Blog

There are so many benefits to a basement in your home. Basements maximize the value and added living space to your home; they provide opportunities to renovate for in-law or rental potential; and basements ultimately create maintenance access and protection for electrical panels, as well as electrical lines, plumbing, and ductwork. Read More

It is always a challenge to maintain a good house because home ownership demands a lot of time and dedication. However, sometimes life gets in the way and we forget to check on things and perhaps take as much care as we should. As a result, things like basements suffer in terms of the creation of mould, cracks, water damage, and foundation leaks. Read More

Winter conditions in Ontario are extreme ranging from -25 degree frigid cold temperatures with significant snowfall accumulations to milder, damp days with temperatures above zero. Ontario often experiences a January thaw that doesn’t usually last for long, but for a short time it relieves us of the bitter cold and countless hours of shovelling. Read More

A flood or a leaky basement is a problem at any time of the year, but over the holidays water in your basement can cause a real headache. Sometimes it is true that what can go wrong will go wrong at the least opportune moments. To add even more problems, leaks and floods often occur in hidden places like crawlspaces and furnace rooms; places that you don’t tend to visit very often.
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November so far has been a mixture of rain and snow, and fluctuating temperatures. The precipitation and temperatures can create problems when you least expect it. It is a good time to check your basement for evidence of moisture or leaks and to act quickly.  If you’re looking for wet basement services in Barrie look no further than Ontario Wet Basement Solutions Inc. as we have the tools and expertise to assess, correct and solve your wet basement issues.
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There are many causes of a wet basement. Regular checking for dampness or signs of wetness or musty smells can help you to identify and fix a problem before it worsens. Read More

A Wet basement in places like Barrie, Georgian Bay, Blue Mountain, Alliston, and Angus can be a real problem any time of the year. You can tell if you have a wet basement problem if you can see water seeping through the cracks in the concrete floor or if there are traces of water in many other locations of the basement. Read More

A Wet basement in Barrie can be a real problem any time of the year. You can tell if you have a wet basement problem if you can see water seeping through the cracks in the concrete floor or if there are traces of water in many other locations of the basement. Read More

Water stains along the walls or floor can be a strong indicator that you have moisture in your basement. This could be caused by something simple such as an overflowing laundry tub or it could be a result of water seeping in through basement windows, the walls or the floor. Excess moisture in a basement can cause an unmistakable smell and presence of mould. Read More

We experienced significant rainfall in the spring which has caused problems for farmers and homeowners alike. Now that summer is upon, people are craving intermittent rain showers to help with the limited growing season. Summer is traditionally hot and dry with limited amounts of rain, and this summer appears to be following a similar pattern. We may have been vigilant in the spring to check our basements for leaks and any evidence of water damage, but we can’t become complacent and forget to check our basements for dampness and water leaks during dry, hot weather. Read More

Buying a home can be an exciting adventure, whether you are a first time home buyer or a buyer looking for a change in size or location. Gently used homes or older homes can sometimes come with problems, particularly homes with wet basements. While you shouldn’t rule out buying a home with a wet basement in places like Barrie, Simcoe, Georgian Bay, Wasaga Beach, and Alliston, you do need to do some further investigation before going ahead with a purchase agreement. Read More

A wet basement cannot only create major long-term problems for your home, but it is also a potential health risk for you and your family. From a health perspective, dealing with basement leaks and general dampness is also extremely important.
Wet basements are a breeding ground for mould and mildew. Dealing with basement leaks when it rains and fighting the mould and mildew that result from a constant moisture problem in your basement can feel like a never-ending battle. Read More

Sump pumps are being put to the test so far this spring with the amount of rainfall and so it may be time for some sump pump maintenance. At least twice a year, sump pumps should be checked for proper operation. Here are some general guidelines to consider when checking your sump pump:
With the pump cord disconnected:
*Make sure there is a grounded three-prong receptacle for the sump pump.
*Ideally the receptacle should be installed at least 18 inches above the floor.
*The receptacle should also be close enough so that the pump cord (usually maximum 6-feet long) can be plugged directly into the receptacle.
*Inspect the sump pit for any silt or debris that might obstruct the float or clog the pump impeller or discharge tube.
*Make sure the pump is positioned so that the movement of the float that turns the pump on and off is not obstructed by the walls of the pit or other objects.
*If needed set the float height to start the pump at a lower or higher level. The float should be set that it keeps the water toward the bottom at the normal high water line.
*Check the drain line from the pump to the termination point on the exterior for any signs of corrosion, holes, damage or leaks.

