basement waterproofing

Common Basement Problems Uncovered During a Home Inpection

George Mino Home Inpector NewmarketWhen it comes to the home buying process, nobody likes surprises, especially when those surprises involve foundation cracks and mold in the home.  Problems like these that are uncovered during the home buying process can stop a deal in its tracks.  Today, we were lucky enough to speak to George Mino of GWN Home Inspections.  George has been inspecting homes in and around Toronto for a number of years and is here today to offer some insights for both home buyers and sellers.

1- George, you’ve been inspecting homes throughout the GTA for a number of years, what are some of the most common problems you find when inspecting a basement?

The most common is the smell of mildew in the home/ which potential homebuyers do not like. It’s found mainly in older homes and suggests a moisture issue. foundation cracks are also quite common. They can be on the outside and inside and i have noted a lot of outside corner cracks lately on my inspections throughout the GTA.

2- How do potential home buyers react when you find a foundation or water leak issue during the course of your inspection?  Is this a major concern for homebuyers and does it cause some people to walk away?

Some buyers will get scared and walk away but for the most part non-structural cracks can be repaired. After this is explained  it usually becomes more a matter cost and who will pay for the repair.  Costs can vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the type of crack and the repair method that will be used.
3- What about the issue of mold?  Nobody wants it in their home, is this a major concern with home buyers and how do they react when you indicate the presence of mold in the home?
It depends on the infestation. Little spots on the caulking in the bathtub can be cleaned and bathroom exhaust fans can be installed or windows
can be opened to get the moisture out of the room. Generally if the moisture issue is resolved than the mold issue can be cleaned up. However large infestations (10ft x 10ft ) can and have killed a deal and I have had people walk away even after the seller has agreed to the remediation.

4- How are these issues usually handled?  Does the seller or buyer typically pay for the repairs?

The seller typically pays for the remediation as a condition of the sale.  It’s usually a better idea to have these things repaired before placing it on the market as an extensive mold issue may devalue the home in the eyes of the potential buyer.

5- If someone is getting ready to put their home up for sale and have known foundation and water issues, what advice would you give them?  Should they list the house at a reduced price or have the repairs made before listing?

Foundation issues can be serious and require a professional to identify if they are structural or not. Moisture issues can be as simple as a plumbing leak or a grading issue and can be addressed easily. I tend to error on the side of caution when it comes to through the wall cracks and call for a professional foundation contractor for repair. These repairs should be done before the house goes on the market .

6- Any other advice for homeowners when it comes to foundation and water problems?

Walk around the house and look for grading issues ( the ground should slope away from the house ). Gutters and downpipes should be in good repair and carry the water away from the house . If after a storm there is puddling than upgrade that area. And always look for Cracks in the exposed foundation wall inside and out.

7- Is there anything a homeowner can do before actually putting their home on the market when it comes to spotting problems like this?

Yes, pre-listing inspections are becoming more common.  This is where a home inspector like myself is hired before the home is listed to spot any potential problems that should be addresses before the home is actually listed.  A pre-listing inspection can uncover problems that can be addresses before a potential home buyer spots them, helping to preserve both real and perceived value of the home.

8- Thanks George, that was great.  How can people find you?
You can go to my website at GWM Home Inspections or you can call me at 289-231-6567. I’m available for home inspection services in the Greater Toronto Area.

 

Understanding Toronto’s Waterways And Leaky Basements

When your basement leaks you may panic.  Most people just want the water out.  Unfortunately, living in the Toronto area may mean you have a higher chance of having one of those leaky basements.

Who would think that all those curvy roads and dead end streets could have something to do with a basement leak?  Unless you’ve spent some time learning the geography of Toronto you may not understand the correlation between your basement leak and the roadways of your surroundings.

Underground river in Toronto

Toronto Waterway History

Many years ago Toronto was filled with waterways.  They gradually became quite invisible, filled with developments of new homes and businesses and diverted into sewer systems.  If you lifted a sewer manhole cover on one of the streets downtown you might be surprised to hear the sound of rushing water.  Many years ago, in the latter half of the 1900’s, Toronto residents and officials agreed that there was a need for better sanitation as well as clean drinking water.  The city built water filtration plants and a sewer system, using those old waterways.  It only made sense then, seemingly an affordable way to improve Toronto.  The plants and system are the reason that many of those old waterways are no longer seen.  There are actually a group of people working together to find the lost waterways, the pathways that the ice age created.

While these hidden and “lost” waterways are fascinating, interesting to explore and a great part of Toronto’s history they may mean a leaky basement in your future.

