services can now visit The Crack Doctor’s website to obtain an estimate and read about common wet basement issues. Known as The Most Trusted Choice in Foundation Waterproofing, The Crack Doctor helps...
Energy efficiency is an established trend in building homes right now. More people are realizing the cost benefits that an energy efficient home provides over the long-term, and how much more comfortable living in it really is for that price point. Energy efficient...
It’s an odd occurrence that happens to many Oshawa homeowners: When wintertime kicks in, your ordinarily wet basement may suddenly seem dry. You don’t hear any water dripping between the walls, the amount of mould appears to not be growing and there are no pools in...
It’s the dead of winter in Ottawa, and while you might not always like the way it feels when you leave your snug home, you are happy because you feel like you’ve finally been able to kick that mold problem in your basement! In fact,mold and water can be as active in...
Wintertime in the Toronto area may feel cold most of the time to us, but that doesn’t mean that the ground stays frozen solid for several months despite the chilliness in the air. The earth actually goes through a number of freeze-thaw cycles, during which time the...
Is your Ottawa home’s basement anything but organized? While it might seem like a tremendously difficult undertaking, you can turn even the most clutter-filled space into a veritable oasis where disorder is forever banished. The trick is to first take care of any foundation crack repair and basement waterproofing with The Crack Doctor’s assistance. Then, you can move on to the following organization tips and techniques.
Landlords in Pickering who want to add to their earnings may want to consider taking advantage of a space that often goes unused: basements. By investing in basement finishing, they can produce an additional space to rent to families or individuals. Over time, the income stream from this extra apartment can add dollars to their pockets.
Do you currently own a commercial space with a basement in Toronto? Is your basement ready to be rented out, or does it remain vacant and unoccupied? For building owners who want to maximize the value of their properties and to protect their financial investments, they should consider hiring a waterproofing expert for a complete basement waterproofing job.
Are you a long-time user of a storage unit in Toronto? Have you found that your yearly fees continue to incrementally increase? Why not consider an alternative space that could provide immense cost savings in the long-run? Yes, the alternative space we’re talking about is your currently (but not for long!) wet basement.
Have you all but given up on your basement? Never fear! The lower level of your property can look amazing, and probably more attractive than you could have imagined. After getting all any basement foundation repair needs taken care of, just try some of these ways to turn it from drab to fabulous.
As the cold weather starts to hit in Toronto, it’s an important reminder for us get started on preparing our houses for the winter. While outdoor renovations aren’t particularly fancied, given the cold conditions, there are a variety of renovations you can do indoors, including working on your basement finishing!
While earthquakes in Ottawa do not happen all the time, they do happen. For example, in May 2013, two earthquakes were felt in Ottawa and Quebec. Rating 5.2 and 4.1 on the Richter scale, the earthquakes shocked citizens who had never experienced the ground violently shaking before. If seismologists are to be believed, these won’t be the last major earthquakes to occur in the Ottawa region, either. Thus, it’s important for homeowners to check with a professional and determine if they need basement foundation repair.
Leaky basements can be an unwelcome source of headaches for Ottawa homeowners. If you have a finished basement, the extra moisture can damage your floor, carpet and drywall. It can also produce harmful mould, causing health concerns. When you notice you have a wet basement on hand, you need to take immediate steps for a fast, lasting leaky basement repair.
Mould isn’t just unattractive and foul-smelling; it’s also a huge problem for Toronto homeowners. In fact, mould can cause serious damages on the interior and exterior of your property. That’s why mould removal is essential.
Because of its geographic location, the city of Oshawa regularly experiences intense freeze/thaw cycles throughout the year. In the winter, the ground becomes quite hard as the earth expands and ice crystals take over; in the spring, all that expansion subsides and dirt retracts as moisture is released into the soil. Every Oshawa homeowner knows on some level that this freeze/thaw cycle is negatively affecting their property’s foundation, which is why so many turn to foundation waterproofing to safeguard their homes and families.
