Keeping The Basement Dry

With memories of last July’s flood still fresh in their minds, many Toronto homeowners are keeping their fingers crossed that their basements don’t flood again when spring rains arrive.

Damp basements are a plague for homeowners and the first step towards a cure is to pinpoint the source of the moisture. Some of the more common causes include:

• Improperly vented dryers
• Leaking basement shower
• Sweating cold water pipes or leaking pipes
• Improper surface drainage
• Clogged gutters resulting in overflow running down the wall of the house
• Pooling water around the exterior foundation wall
• Clinging vines or plantings too close to the foundation, prohibiting the circulation of air
• Clogged window wells

Most of the above causes have simple solutions. However, if dampness or flooding persists, it could indicate serious foundation problems and it may be time to call in a waterproofing expert for an inspection.

There are some warning signs that should not be ignored and require a professional inspection, including:

• Foundation cracks that leak
• Standing water
• Efflorescence (white, chalky stains) on walls
• Damp or mouldy walls or floor
• Condensation on windows, pipes and other fixtures
• Wet insulation
• Moisture-damaged finishes
• Musty or damp carpets
• High humidity
• Stuffy, damp smells

Homeowners who install sump pumps and/or backwater valves could quality for financial assistance from the City of Toronto’s Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program. Details are online at www.toronto.ca.

Courtesy: Homeservice Club