acclwaterproofing

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http://acclwaterproofing.ca

Call us now at: 416-759-2995, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484. We offer one year payment plan OAC.

 Moisture (humidity) in basements is a very common problem but it is not always treated in the right manner. Basements that are used as living or bedroom spaces, moisture problems can not only become annoying but pose a serious threat to one’s health.  That’s why it is of upmost importance to deal with any moisture problems before finishing a basement.

It is critical to understand where the water is coming from before trying to solve any humidity problems. There are basically three sources of moisture:

·         Water from rain or ground water

·         Humid air that enters the basement externally and condenses on cooler surfaces

·         Moisture from internal sources such as humidifiers, unvented clothes dryer, bathrooms as well as moisture from in concrete after construction

Some symptoms of humidity

·         Water leaking out of walls

·         Standing water on floors

·         Damp, humid air

·         Odor, mold and mildew

·         Deterioration of carpet or wood

·         Dampness on concrete block walls

Typical causes of basement moisture problems:

Inadequate grading - If the ground around a foundation is level or slopes toward the house, this can cause water to be directed into the basement.

Defective or missing gutters and downspouts - Missing gutters and downspouts cause rainwater to be directed toward perimeter of the foundation.

Improperly designed window wells - Window wells are like a drain right next to the basement wall. Often they are improperly built so that any water is directed toward, rather than away from the foundation.

Ineffective drain tile and sump pit - These systems sometimes do not work for a variety of reasons, such as broken drain tiles, clogging of the pipe with silt or debris, or a broken connection to the sump. The sump pit usually contains a pump designed to lift the water to the ground surface outside the foundation wall. This pump can fail.

 Structural cracks - Concrete and concrete block foundations usually develop some cracks. Also, soil settling may cause cracking.

 If you require a professionally waterproofed basement, for concrete slab on grade or below grade, or if you need to waterproof your wet basement foundation, or foundation crack repair, please do not hesitate to contact the # 1 wet basement contractor in Ontario at www.acclwaterproofing.ca

Or call us at 416-759-2995, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484.

ACCL Waterproofing Contractor serves the GTA and locations as listed hereunder:

Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Orono, Peterborough, Port Hope, Port Perry, Georgina, Millbrook, Cobourg, Clarington, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Uxbridge, Brooklin, Stouffville, Barrie, Newmarket, Bradford, Aurora, Vaughan, Bolton, Richmond Hill, Markham, Woodbridge, Thornhill, North York, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Scarborough, East York, Etobicoke, Brampton, Gwillimbury, Kitchener, London, Guelph and Cambridge.��

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Why your Sump Pump fails?

The sump pump is an integral part of a standard basement waterproofing system. It is the part that conveys water from the sump pit in your basement to the exterior.

A failing sump pump can happen at any time, and when it does, many homeowners don't realize there is a problem until the basement floods.

Reasons for Failure

·         Overworked sump pump - One sump pump may not always be enough especially the cheap plastic sump pumps. Large volumes of water can flood the basement faster than the sump can stop it. However, installing two sump pumps may help.

·         Clogged sump pumps - If the sump pump is sitting on the bottom of a dirty sump pit, its mechanical parts are liable to clog with dirt and debris. If this interferes with the pump's operation, the system will slow or stop.

·         Sump pump won’t stop running - Generally, sump pumps run in intervals- turning on from time to time only as needed. Sump pumps that run continuously will wear out quickly and increase electricity cost. This may occur if the sump pump switch gets stuck on the “on” position; if the sump pump is too small for the job or if the liner is too small for the sump; the check valve maybe missing or not working properly; the sump pit maybe set too low in the ground.

·         Clogged drains – If the discharge drains are clogged with debris, sticks, dirt, ice, or snow; water will not be able to exit. This will cause the sump pump system not to work properly.

·         Lost of power to the sump pump – for example, electricity failure.

Sump pumps with battery backup are becoming more common due to electricity failure.

It's also important to have a sump pump system serviced and checked after a major storm or any extreme weather especially when the system is left to operate for prolonged periods. In a system with a battery backup, the charge of the battery should also be checked.

Most waterproofing companies recommend yearly checkup and maintenance.

If you require a professionally waterproofed basement, for concrete slab on grade or below grade, or if you need to waterproof your wet basement foundation, or foundation crack repair, please do not hesitate to contact the # 1 wet basement contractor in Ontario at www.acclwaterproofing.ca

Or call us at 416-759-2995, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484.

ACCL Waterproofing Contractor serves the GTA and locations as listed hereunder:

Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Orono, Peterborough, Port Hope, Port Perry, Georgina, Millbrook, Cobourg, Clarington, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Uxbridge, Brooklin, Stouffville, Barrie, Newmarket, Bradford, Aurora, Vaughan, Bolton, Richmond Hill, Markham, Woodbridge, Thornhill, North York, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Scarborough, East York, Etobicoke, Brampton, Gwillimbury, Kitchener, London, Guelph and Cambridge.