Sometimes it’s difficult being a Toronto landlord. It’s not as easy as just pocketing the cheque for rent each month. Landlords are also responsible for ensuing their rented property remains a safe and habitable place for tenants to live in (this means getting a basement leak repair when you have a wet basement!). As landlords don’t live in the rented property themselves, it’s important to have open communication channels with the tenant, and be able to discuss what is happening with the rented property.
Do you know the warning signs associated with mould allergies? Most people don’t. That’s because mould is a deceptive organism and allergies to it may be initially attributed to other problems, like colds or the flu. Make no mistake, though – mould is serious. If you or someone you love is experiencing any or all of the following mould allergy symptoms after being in your Oshawa home, do yourself a favor and contact a professional like The Crack Doctor to learn more about leaky basement repair.
As we come upon another Canadian winter, Toronto residents would be well-advised to begin winterizing their basements. Unfortunately, most people don’t think about how tough the winter is on this area of their house… or how much NOT winterizing can cost them! Rather than gamble with the health of your home and everyone in it, prep your property the right way. From weather-stripping windows to hiring foundation waterproofing experts, there are tons of methods you can use to keep your basement looking great when spring rolls around.
In the pursuit of health and happiness, we’ll let you in on a secret that every Oshawa homeowner thinks they know, but often than not, don’t do. It’s a simple concept, and it all comes down to whether your house is healthy. Are you limiting the exposure of toxic chemicals in your home? Is your house free from toxic mould? Are there basement leaks and wall cracks that you noticed but haven’t fixed yet? These are all important questions to ask, because of course, research has shown extensively that healthiness is important for happiness.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, Accuweather and a host of other meteorological sources, Canada’s winter is looking to be a rough one. Thanks to El Niño, a weather phenomenon that’s back after a five year hiatus, the storms will be fierce and the air will be freezing. For some homeowners in Toronto and the surrounding areas, this is an indication that it’s time to seek out basement leak repair services to ensure a dry, safe thaw.
Have you been hearing ads that suggest basement foundation repair is a reliable way to fix the leaks in your Ottawa home’s lower level? Just as anything that sounds too good to be true, this is an absolutely myth! In fact, paint cannot hope to address the true reason that your basement becomes wet whenever it rains outside.
In your quest to turn your Ottawa house into a dream home that you would be proud to invite guests over for, you may have had long conversations with neighbours about DIY projects, and consumed articles on recommended home fixes and improvements. Or you may have browse through houzz.com, feeling inspired by all the possible renovation ideas, and lost track of time (it’s a guilty pleasure, we agree!). As we head into autumn, we have less time available to get going on home improvements and renovations before the winter freeze hits. There will always be an assortment of different available repairs and improvements we can choose to do, but it’s now time to prioritize! While cosmetic home improvements are one of the popular renovations homeowners choose to do, we actually recommend working on existing structural repairs, such as basement crack repair.
Indoor air quality may not be something you think about every day, but it’s something that should definitely be on your radar. If the air inside your Toronto home is as polluted – or even more polluted – than the air outside, it’s time for you to do something such as hiring The Crack Doctor for basement waterproofing.
Are you one of the many people who has a water problem in your Pickering home, but simply manages it rather than taking it upon yourself to get a permanent solution? If you’re not sure, check out the following checklist to determine if you would be better off getting The Crack Doctor to do some basement waterproofing instead!
After noticing mould in their homes, Toronto homeowners may hire a mould remediation expert to eradicate it, and then believe that the problem has been resolved. Yet mould remediation is just a short-term solution to a potentially long-term problem. There may be no more mould now, but mould spores can easily grow again if the origin of the moisture was not resolved. Most mould remediation companies only offer one service: mould removal. For the best solution for your needs, find a certified company that offers other integrated services such as foundation repair and basement waterproofing, in addition to mould remediation. You will get an all-encompassing reparative and preventive solution to your basement problems.
Have you or a family member begun to get increasingly bothersome headaches every time you set foot in your house or spend some time at home? This may be a sign that you have a mould growth problem that has gone unchecked. Mould growth can trigger a variety of physical ailments in humans (and pets, although that is a subject for a different article!), including headaches of varying intensities. Among the ways you can stop mould growth in its tracks is through basement finishing in Oshawa or any other city throughout Canada.