Once the visual check is made, an operational check can be performed:
*Confirm the pump is securely plugged directly into the receptacle.
*If the sump pit is empty, add enough water, if possible, to confirm the pump turns on and off properly.
*With a type sump pump with automatic preset sensor switches, if water exceeds the top of the pump before turning on, or if the pump does not shut off when water drops again, there may be a defective sensor or other problem. Refer to the manufacture set-up instructions.
*If the pump uses an adjustable float switch, the pump should turn on at the set-on level and off when the water level drops.
*The pump should not have to run all the time. If it does, try setting the float or pump higher in the pit. If this doesn’t help keep the water from the top of the sump; a larger pump may be needed.
*Check the drain line for any leakage.

If your sump system is equipped with battery backup, check the manufacturer maintenance instructions. It may be necessary to check the battery water level to make sure it covers the cells.
If you have a high water alarm, it should activate when the float is raised, or if sensor type, when water hits the sensor.
Depending on the set up, an alarm may sound when the primary is unplugged or when the backup activates.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. Professionals are experts at sump pump maintenance.

Even though May is supposed to bring flowers, it appears that April showers still prevail. We have endured weeks of rain in most parts of Ontario so far this spring. Although rain can be good for grass, trees, and newly planted gardens, it can be damaging to our homes. Each day on the news we hear of areas in states of emergency due to flooding and high waters. Many people have endured flooded basements. Read More

Exposure to damp and mouldy environments may cause a variety of health effects. For some people, moulds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with mould allergies or asthma may have even more severe reactions. It takes about 48 hours for mould to grow. The longer mould gets warm and breeds in humid conditions, the more of an area it can infiltrate and grow, and then subsequently more spores get released into your home. After a you discover a wet basement, it may be time to enlist wet basement services to ensure proper basement mould removal. Read More

Spring thaws can lead to basement flooding. Melting snow, which is sometimes accompanied by rain, can lead to basement flooding, and an overall wet basement in areas like Parry Sound, Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Barrie, Alliston, and Angus. Here are some tips to help to avoid a wet basement: Read More

April is here, and even though it began with a snowfall in parts of Ontario, spring is most definitely upon us. Warmer days will bring sun and rain which will ultimately cause the snow to melt. The annual flood warnings to stay away from river banks should be a reminder to all homeowners of increased water levels. And while we enjoy to listen to the birds once again and breathe in the fresh, spring air, we must be mindful of the excess water and how it can find its way into our basements. If evidence of a wet basement in places like Collingwood and Barrie should occur, homeowners must address it immediately to avoid any further damage. Read More

Years ago the basement was just a storage space, but nowadays it’s valuable living space for so many homeowners, whether they use it together as a family or rent out the space to others. Having a leaky basement in Georgian Bay, Collingwood and Wasaga Beach can impede your enjoyment of spending time in your basement. Leaky basements in Collingwood, Georgian Bay, and Wasaga Beach can easily be repaired to restore your enjoyment of living in your home and spending quality time in your basement. Read More

There are many other ways for water to enter your home, and the only way to ensure the problem does not happen again is to fix the original issue. Wet basement waterproofing in Collingwood can prevent and put a stop to potential water problems that create more headaches for homeowners. Sometimes water does seep into the home, in our basements, and wet basement repair in Collingwood is required. Ontario Wet Basement Solutions will find the water inside the home, and then track the culprit to the crack outside and then make the necessary repairs.
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Often when we buy a home the basement is unfinished. We tell ourselves that one day we will finish that basement to provide extra living space, particularly if your family grows in size. As the years progress, we can often notice changes to the basement floors.  The builder or inspector who may have once told you not to worry about those little cracks have now turned into bigger cracks that have spread and widened in different directions right across your basement floor.
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A crawlspace is a type of basement in which one cannot stand up. Crawl spaces offer a convenient access to pipes, substructures and a variety of other areas that may be difficult or expensive to access otherwise. A crawl space can be used as storage, often for infrequently used items. The purpose of encapsulation in places like Barrie is to reduce the moisture in your crawl space, thus reducing your risk of mould. It also makes for cleaner air in your crawl space.
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Dehumidifiers are an excellent resource to combat the dampness of wet basements or leaky basement, particularly in the humid, summer temperatures. However, dampness does occur during the coldest months of the year as well.Dehumidifiers work well for diligent home owners who are willing to empty the dehumidifier multiple times a day to control the build-up of dampness in a wet basement.
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Winter conditions in Ontario are extreme. One day we experience heavy snowfalls and the next we experience freezing rain that turns to rain. Often in Ontario we experience a January thaw. It doesn’t usually last for long, but for a short time it relieves us of the bitter cold and countless hours of snow shovelling. During this time, we must all be mindful of how above average temperatures impact our homes. Read More