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Call us now at: 416-759-2995, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484. We offer one year payment plan OAC.

 Urethane is an expanding, flexible sealant that uses water as a catalyst to form an impassable or dense seal to fill a crack all the way through to the outside. Waterproofing companies inject wall cracks in poured concrete foundations all the time as it is an effective and long lasting solution that can be done quickly at a low cost. It is an excellent repair for wall cracks.

The compacted soil outside a house’s foundation exerts a great deal of force against the foundation walls. This pressure is usually responsible for causing cracks in the foundation. And when the soil becomes saturated, the water then seeps through the wall cracks into the home.

How does the Urethane Injection work?

The waterproofing contractor will first attach plastic injection ports to the crack at intervals along the length. The urethane sealant is then injected into the ports along the crack. This will expand and fills its way all through to the outside soil. This stops the flow of water from the outside. A surface sealer is then applied over the crack to hold the injected sealant inside the crack until it cures.

Urethane vs Epoxy

Waterproofing contractors in the past have used Epoxy as a sealant to repair cracks. However, the main disadvantage to this is that epoxy is rigid and not flexible to shifting or foundation settlement. As a result, movement will cause further cracks and water leaks. Also, as epoxy does not adhere at wet concrete, contractors have to wait until the surfaces are dry before attempting to repair any crack. This will of course, not be convenient to the home owner.

Urethane on the other hand, retains contact with the concrete and moves with the wall. The urethane sealant also makes use of the surrounding soil as a compact barrier to help create a firm repair.

Repairing cracks is of the utmost importance. If a crack leaks once then more than likely it will leak again after every rainfall. Crack repair will save you time, money, headaches from dealing with a leaky basement and prevent mold and mildew problems in your home.

If you require a professionally waterproofed basement, for concrete slab on grade or below grade, or if you need to waterproof your wet basement foundation, or foundation crack repair, please do not hesitate to contact the # 1 wet basement contractor in Ontario at www.acclwaterproofing.ca

Or call us at 416-759-2995, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484.

ACCL Waterproofing Contractor serves the GTA and locations as listed hereunder:

Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Orono, Peterborough, Port Hope, Port Perry, Georgina, Millbrook, Cobourg, Clarington, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Uxbridge, Brooklin, Stouffville, Barrie, Newmarket, Bradford, Aurora, Vaughan, Bolton, Richmond Hill, Markham, Woodbridge, Thornhill, North York, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Scarborough, East York, Etobicoke, Brampton, Gwillimbury, Kitchener, London, Guelph and Cambridge.

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http://acclwaterproofing.ca

Call us now at: 416-759-2995, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484. We offer one year payment plan OAC.

 It is often asked if basement waterproofing can be done in Winter? Some may be tempted to leave their waterproofing for Spring considering the harsh Canadian winters. But putting of waterproofing until later on, in hindsight may not be such a good idea as it can cause more damage to the foundation of your home.

During the winter, we experience sudden bouts of snow melts and above-freezing temperatures that can come without a warning. Without a protected basement, all that water could end up leaking through your home’s foundations and cause greater problems when Spring arrives.

Canadian winters tend to have a freeze/thaw cycle, causing your home and the ground around your foundation to expand and contract at different magnitudes and rates. This tends to make existing cracks larger and open up joints where water flows through. Also, with the freezing weather comes ice blockage in pipes, troughs, downspouts, and on the roof. When your water drainage systems are clogged up, the water will have to find an alternate path. Predictably, it flows to the ground directly beside your foundation, which is the most common place for foundation leaks.

 Basement waterproofing can be done in Winter but it depends on the basement systems being used. Exterior basement waterproofing involves excavating the perimeter of the home to the bottom of the footer usually by hand or machine.  This type of work is complex and more suited to better weather conditions. However, it can still be performed during winter months as long as the weather is fairly dry.

 Other methods of basement waterproofing are performed year-round with very little to no exceptions.  Interior basement waterproofing involves removing a small area of the perimeter of the floor to allow access to the footer from inside the foundation.  Interior footer drains or weeping tiles are then installed to collect and direct ground water to a sump pump system that keeps the foundation dry.

Some basement systems include a combination of both interior and exterior basement waterproofing methods and can be done all year round. Actually, Winter months can be the ideal time to have your basement waterproofed, as it prepares your foundation to stay dry during the wet Spring rains.

 If you require a professionally waterproofed basement, for concrete slab on grade or below grade, or if you need to waterproof your wet basement foundation, or foundation crack repair, please do not hesitate to contact the # 1 wet basement contractor in Ontario at www.acclwaterproofing.ca

Or call us at 416-759-2995, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484.

ACCL Waterproofing Contractor serves the GTA and locations as listed hereunder:

Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Orono, Peterborough, Port Hope, Port Perry, Georgina, Millbrook, Cobourg, Clarington, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Uxbridge, Brooklin, Stouffville, Barrie, Newmarket, Bradford, Aurora, Vaughan, Bolton, Richmond Hill, Markham, Woodbridge, Thornhill, North York, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Scarborough, East York, Etobicoke, Brampton, Gwillimbury, Kitchener, London, Guelph and Cambridge.