The month of August signals many things: the end of summer, a reminder to get the kids prepared for school, and repairs that should be done before fall. Families often forget that August weather can also come with basement problems. August weather in Ottawa is generally warm, sometimes rainy, and almost always humid. This means that your home is susceptible to water leaks or mould growth, and you are susceptible to health risks. Nevertheless, this is a problem that can be solved by basement waterproofing your Ottawa home.
All landlords in Canada know that they have legal responsibilities related to the overall function and safety of their properties. These responsibilities extend to the status of the basement area, where foundation cracks may cause regular leakage. Consequently, it’s important for landlords to remember that wet basement repair for Toronto homes, condos and townhouses is something that should be handled sooner rather than later. Otherwise, litigation could become a reality.
In advance of colder weather coming into the Toronto area, as well as the rest of Ontario, The Crack Doctor has announced two special promotions available for a limited time to homeowners throughout the province. By addressing wet basement repair issues now, individuals and families can avoid experiencing stressful, expensive spring thaw leaks caused by damaged foundations that have not been permanently fixed.
Dear Crack Doctor: I have a basement that turns wet whenever it rains. It’s just a little wet, so we haven’t worried about it too much. Now, though, we want to embark on some basement finishing. Should we get a sump pump?
Are you planning to take some time off this year? This summer is a great time to get away from Ottawa and take an extended vacation. (Who knows when the weather will turn again!) Before you go, make sure to check whether there are any outstanding repairs you need to address in your house, such as a leaky basement. You don’t want to come back home to a water crisis!
Extra living space is always appreciated by families in Ottawa. When your child finally heads off for university or college, it’s not unusual to feel a growing excitement about the possibilities of what you can do with their now empty room. (Gym or office, anybody?)
As the weather begins to get nicer and nicer in Toronto, homeowners start to tackle some of those pesky repairs that they’ve put off during the past few months. From straightening the garage to re-seeding the lawn, there’s always something to do when it’s warm and the frost isn’t on the ground. Below are some of the most popular types of summer home repairs seen in and around Canada.
If you’re in the midst of planning your summer home repairs, you’re not alone. June, July and August are traditionally months when people around Ontario work on their properties. Some intend to sell them sometime in the near future; others simply want to enjoy them or spruce them up. Whatever your reason, it’s important to realize you have a variety of finance options when it comes to paying for projects such as foundation waterproofing or roof repairs.
Are you in the market to buy new basement appliances like a furnace, hot water heater or sump pump this year? Before you make any purchases, be certain that your basement is dry by investing in permanent foundation waterproofing measures as performed by the professionals at The Crack Doctor in Toronto. After all, a wet basement can cause a host of headaches when it comes to your new investments.
May is known for the blooming of some of the most beautiful flowers in Ottawa. (It’s no surprise that Ottawa’s Tulip Festival remains a popular destination to visit for locals and tourists alike!) They add some color to your yard after a long cold winter of whites and grays. And the strategic placing of these May buds can brighten up the inside of your house. Yet, as with all things good, to enjoy the final results of your harvest, effort is required.
Across the nation of Canada, homeowners are becoming increasingly concerned because flooding outdoors has been leading to an unwanted situation: Flooding indoors. As basements are becoming wetter, more and more property owners are having to deal with the unhappy situation of being unable to use the lowest levels of their homes.
It’s been a long Toronto winter, but you’ve survived it. You’ve noticed you had a wet basement problem due to the melting snow in Toronto, and you got it fixed. Now, it’s time to enjoy your dry basement!
The last time your loved one was very ill, did you want him or her to get better? Or did you simply shrug your shoulders and say, “We’ll just wait and see if your body will heal itself. There’s no need to do anything now”? Most likely, you were worried and wanted to make certain he or she was treated as soon as possible to avoid any further complications. So why don’t most homeowners have that same reaction when it comes to waterproofing their basements?