As homeowners there is little that is worse than having a flood or simply a leaky basement. What is even worse though is when you wake up to a leaky, wet basement over the holiday season. To add even more problems, leaks and floods often occur in hidden places like crawlspaces and furnace rooms; places that you don’t tend to visit very often.
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Water weakens the structure of a house and causes damage to its foundation. Wet basement waterproofing helps reduce excess moisture and eliminate musty odour and allergens that can affect a person’s health. It can also help to avoid leaky or wet basements which can create unwanted problems.

It is important to seek out basement waterproofing to prevent flooding, prevent mould and mildew, avoid cracks in the foundation or walls; it also increases the value of one’s home because your basement remains protected, and it reduces the energy costs so that the cold temperatures don’t seep through the cracks.
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A home with a wet basement creates countless headaches for any homeowner. If you should ever decide to sell your home, it becomes much more difficult to sell because a wet basement is a serious red flag that deters prospective buyers. With experts at Ontario Wet Basement, you can count on experience and knowledge to install sump pumps and for sump pump maintenance in areas like Lake of Bays, Barrie, and Wasaga Beach.
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November so far has been a mixture of rain and snow, and fluctuating temperatures. The precipitation and temperatures can create problems when you least expect it. It is a good time to check your basement for evidence of moisture or leaks and to act quickly.  If you’re looking for wet basement services in areas like North Bay, Hunstville, and Colllingwood look no further than Ontario Wet Basement Solutions Inc. as we have the tools and expertise to assess, correct and solve your wet basement issues.
Read More

Dehumidifiers are an excellent resource to combat the dampness of basements, particularly in the humid, summer temperatures, as well as on rainy fall days.Dehumidifiers work well for diligent home owners who are willing to empty the dehumidifier multiple times a day to control the build-up of dampness in a basement. They work best under the best of conditions as well.
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Fall is upon us which marks a good time to check that all your equipment is functioning properly before the snow flies and temperature decreases.It’s a really good idea for everyone to check their basements for any evidence of water. Sump pumps are an excellent and often necessary investment for all property owners. Your sump pumps may be functioning well, but nature will always prevail and so water has a way of infiltrating your homes.
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Crawlspaces are quite common. Crawlspaces are a type of basement where you can’t stand up, but you can move around either bent over or crawling. Crawl spaces offer a convenient access to pipes, substructures and a variety of other areas that may be difficult or expensive to access otherwise. This is particularly convenient if you have water leaks, as the pipes are easily accessible. A crawl space can also be used as storage, often for infrequently used items.
Read More

It is always a challenge to maintain a good house because home ownership demands a lot of time and dedication. However, sometimes life gets in the way and we forget to check on things and perhaps take as much care as we should. As a result, things like basements suffer in terms of wall and foundation cracks. Areas like Wasaga Beach, Lake of Bays, Muskoka Lakes, Shelburne, and the like are often in need of crack repairs. It is important to check your basement fairly regularly, so that you can stop a problem before it worsens. Foundation crack repairs can prevent more significant leaks in your home.
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A Wet basement in places like Minden, Stayner, Thornbury, Georgian Bay, Blue Mountain, Alliston, and Angus can be a real problem any time of the year. You can tell if you have a wet basement problem if you can see water seeping through the cracks in the concrete floor or if there are traces of water in many other locations of the basement.
Read More

We have had a very dry, hot and humid summer, however a few days of significant rainfall can cause damage to your properties and homes. The area around your home can get flooded with rain water from clogged gutters or downspouts that are located next to the foundation. When the soil expands, it creates pressure against the foundation. This can cause damage to your home’s foundation and create a leaky basement in Tottenham, Barrie, Stayner, Thornbury and other areas. 
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We have had a very hot and dry summer, and thus we can become complacent and forget to check our basements for dampness and water leaks. However, water can seep into our basements at any time, but most especially during and after heavy rains. Don’t forget to check the interior of your basement, and also know that it is important to check the exterior of the home for any possible water sources that may be causing a leaky basement. As a homeowner, it is important to examine downspouts and be sure they are pointing away from the foundation in order to avoid seepage into the foundation.
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Foundation cracks can cause significant damage if untreated, as they allow water to seep into the basement and they make your house more vulnerable to weather-related water damage. Ontario Wet Basement is well equipped and has the expertise to repair and prevent foundation cracks and basement waterproofing in the Barrie area.
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