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Basements can leak water throughout the year whether moisture present is from rain or snow.

During the winter months, basements radiate heat out into the surrounding soil, usually about 8 inches away from the foundation. This heat melts the frozen soil around the basement creating a pocket of moisture similar to a puddle. The water becomes trapped between the frozen soil and the basement walls during the winter time. The downward pull of gravity, known as hydrostatic pressure, is what forces the water into the basement creating a leak.

To further explain: hydrostatic pressure is what builds up around your basement's foundation and pushes water seepage into your home's foundation. As water builds up in the pocket of porous soil surrounding the exterior basement walls, gravity pulls the water downward forcing water seepage into the basement.This is why basements leak water during the winter months, even if there isn’t a heavy rainstorm or running water outside the foundation.

 Most often the leaking water enters the basement where the floor and walls meet or a crack in the wall or mortar joints. This type of water leak is best fixed by relieving the hydrostatic pressure.

 The same can happen with a big snowstorm. When the snow starts to melt, it forms a pool of water around the basement walls and leaks into the basement. Additionally, when ice and snow start to build up on the rooftop, it eventually melts and falls onto the ground, which happens to be right around your foundation. The ground becomes saturated and leaks into the basement.

 When dealing with basement leaks, it’s always best to call in a professional. The most effective way to fix leaks caused by hydrostatic pressure is to relieve the pressure. There are a variety of solutions that maybe available to you. Let a professional basement waterproof company identify the problem and offer the best solution.

 If you require a professionally waterproofed basement, for concrete slab on grade or below grade, or if you need to waterproof your wet basement foundation, or foundation crack repair, please do not hesitate to contact the # 1 wet basement contractor in Ontario at www.acclwaterproofing.ca

Or call us at 416-759-2995, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484.

ACCL Waterproofing Contractor serves the GTA and locations as listed hereunder:

Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Orono, Peterborough, Port Hope, Port Perry, Georgina, Millbrook, Cobourg, Clarington, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Uxbridge, Brooklin, Stouffville, Barrie, Newmarket, Bradford, Aurora, Vaughan, Bolton, Richmond Hill, Markham, Woodbridge, Thornhill, North York, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Scarborough, East York, Etobicoke, Brampton, Gwillimbury, Kitchener, London, Guelph and Cambridge.

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http://acclwaterproofing.com

Call us now at: 416-759-2995, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484. We offer one year payment plan OAC.

 WHITE MOLD

White mold growth, while a common problem in residential homes, does not receive the same attention as black mold. White mold growth also provides an additional challenge because it is often confused with efflorescence, a crystalline growth structure found on concrete and masonry surfaces.  Efflorescence occurs when water moves through a masonry structure, bringing unbounded salts to the surface.  When the water evaporates, a white, fluffy structure is left behind.  This growth, while harmless, can appear very similar to white mold growth.

White mold can be found anywhere conditions conducive to mold growth are present. A trained mold inspector can readily determine if the growth structure is from white mold or efflorescence.  Additionally, efflorescence will typically dissolve under the application of a water mist, while mold growth will not.  Other helpful distinguishing characteristics include the material of the substrate.  Efflorescence will only occur on concrete, brick or other masonry structures.  If you find a white mold like substance on sheetrock or wood, you can certainly rule out efflorescence.  Another indication, though imperfect, is the presence of a mold smell. Efflorescence is odorless.

Many molds can provoke allergic responses in sensitive individuals.  No area of significant mold growth within the home should be considered safe.  Proper identification of the underlying cause, removal and cleanup should be performed regardless of the color of the mold growth.  

The approach to mold cleanup should remain the same regardless of the color because many types of molds, even non-toxic molds, are capable of causing an allergic response.  Because of this, the color of the mold is inconsequential. Treat all the same.

Because white mold affects people even when they are unaware of the presence of mold, it is a good idea to have the area tested in order to be sure that the mold was completely removed. These mold spores are microscopic, and even though you can’t see them they may still be harming the health of you and your family.

In preventing mold growth, the easiest and most effective method is to reduce indoor humidity. Combined with removing all sources of water leakage in the home, sealing penetrations in floors and walls, and removing all sources of freestanding water, lowering the humidity level below 60% is an effective way to get rid of mold.

If you require a professionally waterproofed basement, for concrete slab on grade or below grade, or if you need to waterproof your wet basement foundation, or foundation crack repair, please do not hesitate to contact the # 1 wet basement contractor in Ontario at www.acclwaterproofing.ca or www.acclwaterproofing.com.

Or call us at 416-759-2995, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484.