Last week, we talked about 2 important reasons why you should get your wet basement fixed. If you aren’t convinced yet, here are 3 more great reasons!
When you have been struggling with a wet basement for a week, a season, a year or even longer, now is truly the best time to get it fixed. Though most homeowners are aware that the situation has to be remedied, some of them need a little “nudging” to pick up the phone and contact a basement waterproofing specialist like The Crack Doctor in Ottawa. For those who have been sitting on the fence, why not consider the following great reasons to finally enjoy a dry basement?
As the Ottawa Citizen recently reported, the 2013/2014 winter is the worst on record of the past twenty years. Ironically, the wintry weather didn’t break any records, but it did go on forever. Plus, there was so much precipitation between November and March that people in and around the city began to wonder if Mother Nature ever intended to bring spring into the picture.
Wet basements are not a fun problem to have. They lead to a variety of health and financial issues that can cause quite the headache! But you can take preventive measures to avoid having this issue.
Just as we get sick, your house can get sick from maintenance problems. During seasonal changes in Toronto, a common concern is wet basements.
There’s little doubt that people throughout Ottawa are thrilled that it’s finally spring. After the harsh winter we’ve endured, we’re all excited to enjoy a warming trend; however, the one issue with all the melting snow and rainy weather is that there are likely to be plenty of wet basement issues throughout Ontario. This is going to be the case even for homeowners who never dealt with wet basements before.
According to meteorologists, this spring should be ideal for homeowners throughout Cornwall who are eagerly anticipating the April showers they need to bring tons of flowers and blooming trees to their yards. Unfortunately, all those rains may also cause an unwanted side effect: wet basements.
A waterproofed basement offers many benefits to both the homeowner and any occupants living within the house (including the four-legged furry kind!) Surprisingly, there are many people living in the Toronto area who have still not chosen to deal with their wet basement issues.
A wet basement is more than an annoyance; it’s also a terrible health hazard that can lower the value of a property. Not only does mould growth tend to appear and proliferate in a wet basement, but the smells associated with mould and mildew begin to infiltrate all areas of the home. Because mould particles have been shown to cause a host of physical ailments from headaches to seizures, it’s best to address the underlying causes of the wet basement as soon as possible.
Everyone is ready for the harbingers of spring: birds chirping, flowers blooming and rains falling. However, all those downpours can wreak havoc on your home if you wind up with a wet basement. It’s not at all unusual for people from Ottawa to Toronto to experience wet basement issues, especially when all the snow melts and “spring showers” hit the ground.
Are you one of the many people who comes home to a house that smells less-than-ideal? When you take a whiff of the air, do you notice a strong musty odour? You’re definitely not alone. Many homeowners complain about this kind of problem. What they may not realize is that the leading cause of that musty aroma is a wet basement.
Are you feeling the itch to tackle some home improvements? Does it seem like the time to work on your basement? If you said “yes”, you’re not alone! Basements add another wealth of space at your disposal!
Wondering whether or not your house is stable probably isn’t at the forefront of your mind. Hey, your house is still standing, isn’t it? But you should always be proactive about any repairs. That is why it’s important to address your foundation repair issues before they become more serious.
Many homeowners are far too relaxed when it comes to initial flooding in their homes’ lower levels, especially if it’s just a bit of water. They simply assume that the problem is a one-time or short-term challenge to be overcome. The truth is that first-time flooding a basement could be a huge red flag that shouldn’t be ignored.
Ah, the changing seasons! Most people in Ontario love to watch as spring morphs into summer, then to autumn. However, all those seasonal changes can wreak havoc on a building’s foundation. In this article, we’ll look at the reasons that Mother Nature is often the culprit behind foundation repair.
Spring is almost here, and Toronto homeowners will soon find out what conditions their home foundations are in after the deep freeze we had. Some may discover that professional foundation repair is required, due to basement leaks. Fortunately, proactive homeowners can prevent this problem.
Moisture is great when it comes in the form of a tall glass of water or a swimming pool, but it’s not so terrific when it affects the structural integrity of your property. For many homeowners in Ontario, wet basement problems may be a common occurrence, but they should never be ignored. Below, we look at what can happen if a wet basement is simply allowed to remain damp.
