Waterproofing Toronto: How to Tell If Your Basement Needs Waterproofing

Issues such as water seepage, flooding, and water damage in basements or crawl spaces are common occurrences in many homes in the GTA. If left unresolved, these issues could lead to more serious problems such as mold and mildew growth. As well, if not resolved, you could end up with serious damage to your walls, floors, and even the foundation of your home.

In this article, homeowners will learn how to spot signs of water damage in order to prevent further difficulties. As well, they will learn how basement waterproofing Toronto can help prevent the aforementioned concerns. These simple steps can help save thousands of dollars of repairs on your home in Toronto and the surrounding areas.

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What Can Cause Water Damage in Your Basement

If you have experienced damage to your property due to basement flooding or other water damage, you are not alone. These issues are becoming more prominent due to the ever-changing weather conditions in which we are faced with more rain, flooding, and humid conditions than we have in the past.

While it may seem that there is a simple solution to waterproofing basement Toronto, it is not as easy as one would assume. The first step is to pinpoint the exact cause of the issue. Next, you need to determine which method of basement waterproofing will fix your particular issue. In some cases, you may need to seek the help of a professional waterproofing team, such as your local plumber. They are experienced in such matters and can help you determine the best solution.

Why is flooding and water damage more of an issue in the basement than in other areas of your home? To put it simply, basements are located below ground level therefore they are more prone to moisture. However, there are other factors that can contribute to water issues in basements or crawl spaces. Following are some of them:

• Improperly installed or sealed windows
• Downspouts were not installed correctly, this can cause rainwater to seep into the soil near the basement structure
• The property is located near a body of water that overflows due to weather or other conditions.
• Insufficient exterior drainage and grading, cause rainwater to seep into the home as opposed to away from the structure.
• The sump pump system is not functioning as it should
• Damage to the walls or poor overall construction
• Blocked or otherwise damaged interior drainage system
• Shifting or settling the foundation of the home
• The property was built near the bottom of a hill or other low-lying area.

How to Tell Your Basement Needs Waterproofing Toronto

Here are some telltale signs that you may be in need of professional basement waterproofing Toronto:

1. Signs of Insect Infestation: Everyone notices the occasional bug or fly in their home. However, certain bugs are attracted to water and moisture such as water bugs, roaches, silverfish, ants, etc. If you notice an issue with insects, it might be time to call an exterminator and have your basement waterproofed.
2. Water puddles, water stains, or flooding: The most obvious sign that you need waterproofing Toronto is of course flooding or water damage to your basement. Even if you are noticing small puddles on the floor, it could indicate that it is time to resolve the issue before it becomes more serious.
3. Mold or mildew growth: Another warning sign of water issues in your basement is noticeable signs of mildew or mold. Mold is indeed a common occurrence in homes. However, certain types of mold, such as black mold, can lead to serious health concerns. Should you notice the presence of mold, or if your basement smells musty, you need to remove the mold and waterproof the area straight away?
4. Visible signs of damage to your walls: Do your basement walls seem shinier than usual? This is an indicator that there is an excessive amount of humidity in your basement. As well, if your basement walls are bowing, cracking, or otherwise damaged, you need to resolve the issue to prevent further damage. If left unresolved this can cause serious damage to the foundation of your home. This will lead to major issues with the overall structural integrity of your home

If you notice any of the issues mentioned above, contact your local plumbing company for a quote for professional waterproofing Toronto for your basement or crawlspace. You need to resolve the issue right away before it leads to more serious issues including health concerns and permanent damage to your home.