ACCL Waterproofing Contractor serves the GTA and locations as listed hereunder:

Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Orono, Peterborough, Port Hope, Port Perry, Georgina, Millbrook, Cobourg, Clarington, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Uxbridge, Brooklin, Stouffville, Barrie, Newmarket, Bradford, Aurora, Vaughan, Bolton, Richmond Hill, Markham, Woodbridge, Thornhill, North York, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Scarborough, East York, Etobicoke, Brampton, Gwillimbury, Kitchener, London, Guelph and Cambridge.

[acclwaterproofing]

http://acclwaterproofing.ca

http://acclwaterproofing.com

Call us now at: 416-759-2995, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484. We offer one year payment plan OAC.

BASEMENT MOLD

Molds are fungi and are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, indoors and outdoors, year round. Molds grow best in warm, damp, dimly lit and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces and attics. Mold is also common in other areas if there is a leak in the roof, leaky windows, leaky pipes, or seasonal flooding.

Because mold spores are very tiny and very light, they easily become airborne. Once floating around in the air, mold spores are easily inhaled by anyone in the vicinity. It’s not healthy to inhale any type of mold spores and some people are extremely sensitive or even allergic to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as headaches, fever, nasal stuffiness, sneezing, eye irritation, sore throats, wheezing, shortness of breath, skin irritation and even lung infections.

It is very common to find mold in basement since basements are often damp places. Most people may not notice mold is growing there until the problem becomes severe. Basement mold removal can be difficult, so prevention is important.

Preventing Basement Mold

Use a dehumidifier if the basement feels damp or smells musty at all.

Check for leaks around any basement windows and make any needed repairs as soon as possible.

If you have a washer and dryer in the basement, make sure there are no leaky pipes or hoses and that the dryer is properly vented to the outdoors.

If your hot water heater is in the basement and is getting old, monitor it     for leaks.

If you have a bathroom in the basement, make sure there are no leaks around the toilet or under the sink

If you find mold growing elsewhere in the house, deal with it as soon as     possible. Most kinds of mold spread quickly and easily and a mold problem that starts upstairs can soon end up causing problems in the basement, as well.

Mold in Basement Removal

Sometimes, despite the best efforts at prevention, homeowners end up with mold in their basement. Basement mold removal can either be simple or complex depending on the extent of the mold growth and the types of surfaces on which the mold is growing. If your basement has concrete walls and a concrete floor, mold can usually be removed with an antimicrobial cleanser and a scrub brush. If you have a finished basement and there is mold on drywall, ceiling tiles or carpet, the process becomes more complicated. It is almost always impossible to remove mold completely from porous surfaces because the microscopic mold spores get inside the microscopic pores in the materials and even when you clean the visible mold from the surface, some mold spores remain. Those types of materials must be removed and replaced with new, mold-free materials.

Before beginning the process, the work area should be sealed off with heavy sheets of plastic to prevent mold spores from spreading to other areas of the home. Materials should be sealed in plastic trash bags before they are carried out of the home. It’s important to wear safety gear, including an N-95 respirator mask, during mold in basement removal to prevent exposure to mold spores that can make you sick.

If you require a professionally waterproofed basement, for concrete slab on grade or below grade, or if you need to waterproof your wet basement foundation, or foundation crack repair, please do not hesitate to contact the # 1 wet basement contractor in Ontario at www.acclwaterproofing.ca or www.acclwaterproofing.com.

Or call us at 416-759-2995, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484.

ACCL Waterproofing Contractor serves the GTA and locations as listed hereunder:

Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Orono, Peterborough, Port Hope, Port Perry, Georgina, Millbrook, Cobourg, Clarington, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Uxbridge, Brooklin, Stouffville, Barrie, Newmarket, Bradford, Aurora, Vaughan, Bolton, Richmond Hill, Markham, Woodbridge, Thornhill, North York, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Scarborough, East York, Etobicoke, Brampton, Gwillimbury, Kitchener, London, Guelph and Cambridge.

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http://acclwaterproofing.com. Call us now at: 416-619-5355, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484. We offer one year payment plan OAC.

Foundation interior drainage systems are one of the most important aspects of residential construction.. Because these systems are buried and cannot be easily modified or corrected, it is vitally important that they are installed correctly.

Foundation drainage systems, which are installed properly, can serve a dual role. Foundation drain tile systems are the means by which groundwater can be transported away from your basement. If you want a dry basement and sound foundation, you must have an adequate foundation drainage system. The water content in the soil surrounding your house can fluctuate seasonally. There is always a point at which you can dig and hit water. 

Geologists often refer to this as the water table. This water table rises and falls in response to the amount of precipitation in any given time period. Water will take the path of least resistance. If there is no exterior waterproofing water can go sideways through a crack in your foundation, or it can go down alongside your foundation into a pipe.

Interior drainage systems work extremely well for many customers. Depending on your circumstances, this may be an effective solution. Many water control system companies claim to be water proofers and offer this method as a solution to every basement water problem. If a company proposes opening the floor on the inside for any reason, they are offering an interior drainage system. Only an exterior excavation to the footer or bottom of the foundation accomplishes waterproofing.