There is a lot of information on the web about wet basements, from what causes them to how you can fix it. It could get to be too much when you’re trying to sift through the information and figure out what’s important.
Often, people who have wet basement problems don’t even realize it. That’s one of the reasons that they do nothing until the issue gets out of hand. Below are five of the biggest indicators that there could be a problem in a crawl space, between floorboards, in the foundation or between the walls. Even if it can’t be seen, doing a little investigative work will help uncover what could become a bigger mess down the road.
There are a lot of things to consider when you first make that big decision to sell your home. How much should I sell it for? Are there any repairs I need to make to increase the property value of it? How should I prepare and stage the house to look like so when a potential buyer comes, they’ll love it at first sight?
A wet basement isn’t simply a pain; it can also cause serious health problems for humans and pets. Unfortunately, many people ignore this fact, as they assume fixing a wet basement isn’t “worth it”. Any person who has experienced health issues like the one below knows that it’s nothing to disregard.
Have you ever felt like your house was a beacon to all sorts of nasty little critters and crawling insects? The problem may actually be in your control to fix, but the issue may not be what you assume.
Wet basements are known to cause damage to floors, furniture, and drywall. But did you know they can also cause structural damage to your home? It’s true. Ongoing water leaks could create cracks in your foundation. There are also health concerns associated with wet basements due to poor indoor air quality. Truly, it’s not uncommon to find family members having aggravated breathing problems, allergies and headaches from problems that stem from the basement.
Any individuals or families in Ontario interested in selling a home in the next few months have terrific opportunities to ensure that their residence stands out from others. With just a few details, a house can really take on a whole new ambiance. It can also be prepared in such a way as to make a buyer jump at the chance to own it.
Foundation cracks are a serious problem to have on hand; unfortunately, most often they go unnoticed until it is too late. Winter damage can further increase the seriousness of this problem unless you take timely action with a foundation inspection by professionals.
If you own a home with a basement, you need to be sure that it has been properly waterproofed. Even if your home hasn’t experienced any flooding, water and moisture can still seep into your basement through cracks in the walls. If left untreated, mold and mildew can grow, which is bad for your home and the health of your family.
Mold in your basement is a serious health concern. Even a little bit of mold left untreated can quickly become dangerous and should be removed as soon as possible. Sometimes you may not be able to see basement mold if it is behind walls, in the ceiling, under the carpet or sub-floor. But the presence of mold can usually be detected by a musty smell. If you smell or see mold, it is imperative that you contact a basement mold removal professional to examine the situation. It’s also a good idea to get a mold inspector on your premises after you have had a flood, leak or any other type of water damage. You could have a mold problem you can’t see or smell!
Many basements are susceptible to dampness and moisture. If this is left unchecked, it could facilitate the growth of mold, which can be a serious health hazard. Leaks and consistent moisture can also cause rot and allow insects such as termites to flourish. To combat the problem of moisture in the basement, many homeowners opt to purchase a basement dehumidifier.
Keeping your sump pump in good working condition is essential to ensuring that your basement is free of water or the accumulation of moisture. Leaky pipes, flooding from rain, or sewer backups can usually all be handled adequately by your sump pump provided it is properly maintained. If your sump pump has been experiencing problems, there may be a few fixes you can make yourself.
If you own or manage a commercial building, you are responsible for the care of the building as well as the safety of its occupants. For this reason, you need to be aware of how effective your foundation waterproofing is at keeping the sublevel areas of the building free of water and moisture. A flooded basement or accumulation of moisture over a period of time can mean serious problems for the building, as well as pose health risks if mold develops.
When it comes to your home you want the best service you can get. For basement waterproofing… it’s The Crack Doctor. You don’t have to stress about which waterproofing method is the correct one. That’s what we’re here for. Our basement solutions are simplified to meet your exact requirements. We’ll go over what has to be done and explain it so that you can feel comfortable and confident about what we are doing. You can rely on us to help you decide the most effective way for waterproofing your basement.