Toronto rivers under the city

Risk of Basement Leaking Rises

Basements leak for a few reasons; all of them include water close to the foundation of your home.  For some local residents those hidden waterways are actually beside or under the foundation of their home meaning they have a “high” water table.  This high water table increases the chance of your basement leaking and leaking often.  For some homeowners, leaking may only occur when the area is over saturated with rains, almost flood like conditions.  If you’re one of those homeowners living within distance of a hidden waterway or even on top of one, it doesn’t take a flood to make your basement leak.  If you live among the paths of these waterways, the odds that your basement will eventually flood are incrementally higher.  Basement leaks never get better on their own.

What to Look For

If you see leaking at the base of the basement wall (i.e., where the wall and floor meet) or if you basement leaks often those waterways may be contributing to those leaks.  If you have block walls in your basement is water may actually be wicking in through those blocks.  Cement blocks are porous and when the blocks fill up the water has no place to go but in the house.  If you pull storage items or boxes away from the wall and see stains on the wall or on the items the odds that your basement is leaking are pretty good.  A normal basement leak typically occurs when the ground is over saturated.  Most homeowners only have to worry during and after periods of heavy rain.  Most Toronto residents worry pretty frequently.

The Don Valley river in Toronto

The Cost

Long term leaks damage your home.  Basements often hold many storage items and in some cases memories of days gone by.  Memories can’t be replaced and those leaks can destroy them forever.  Not only can water cause damage to your items it can also damage the structure of your home.  Another way water can take a toll is on your health.  Mold can be hazardous to your help in certain situations and if you have allergies, you know the toll it takes.

What to Do

The situation is not hopeless!  There are basement waterproofing options that provide a permanent solution to the problem.  When you have your basement repaired by a contractor whose expertise is waterproofing they are experienced in dealing with your situation.  Not only do they provide a permanent solution, they are able to provide long term warranties.  As always, you want to hire an expert.  Your basement waterproofing professional should have a business history, more than a few years, they should be insured and they should have references.

A Dry Basement

The benefit of having a dry basement can’t be underrated.  You’ll be adding usable space to your home.  Once you’ve solved those nagging basement leaks you can feel confident in finishing your basement and enjoy your basement, even if you’re sitting on top of one of our wonderful, historic waterways!

Have questions about your leaky basement?  If you live in Toronto or the surrounding GTA, give Nusite a call and schedule your free inspection and estimate today.

 

image credit

 

 

What Is A Weeping Tile System?

Contrary to what the name suggests, a weeping tile system isn’t the type of tile that a homeowner would install as flooring, or even roofing, within their home. A weeping tile system is actually an intricate drainage system that is intended to protect the foundation of your home from water damage.

Whether you live in an area that gets several inches of rain during the rainy months of the year, like we do here in Toronto, or you simply have a lot of greenery in your yard that requires regular irrigation, water from any source can saturate the soil surrounding your home. When this soil becomes saturated it can lead to erosion and cause shifting of your foundation, which can lead to instability of your home, cracks in the foundation and other costly problems you don’t want to deal with.

Understanding the Basics of a Weeping Tile System

Interior vs. Exterior Weeping Tile System

It is important for a homeowner to understand that there are two different types of weeping tile systems to consider: interior and exterior. An exterior weeping tile system sits buried outside of the home along the foundation as a means to prevent moisture before it is able to penetrate. While an interior weeping tile system sits on the inside of the basement running along the floor, or lowest points of the basement, to help manage water that passes underneath or through the foundation.

Exterior Weeping Tile System

An exterior weeping tile system is composed of an intricate piping system that surrounds the earth around your foundation. These plastic pipes are typically 4” in diameter and have holes or slits punched into them. When it rains, water from the surrounding soil finds its way to these holes and is carried at a slight incline to a disposal area or sump pump, so it is safely relocated away from the foundation of the home. Because water is likely to transport the surrounding soil into your drainage pipes, most are covered with rot-proof material that keeps the holes from clogging, which can help to extend the life of your weeping tile system.

weeping tiles installed on exterior foundation in Toronto home

Some of the reasons why homeowners consider an exterior weeping tile system over an interior system include:

  • The indoor space of the basement is never compromised
  • Removes water pressure from affecting the foundation of the home entirely
  • No need to prepare for professional installation, as all work is done outside of the home

However, just as there are advantages to an exterior system, there are some disadvantages that homeowners have to consider:

  • Landscaping will oftentimes have to be moved or destroyed surrounding the home in order to properly install weeping tile
  • Water from beneath the basement is not drained with this system
  • Typically more labor is required to properly install an exterior weeping tile system, so this project can last longer than an interior system installation
  • Costs associated with this home improvement project are typically higher

Interior Weeping Tile System

In order to create an interior weeping tile system a trench along the perimeter of the basement floor is created and holes are drilled into the concrete blocks within these trenches. Plastic pipes with holes are attached next to the footing so that water can pass from the surrounding foundation into the pipe which will flow into a drainage system that leads to the sump pump. Then, professional installers will attempt to cover up these piping systems once more with concrete repair done over the footing so that the aesthetic appeal of the basement isn’t necessarily compromised.