Pressure relief systems, also known as drainage systems and French drains, are an extremely efficient way to prevent water seepage through the basement floor caused by hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure is a force exerted by water against an item such as a foundation. When the groundwater levels outside the basement rise above the level of the floor, the basement acts like a boat in a pond. If a boat is sitting in water, water will leak in through any open cracks, holes or porous areas. It works the same way with a basement. Hydrostatic pressure can push water through hairline cracks. Symptoms of this are water coming up through the basement floor or water coming in at multiple locations. Properly installed systems will remove the water before it has a chance to rise above the level of the basement floor. This water is then diverted to a sump well recessed in the floor where a pump discharges it to a safe and legal location. To accomplish this there are two popular methods of installation on today’s market, the top of footer method and the deep system method.

If you require a professionally waterproofed basement, for concrete slab on grade or below grade, or if you need to waterproof your wet basement foundation, or foundation crack repair, please do not hesitate to contact the # 1 wet basement contractor in Ontario at www.acclwaterproofing.com.

Or call us at 416-619-5355, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484.

ACCL Waterproofing Contractor serves the GTA and locations as listed hereunder:

Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Orono, Peterborough, Port Hope, Port Perry, Georgina, Millbrook, Cobourg, Clarington, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Uxbridge, Brooklin, Stouffville, Barrie, Newmarket, Bradford, Aurora, Vaughan, Bolton, Richmond Hill, Markham, Woodbridge, Thornhill, North York, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Scarborough, East York, Etobicoke, Brampton, Gwillimbury, Kitchener, London, Guelph and Cambridge.

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http://acclwaterproofing.com. Call us now at: 416-619-5355, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484. We offer one year payment plan OAC.

Water damage can be very costly to any home. Apart from the financial expense due to the repairs, there are also the added effects of your family’s health and the inconvenience that maybe experienced. Water leaks can come from many different sources, both from inside and outside your walls. Some of these will be discussed below.

The most obvious place where water will accumulate is the basement and this is because the basement is the lowest part of the house. Water seeping into your basement can come from downspouts and eaves through, the foundation, window wells, and pipes, to name some.

Clogged downspouts cause eaves through to back up and spill the rain water from the roof down the sides of the house where it can either penetrate the siding/walls or it can drain directly into the foundation. If there are any cracks in the foundation, this can cause the water to seep directly into the basement.

As a precaution, check your eaves through annually to ensure that they are not clogged and ensure that the water expels from your downspout at least a few metres away from your home. The landscaping around your house should always be graded on a slope, away from your foundation.

Sometimes cracks appear in a foundation as the concrete hardens which usually is not an issue. The problem arises when there is water close by. To identify and solve these issues would require hiring a professional such as a waterproofing specialist.

Waterproofing can be done two ways; externally or internally. The external procedure is very costly and involves excavating the perimeter of your home, reinstalling/installing a weeping tile system, applying a sealant to the walls of the foundation and then attaching a dimpled membrane which would allow the water to run off to the weeping tile instead of getting trapped against the wall. The weeping tile is then cover with a layer of gravel and the excavated trench is then backfilled.

If your basement is continuously leaking at the bottom of your foundation, this could indicate that the existing weeping tiles are broken or blocked with debris. To install a new weeping tile system would also involve excavating the perimeter of your home down to the footing, remove the old weeping tile and replacing with a new system.

The internal procedure (also called internal dewatering) is much less costly. To de-water a basement from the interior, a perimeter drain must be installed. In cases where water is coming up through the floor, a drain pipe is added to collect water before it comes in contact with the underside of the slab. The water is transported away from the basement, preventing flooding via a sump-pump or gravity drain. A heavy duty sump pump in a sealed sump pit is positioned in a home’s basement which will send water out to a more acceptable location, like a sloped lawn or a municipal storm drain.

 Window wells are small semi-circular corrugated steel or plastic “wall” structures positioned outside basement windows that allow more light to enter and keep soil and water away from window. Window wells, when installed below grade on the exterior of a home, must also include a working drainage system. In the absence of drainage, window wells fill up and the water simply pours through the seals of the window and into the basement.

During springtime, always shovel out the snow to minimize the melt. As well as keep the area cleaned of dirt and debris which can block the drain overtime and cause water leaks.

 If you require a professionally waterproofed basement, for concrete slab on grade or below grade, or if you need to waterproof your wet basement foundation, or foundation crack repair, please do not hesitate to contact the # 1 wet basement contractor in Ontario at www.acclwaterproofing.com.

Or call us at 416-619-5355, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484.

ACCL Waterproofing Contractor serves the GTA and locations as listed hereunder:

Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Orono, Peterborough, Port Hope, Port Perry, Georgina, Millbrook, Cobourg, Clarington, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Uxbridge, Brooklin, Stouffville, Barrie, Newmarket, Bradford, Aurora, Vaughan, Bolton, Richmond Hill, Markham, Woodbridge, Thornhill, North York, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Scarborough, East York, Etobicoke, Brampton, Gwillimbury, Kitchener, London, Guelph and Cambridge.