Does your new home have a leaky basement? It’s time to look out for contractors offering waterproofing for new homes. Your problem could be cracks in your foundation or walls. Don’t ignore it. It could lead to serious wet basement issues as the days go by. Not to mention mould and its consequent health risks.
Confused about what to do with your wet or leaky basement? Here’s basement waterproofing simplified to help you out. Determining which one of these solutions is right for you requires the services of an experienced basement waterproofing contractor who will assess your situation in order to suggest the best option.
Through our competitive analysis and market research we have been able to determine that of the three main waterproofing companies in Ontario, The Crack Doctor is the only company not using sub-contractors for its outside waterproofing and excavation projects.
Looking to get wet basement waterproofing done? Selecting the right contractor can mean the difference between a warm, dry space and money down the drain. Here are some key points to take note of when making your choice.
Hi everyone, it’s Michael from The Crack Doctor again. Today I would like to answer a question we get a lot: Why Do Foundations Crack?
If you don’t know what weeping tile is, you might be surprised to learn that it looks nothing like bathroom tile at all. I can remember being very young and hearing my dad talk about weeping tiles and how it had to do with digging outside. I remembered being very confused by this. Having been raised around this subject my whole life, I now know that weeping tile is a perforated pipe which allows water to enter or weep into it from the ground and the water is moved along inside the pipe toward the path of least resistance which is always the low spot.
Older foundations can definitely be made permanently waterproof, but there is one very important thing to keep in mind. A hundred years or more ago, foundations were largely made of field stone which, as the name implies, were collected from farmer’s fields. These foundations were made of every size and shape of stone which were held together with mortar between the stones. After being buried underground for a hundred years, the mortar between the stones has often deteriorated to the point where it is now the earth outside which is holding the stones together. If the earth is removed by excavating to waterproof from outside, a structural concern can develop.
Outside excavation and waterproofing using weeping tile and waterproof membranes can be a very successful way of waterproofing a basement. It is worth noting that this is one of those times when you really want to do your research on what will need to happen in order to avoid an expensive, dangerous, unsuccessful disaster.
The sump pump is a mechanical device under the floor which is used to remove water from under the house or building. Until recently, most houses had a sump pump. Then they fell out of favour for a while, but they are now a part of the building code once again for Ontario. Every new house now has a sump pump.
In areas where the soil is not solid enough to support a conventional footing structure, a monolithic foundation is used. This is often a very thick and strong floor which spreads the load of the house over the entire foot print of the building instead of just the footing. A wet basement with a monolithic foundation, sometimes referred to as slab on grade, has fewer repair options than a conventional foundation as the floor is a structural component.
A sump pump is used to control water under the floor of a basement.
1. Begin by protecting the area from dust as you have been trained.
2. The sump, which is the perforated plastic box under the floor, also called a liner, must be installed at the lowest spot in the basement.
3. Within reason, there is some flexibility as to where the pump can be located. An example of this could be that if all the mechanicals could be kept together that might be nice, but not if that is a high spot.
Much like the outside waterproofing method, the French-drain or internal sub-floor drainage system method of basement waterproofing has existed for thousands of years. The Crack Doctor works with an internal waterproofing system that is exclusive to our company. It has been designed and developed to address all problems regarding wet basements, without the need to dig outside. Our internal solution carries a lifetime transferrable warranty to be waterproofed.
Grading the slope of the ground away from the house and extending the downspouts are both common methods of water diversion. Many people believe that if you get the water to flow away from the house, the basement will be dry.
Cracks in a basement floor are a very normal part of what concrete does. As discussed in earlier postings about cracks in concrete, since concrete expands and contracts without being very flexible, it creates expansion joints for itself in the form of cracks.
Waterloo is famous for being an innovative city and The Crack Doctor reflects that spirit of innovation.
We have been fixing wet basements in Waterloo for many years and since our inception in Kitchener in the last century our company has developed and introduced many of the techniques and procedures which have revolutionized the waterproofing industry; largely establishing the excepted modern methods of residential foundation waterproofing in Waterloo.
