5 Signs You Should Hire a Waterproofing Contractor This Spring
Winter may be over now, but 2019 saw Toronto and the GTA blanketed in large quantities of snow. With spring here, all that snow and ice has to melt, and that can spell danger for your home, and more importantly your basement.
The water from the snowmelt will be draining into the soil around your home. If your home is not properly secured against leaks, that water may seep through your basement floor, walls, doors, and windows. During turbulent weather and sudden shifts in temperature, the pressure on your home’s foundation can cause damage. Here are five checks that you should hire a waterproofing contractor to make on your home when spring rolls around.
1. Cracked Floors and Walls
Cracked floors and walls can cascade into larger problems. You can perform this check yourself, but a reputable contractor will know exactly what to look for.
If you notice any cracks in your basement floor or walls, particularly horizontal cracks higher up on the wall, there is a good chance that water has penetrated into your basement. In this case, it is important to contact a waterproofing contractor as soon as possible, since there could be damage to your home’s foundation.
2. Downspout Drainage Direction
Rainfall and snowfall cause a lot of water to be dumped near the foundation of your home. A waterproofing contractor can help you determine if your downspout drainage is adequate.
The downspouts are what keep your roof draining properly. They collect water and allow it to drain away from your home. However, if a downspout is damaged or was set up improperly, it could be draining rainwater directly into your home’s foundation. And if your foundation has other problems, this can cause extensive damage that is costly to repair.
3. Soil Grading
The soil around your home must be graded (sloped) away from your home. Otherwise, water will flow down to your home’s foundation, soaking into the soil, and can cause damage. This can damage your home’s structural integrity or cause water damage. It is best to get a waterproofing contractor to check the grading of your soil, and fix any potential problems that may arise.
4. Check Window Seals
Checking your window and door seals is a pretty easy way to tell if you have a waterproofing problem. Check if there are any gaps or signs of moisture around the seals in your windows and doors. If there is a problem, you will need your waterproofing contractor to reseal them.
5. Other Signs of Water Damage
If you notice signs of moisture in your basement, that is usually a good sign that you need to call a waterproofing contractor. Signs of moisture include a damp odor, mold, or stained walls, as well as deteriorating or crumbling building materials. If you have noticed any of these signs, you almost certainly have other waterproofing problems that also need to be looked at.
Work With the Professionals at NTL Contracting
NTL Contracting is a Canadian owned and operated business that has been serving Toronto and the GTA for over 20 years. We use the latest in technology in our waterproofing solutions and offer free online quotes. When using our services, you can rest easy knowing that our work is fully insured and that we offer a 25-year guarantee on all of our work.
- With the spring melt, it is important to make sure your basement is well-waterproofed.
- Some signs of water damage can be easy to spot, but it is important to get the help of a waterproofing contractor to spot the more subtle problems.
- NTL Contracting offers top quality, experienced workmanship for your waterproofing needs. Contact us today to learn more.