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAkcDhQVOgQ)

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http://acclwaterproofing.com. Call us now at: 416-619-5355, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484. We offer one year payment plan OAC.

In construction, underpinning is the process of strengthening and stabilizing the foundation of an existing building or other structure, or most commonly done for the purpose of basement lowering thereby creating additional height.

Creating basement space under existing structure also requires underpinning after excavation.

Basement foundation underpinning may be necessary for a variety of reasons: • The foundation is too weak or cracked. • The usage of the structure has changed. • The properties of the soil supporting the foundation may have changed • The construction of nearby structures requires the excavation of soil supporting existing foundations. • It is more economical, possibly due to land price, to work on the current structure’s foundation than to build a new one.

Underpinning is accomplished by extending the foundation in depth or in breadth, so it either rests on a more supportive soil stratum or distributes its load across a greater area.

The mass concrete underpinning is the most traditional method used. This underpinning method strengthens the existing structure's foundation by digging boxes by hand underneath and sequentially pouring concrete in a strategic order. The final result is basically a foundation built underneath the existing foundation. This underpinning method is generally applied when the existing foundation is at a shallow depth; however, it still works very well even at fifty feet deep. Heavy machinery is not recommended due to the tight nature of the boxes being dug. There are several advantages to using this method of underpinning including the simplicity of the engineering, the low cost of labor, and the continuity of the structure's uses during construction.

The beam and base method of underpinning is a more technically advanced adaptation of traditional mass concrete underpinning. A reinforced concrete beam is constructed below, above or in replacement of the existing footing. The beam then transfers the load of the building to mass concrete bases, which are constructed at designed strategic locations. Base sizes and depths are dependent upon the prevailing ground conditions. Beam design is dependent upon the configuration of the building and the applied loads.

Use of micro piles and jet grouting (non shrinking grout) are also common methods in underpinning. An alternative to underpinning is the strengthening of the soil by the introduction of anon shrinking grout and/or construction of a retaining wall commonly known as benching.

All of these processes are generally expensive and elaborate. If you require a professionally waterproofed basement, for concrete slab on grade or below grade, or if you need to waterproof your wet basement foundation, or foundation crack repair, please do not hesitate to contact the # 1 wet basement contractor in Ontario at www.acclwaterproofing.com.

Or call us at 416-619-5355, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484.

ACCL Waterproofing Contractor serves the GTA and locations as listed hereunder: Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Orono, Peterborough, Port Hope, Port Perry, Georgina, Millbrook, Cobourg, Clarington, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Uxbridge, Brooklin, Stouffville, Barrie, Newmarket, Bradford, Aurora, Vaughan, Bolton, Richmond Hill, Markham, Woodbridge, Thornhill, North York, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Scarborough, East York, Etobicoke, Brampton, Gwillimbury, Kitchener, London, Guelph and Cambridge.

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Basement flood problems generally take one of three forms:

1. Capillary action – when groundwater comes up through the foundation and slab. This generally occurs when the groundwater table is higher than the basement floor and foundation, and can be somewhat offset by use of a sump pump.

2. Leakage or intrusion – water leaking in through the basement walls and foundation, usually runoff from improper grading and drainage. This can be prevented by proper grading to aid water runoff and drainage away from the foundation, and by the application of a basement waterproofing product to the outer surfaces of the basement wall and foundation.

3. Sewage and/or storm drain backflow - this is much less common than 1 & 2 above. It happens when water or waste materials come up through basement floor drains, a sink or bathtub drain or toilet, during heavy rainfall or snow melt. This may mean that the city main is blocked or overwhelmed by the volume of water; as a result, wastewater is backing up into your drain line and home. If you experience a backflow, call your local sewer or sanitation district immediately. Even if the cause of the backflow damage lies with the city or sanitation district, the homeowner must act quickly to manage the cleanup.

Unlike 1 & 2, a back flow can inflict serious damage, including flooding a room or an entire home. Sometimes, homeowners must move off the property during restoration. The cost of restoration after flooding and the hassle of dealing with insurance can be a major headache for homeowners.

General Solution for any of the three basement flood causes is: a properly installed, basement waterproofing systems. A sump pump with drain tile can greatly reduce chances of getting water in your basement. Be sure to direct the discharge hose away from the house, out towards the street if possible. Otherwise divert it to a low point in the yard, clear of neighbors’ property. Discharge hose cannot cross city sidewalks. Periodically clean sump pit and check operation of pump. Ontario building code and City by-laws prohibit discharge into the sanitary sewer.

Installing a complete basement waterproofing system during the construction process is highly recommended. Basement wall waterproofing, foundation waterproofing, and concrete waterproofing can all be done as a retrofit, but considerable excavation may be necessary to expose surfaces for application of waterproofing material, and obviously this can become quite expensive.