The Crack Doctor’s permanent high pressure expanding urethane resin injection is designed for solid poured concrete foundations. There are six generally excepted methods of foundation crack repair.
The biggest challenge with cinder block, construction-block, cement block or concrete block foundations is that the foundation wall is hollow.
The blocks each have two empty chambers which can fill with water and travel throughout the hollow foundation wall. The hollow nature of the foundation makes it more challenging to repair than a solid poured concrete foundation because you never know where the wall is leaking from, only where the water comes out of the wall inside. The actual source of the leak can be many feet away from where the water is seen on the inside.
Thank you Toronto for voting THE CRACK DOCTOR for the #1 waterproofing company in the city! For many years now, the people of Toronto have trusted THE CRACK DOCTOR to make their wet basements dry.
Mold is so poisonous, toxic and dangerous that it is illegal to knowingly have it in your house. If your bank, insurance company, mortgage holder, the municipality you live in or the children’s aid society knows you have mold in your home, you will be ordered by law to remove it and correct the problem which caused it.
There are two ways to waterproof a wet basement. Both methods use a drainage system and waterproof membrane. One way is to excavate the foundation outside, replace the weeping tile drainage system, and install a waterproof membrane on the foundation wall. The other way is to install an internal subfloor drainage system /French-drain.
A wet basement is a serious concern which must be effectively corrected to avoid unnecessary expenses and losses. This makes it vitally important that your foundation assessment is performed by a certified waterproofing expert. Such an assessment is available to all of The Crack Doctor’s customers, free of charge.
THE CRACK DOCTOR is proud to have begun its award winning history in Kitchener. For many years, our family owned and operated business has been fixing wet basements in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
Wet basements can often be repaired from the outside. THE CRACK DOCTOR has fixed thousands of wet basements with great success from the outside.
I’m the president and director of operations at The Crack Doctor.
Thank you for giving me a moment to tell you a little about our award winning family business. I’d like to start by assuring you that The Crack Doctor is so confident in our exclusive industry leading basement waterproofing systems that if anyone knows of a single person whose basement we are not able to make stop leaking, we will fix your wet basement for free.
The people of Guelph have trusted THE CRACK DOCTOR to solve their wet basement problems since the last century. Our award winning family owned and operated business has been waterproofing basements in the Guelph and surrounding area for many years and our experts are able to find, and fix any problem with a wet basement.
The fastest and most efficient way to find the best waterproofing Toronto can offer is by going online and having a look around until you have gathered all the information you need to make a final decision of some sort. As long as you make a point of looking around long enough at your options in the area you live, you should be able to get what you need for a very reasonable overall price. Those who cannot afford to pay a lot of money for waterproofing services might want to take a little bit of extra time to look around at what some of their options are.
Those who find themselves in need of wet basement repair services should take all the time necessary to look around and see what they have to choose from. Once you go online and start looking around, you will discover that you have quite a few options to look through. Just make sure that you spend an adequate amount of time browsing the web until you are able to find exactly what you need at the right price. The more time and effort you dedicate to looking for these services, the better of a deal you will get on them.
If you want to find the best wet basement repair Toronto can offer, it will be extremely important to make sure that you know what kinds of options you have. There are going to be a lot of different businesses for you to look into when searching for these services, which is precisely what you will want to utilize the power of the internet to your advantage. Anyone who has a wet basement and needs repairs done will want to settle on only the very best company in their area for this kind of work.
If you are in the process of looking for sump pumps because you need to remove some of the ground water that has accumulated around your home, it will be incredibly important to make sure that you do all the research you can before deciding on anything in particular. The internet will be able to help you out with making a final decision on a certain sump pump to get for your home, so you will therefore need to use it to your advantage as much as possible.
Once you start doing your research online, you will quickly discover that there are many effective solutions for a leaky basement. If you currently have a leaky basement, chances are that you have cracks that need to be taken care of. There are going to be plenty of different companies that can help you out with getting your leaky basement fixed, but you will not want to settle for just any of them. The best thing you can do is to spend an adequate amount of time browsing around online until you find exactly what you need.