Interior weeping tile system in Toronto basement

Some of the reasons why homeowners would consider an interior weeping tile system over an exterior system include:

  • No damage done to the outdoor landscaping of a home
  • Home improvement project can be completed faster than an exterior system, and typically for a lower cost
  • Relieves and removes water from beneath the foundation and outside of the foundation to the sump pump
  • Can be installed year round

Some of the disadvantages associated with an interior weeping tile system include:

  • Basement is unlivable during the installation of the weeping tile system
  • Exterior sealant installation is necessary for a stone or brick foundation so water does not leak through masonry
  • Two feet of foundation within the basement will need to be exposed for installation. Removal of drywall, insulation and flooring is to be expected.

Understanding the basics of interior and exterior weeping tile systems can better help you to prepare for the type of drainage system that is right for your home. Once you have identified the system that is best for your home you can begin to search for a professional weeping tile installation company that can get the job done right!

 

Avoid Flooding and Basement Leaks in Scarborough this Summer

Scarborough has experienced some serious flooding during the past few Summers.  Heavy rainfalls and inadequate storm drains have resulted in serious flooding for many homeowners in the Scarborough Ontario area.

From March onwards memories of heavy snowfalls fade in Scarborough, only to be replaced by copious rains in the Summer.  Water pools easily especially in the Rouge River and Highland Creek areas, where it filters down and may cause basement flooding. While there isn’t a lot for a single homeowner to do against an overflowing sewer drain, there are steps you can take in order to prepare and minimize the damage resulting from a flooded basement.

Flooding in Scarborough Ontario

Get the Water Away From Your Foundation

Begin by ensuring rainwater leaves your roof in a controlled fashion. Stand outside during heavy rain and observe what happens. Is your roof managing the rainwater properly? If the water is pouring out of your eaves troughs – or behind them for that matter – your problems may include:

  • Dislodged roof tiles or bad overhangs
  • Badly sloping or under-sized gutters
  • Insufficient downpipe capacity
  • Blockages caused by tennis balls and leaves

Once you have rainwater leaving your roof in an orderly fashion, your next step is to lead it away from the house. Badly graded gardens and poor drainage can readily cause pooling water, erode foundations and filter down to basements. Lead storm water away continually by

  • Ensuring a fall of around one inch in six feet
  • Filling hollows where water pools during wet periods
  • Laying paving around the house especially near the basement
  • Setting down prefabricated open drains to lead downpipe discharge away

Some low-lying parts of Scarborough are natural flatlands that became wetlands during floods before human settlement. City sewers are currently inadequate for cloudbursts causing pooling in gardens and badly graded streets. Rainwater backing up through toilets is a relatively common occurrence. These problems all result in flooded basements.

Be Proactive

  • Consider disconnecting your downspouts from city drains if your sewerage follows the same route.
  • Install backflow valves so flooding cannot back up into your home when the sewers overflow
  • Install an automatic sump-pump in the basement and contunually check that it is in working order
  • Inspect and test everything regularly so these systems work when needed
  • Remove valuables and potential hazards from the basement in case of basement flooding

Seek Professional Help

If your neighbours are less proactive you may be receiving groundwater from higher lying areas. If proper precautions have not been taken, or your foundation is prone to water leaks, water in the basement is most likely be the result. The best time to prepare for another Summer of heavy rains and flooding is to be proactive before the rains come.

In addition, the city has a program to help homeowners with flood relief.  The program is called the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program, and can provide monetary relief in the installation of anti-flooding measures. The subsidy program provides up to $3,200 in relief for homeowners in areas prone to flooding.

Have a questions about waterproofing your basement?  We provide a range of basement waterproofing solutions in Scarborough and provide free on-site inspections and estimates for homeowners in the area.

 

 

Fix Your Roof Problem Before It Turns Into A Leaky Basement

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Did you know that problems on your roof can lead to a leaky basement?

The roofing system on your house, which includes the shingles, eavestroughs, and drains, are meant to do one thing; to channel rain water from your roof and away from your foundation.  If the system is working properly, that’s exactly what it will do.  If it’s not, then rain water will begin to pool around your home’s foundation, eventually causing water problems in your basement.

Here in Toronto, the roofs on our homes are subject to some severe weather conditions.  The long Winters, with snow build up, thawing, then re-freezing, can really wear down your roof over time.  It’s important to schedule times throughout the year where you can inspect your roof system and make sure that it’s properly channeling water away from your foundation.

The infographic below provides a nice pictorial of potential problems you may come across when you examine your roof.  Take a few minutes of preventative maintenance to help avoid costly foundation repairs later on.  Have questions about channeling water away from your foundation?  Feel free to contact us here, we’re happy to help!

Roof Maintenance Infographic