The best-laid plan involves proper grading and drainage, application of a basement waterproofing product to seal exterior surfaces, and a sump pump system that can adequately handle fluctuating water tables at their peak levels.

Waiting until a problem is detected carries with it some consequences, and considerable damage will probably already have been done by this stage, including the formation of mould or mildew on surfaces or in basement framing.

This may necessitate recruiting a waterproofing contractor, who also provides mold remediation services.

If you require a professionally waterproofed basement, for concrete slab on grade or below grade, or if you need to waterproof your wet basement foundation, or foundation crack repair, please do not hesitate to contact the # 1 wet basement contractor in Ontario at www.acclwaterproofing.com.

Or call us at 416-619-5355, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484.

ACCL Waterproofing Contractor serves the GTA and locations as listed hereunder:

Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Orono, Peterborough, Port Hope, Port Perry, Georgina, Millbrook, Cobourg, Clarington, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Uxbridge, Brooklin, Stouffville, Barrie, Newmarket, Bradford, Aurora, Vaughan, Bolton, Richmond Hill, Markham, Woodbridge, Thornhill, North York, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Scarborough, East York, Etobicoke, Brampton, Gwillimbury, Kitchener, London, Guelph and Cambridge.

[acclwaterproofing]

http://acclwaterproofing.com. Call us now at: 416-619-5355, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484. We offer one year payment plan OAC.

Today, homes are built with professional wet basement waterproofing or foundation waterproofing installed by reputable wet basement contractors.

But if you own a home that is over 30 years old, it’s important to know how to prevent a wet basement. If your home is not fully protected from water leakage, you can be in for some major problems including musty mould, mildew, rust, unpleasant odours, damage to personal materials and furniture, as well as a decrease in the value of your home.

 Here are a few tips to help you waterproof your home and keep your wet basement dry

One of the best ways to stop water entering your basement is to install covers over all basement windows, window wells, and stairwells. You can find covers at your main hardware store, or a basement waterproofing professional will have the right covers and the expertise to install them properly.

Check your walkways, patio, driveway, yard, and garden for large puddles during or after rains. Try to create a flow or channel of water sloping away from your house and fill in any low-lying spots where puddles form. Fill any basement wall cracks or joints with caulk. A waterproofing professional can also do the work for you.

Inspect your roofs, gutters, and downspouts. The best time to do this is while it is raining heavily. Check that water from the roof is flowing into the gutters and downspouts and water on the ground is flowing away from your home. Look for standing water around your home. If water pours over the edges of your gutters, you may need to install a drip edge to stop the overflow and keep it from seeping into your home. Hire a professional company like ACCL Roofers to have your gutters fixed properly.

One of the most effective ways to  waterproof a basement is to seal the entire outside wall of your home. This is a major job and should be done by wet basement professionals. It is a valuable investment in your home and it will prevent any wet basement issues.

If you require a professionally waterproofed basement, for concrete slab on grade or below grade, or if you need to waterproof your wet basement foundation, or foundation crack repair, please do not hesitate to contact the # 1 wet basement contractor in Ontario at www.acclwaterproofing.com.

Or call us at 416-619-5355, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484.

ACCL Waterproofing Contractor serves the GTA and locations as listed hereunder:

Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Orono, Peterborough, Port Hope, Port Perry, Georgina, Millbrook, Cobourg, Clarington, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Uxbridge, Brooklin, Stouffville, Barrie, Newmarket, Bradford, Aurora, Vaughan, Bolton, Richmond Hill, Markham, Woodbridge, Thornhill, North York, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Scarborough, East York, Etobicoke, Brampton, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Guelph, Whitby and Oshawa

[acclwaterproofing]

http://acclwaterproofing.com. Call us now at: 416-619-5355, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484. We offer one year payment plan OAC.

WORKING WITH CONCRETE

Concrete is key when it comes to foundations. A well-designed foundation is the key to the stability, safety and durability of any building.

Solid soil is just as important as the footings and foundation that lie upon it. It’s a good idea to have an engineer examine the load-bearing quality of the soil you are building any cement foundation upon. It is also wise to consult your local building department about the average frost depth in your area. Concrete slabs and footings should be built on undisturbed virgin soil or compacted soil that is uniformly graded and well drained.

Concrete is a mixture of Portland cement, gravel or crushed stone (coarse aggregate), sand (fine aggregate), and water. It hardens into one of the strongest of building materials. Determining the right mix is the key to making strong, durable concrete. Too much water weakens the concrete, but too little will render the mixture unworkable.

The wet concrete is poured into moulds. These forms, as they are called, are commonly made of lumber and plywood sheathing, and shape the concrete as it hardens. They must be strong enough to withstand the force of the concrete pushing against it as the mixture dries. Concrete footings support foundation walls and should be set below the frost line to avoid frost-heave damage.