Those who have foundation cracks that need to be repaired will definitely want to start looking into some of the local companies that can do this type of work for you. The more time and effort you put into looking around for the right company to do this work, the better of a deal you will end up getting. Anyone who needs this type of work done but cannot afford to spend a lot of money on it will want to make sure that they take the time to go online and do some browsing around before making any final decisions at all.
Those who need to get a basement leak fixed as soon as possible will still want to take enough time to look around and see what their options are before making any final decisions at all. In the end you will be glad that you took the time to do this type of research so you will be able to get the very best services for the least amount of money. If you are restricted by a tight budget, it will be all the more important to get exactly what you need for as little as possible by simply doing your research.
If you are currently interested in foundation waterproofing services, it will be important to make sure that you take all the time you need to look around at what your options are so you will be able to make a final decision of some sort. There are going to be quite a few different options when it comes to these services, so you will need to make sure that you do everything in your power to get exactly what you need while at the same time paying a fair amount.
Anyone who is currently in need of a good wet basement solution will have to take enough time to really look around and see what they have to choose from before deciding on a certain company in the area to do this work for them. The more time and effort you put into finding this type of solution, the better your chances are going to be of getting exactly what you are looking for at the right price. With all of these options in front of you, the best thing you can do is to just browse through your choices and collect quotes from various places.
If you like so many others want to find the best crack repair Toronto can offer, it will be extremely important to make sure that you do what you can to get the very best services for the smallest overall amount. Because there are going to be so many different companies that can offer you these services, it will be necessary for you to take enough time to see what you have to choose from. As long as you do this you should end up getting exactly what you need without having to spend a penny more than is necessary.
The foundation of a house is a concrete framework, supporting a wooden or steel construction which provides support for walls, floors, ceilings of the house. In the course of time, due to the application of stress on the foundation from the ground, a slight rearrangement can take place to its structure.
A leaking or damaged basement is a boggling task on a holiday. The best way to prevent these dreary tasks is to protect your basement beforehand. There is no way to put a check to these problems permanently. The only way is to give sometime to house maintenance now and then. If you avoid keeping your basement in top condition, the damage would slowly creep up to the rest of the house. Also, the basement would become a dirty and useless space. To keep it dry and functional, call a professional basement repair service in and around Mississauga.
Many homeowners do not think too much of the cracks that they witness in their basement, until all hell breaks loose. A crack in the walls of your basement or in the pillars is a sure sign of wearing off of the concrete, which means they are shouting for attention. Before it is too late, house owners must take some immediate actions and try to fill in the gaps by hiring a crack repair expert.
A leaky basement will typically fall into two categories: water that comes through the walls; and water that comes up from under the floor.
A basement water leak is very annoying for homeowners. Sooner or later many people discover wet basement and its cause can be puzzling. While the initial reaction might be panic, the leak does not mean that you have a major problem. Sooner you fix it, better for you and your house. So what are the things that you need to know?
Imagine that your pump dies out on you and you cannot get water in your tank, as the pump would not fetch the water from the sump. What would you do? Open up the sump and draw in water with your own hands? This is such a tiresome job.
If you are looking to undertake basement waterproofing project, here are some of the facts that you need to keep in mind.
It is absolutely important to waterproof the basement and foundation of your home. Foundation waterproofing is an important step in maintaining your home’s value and also an important measure to prevent very serious damage to your property and your health. Usually done by experts, foundation waterproofing is usually not recommended as a do-it-yourself task.
Since there are various drainage systems available in the market, it can become overwhelming for house owners to pick up the best among them. If you are new to the property game, the situation becomes even more confusing. While every drainage system offers varying degrees of success, you need to consider various factors before choosing your rainwater drainage system.
Drains are waterways designed to direct waste water to the appropriate location. This location may be a sewer system or other location. Many times it happens that the drains become damaged or clogged. These clogged drains require quick fix in order to prevent further damage. Drainage systems are used to store excess rainwater, toilet and kitchen waste water. Drain repairs are important for various reasons.