Given the quick-drying nature of concrete, it’s important to work as quickly as possible, and handle it as close to the job site as possible. Begin pouring the concrete into the farthest corner of the forms. Each new load should be placed against the previous one and a shovel or hoe can be used to spread the mixture evenly. Air bubbles can easily form, so you should keep tamping them out by jabbing a shovel or hoe in and out of the concrete.

In order to keep the concrete moist during the curing process, it’s important to spray water on it from a garden hose, and then cover it with large plastic sheets or waterproof paper to prevent evaporation. The application of a curing compound to the damp surface is another way to keep moisture in.

The formwork can be removed after about a day, but be sure to do it carefully in order to avoid damage to the concrete. It will take about a month for the concrete to cure, so it’s advisable not to hammer or pry against it during this period.

As for concrete repairs, small cracks can be fixed with a crack sealer, preferably a ready-mix material that can be set in place using a trowel. The sealer comes in liquid or a caulk-like form. Larger cracks may need to have weak spots chiseled out in order to widen out the bottom of the groove. Repairs can be carried out with a cement-and-sand mix.

If you require a professionally waterproofed basement, for concrete slab on grade or below grade, or if you need to waterproof your wet basement foundation, or foundation crack repair, please do not hesitate to contact the # 1 wet basement contractor in Ontario at www.acclwaterproofing.com.

Or call us at 416-619-5355, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484.

ACCL Waterproofing Contractor serves the GTA and locations as listed hereunder:

Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Orono, Peterborough, Port Hope, Port Perry, Georgina, Millbrook, Cobourg, Clarington, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Uxbridge, Brooklin, Stouffville, Barrie, Newmarket, Bradford, Aurora, Vaughan, Bolton, Richmond Hill, Markham, Woodbridge, Thornhill, North York, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Scarborough, East York, Etobicoke, Brampton, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Guelph, Whitby and Oshawa

[acclwaterproofing]

http://acclwaterproofing.com. Call us now at: 416-619-5355, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484. We offer one year payment plan OAC.

 An underground crawl space is a type of basement in which one cannot stand up and the surface is often soil. It is typically small enough that you need to actually crawl into it, hence the name. Crawl spaces offer a convenient access to pipes, substructures and a variety of other areas that may be difficult or expensive to access otherwise. While a crawl space cannot be used as living space, it can be used as storage, often for infrequently used items.

Crawl Spaces are made in similar ways to regular basements except they are smaller. For poured concrete foundations this means that the forms to size up the walls are shorter. A crawl space has several advantages over basements and slabs:

It gets the house up off the ground (especially important in damp or termite-prone areas).

It is a lot less expensive than a basement and comparable in price to a slab.

Duct work and plumbing can run in the crawl space, meaning that they are easy to service and move over the lifetime of the house.

Crawlspace waterproofing is just as important as waterproofing a basement. If there is standing water in the crawlspace, this will cause mold and rot, wreaking havoc to the structure of your house if left alone. Water can also damage the floor joists which could cause your floor to collapse. Crawlspace waterproofing will prevent floods, mold, mildew and insect infestation.

 In waterproofing the first thing to look at is the exterior condition of the landscaping and potential water sources, the idea is to control the water and divert it as much as you can.  Ensure the grade is sloped away from the foundation to avoid water collecting by the foundation wall and seeping into the crawl space. Also make sure downspouts and gutters are cleaned and in good working condition for the same reason.

French Drains are also important in crawlspace waterproofing. Either an exterior or an interior French drain system can be installed. The interior drainage systems can work well to keep the crawl space dry and drained if any water does come into the crawl space. Exterior French drains are designed to catch the water and divert it before it comes into the crawl space. Sump pumps are also commonly installed in crawlspaces with a concrete floor.

Heavy duty plastic liners are often used in crawl space waterproofing. They are installed after the waterproofing drainage system. The plastic sheet material promotes good drainage over the entire crawl space floor.

Installing a dehumidifier will also help to dry out a damp crawl space and automatically maintain a pre-set humidity level. By controlling crawl space humidity, you create conditions that are hostile to mold and mildew.

Crawlspace waterproofing is an investment for a clean and safe home.

 If you require a professionally waterproofed basement, for concrete slab on grade or below grade, or if you need to waterproof your wet basement foundation, or foundation crack repair, please do not hesitate to contact the # 1 wet basement contractor in Ontario at www.acclwaterproofing.com.

Or call us at 416-619-5355, 905-448-5909, 1-866-701-8484.

ACCL Waterproofing Contractor serves the GTA and locations as listed hereunder:

Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Orono, Peterborough, Port Hope, Port Perry, Georgina, Millbrook, Cobourg, Clarington, Bowmanville,  Newcastle, Uxbridge, Brooklin, Stouffville, Barrie, Newmarket, Bradford, Aurora, Vaughan, Bolton, Richmond Hill, Markham, Woodbridge, Thornhill, North York, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Scarborough, East York, Etobicoke, Brampton, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Guelph, Whitby and Oshawa