Foundation Repair in Ontario | Basement Waterproofing in Greater Ottawa

Restoring a settling home in Lunenburg,ON

2026-08-11T14:22:23.05Z

To complete the installation, our crew carefully excavated approximately 23 feet along the foundation to access the affected area.

Once the foundation was exposed, six helical piers were installed and advanced into stable load bearing soil beneath the home. The piers were positioned to provide support to the affected foundation and help stabilize the structure.

After the installation was completed, the excavated area was carefully backfilled and the work area was restored as neatly as possible.

With six helical piers installed, the homeowner now has additional structural support beneath the affected area of their home.

The project provided a long term foundation stabilization solution while addressing the homeowner's concerns about the ongoing settlement of their property.

Foundation waterproofing in Clarence Creek

2026-08-07T13:56:58.05Z

After assessing the property, our team developed a plan to address both the structural and drainage concerns.

To help stabilize the affected areas of the home, our crew installed 28 helical piers. Helical piers provide additional support by transferring structural loads through weaker soils and into more stable, load bearing soil below.

The project also included a complete overhaul of the home's exterior drainage system. Our crew:

Installed 28 helical piers to address the settlement concerns
Installed 4 new window wells
Removed the existing exterior weeping tile
Installed new exterior weeping tile to improve drainage around the foundation
Excavated approximately 132 feet around the affected areas of the home
Carefully backfilled and smoothed the excavated areas once the work was completed

By combining structural stabilization with improvements to the home's exterior drainage, The Foundation Guys were able to address the homeowner's concerns from both a foundation support and water management perspective.

The installation of 28 helical piers provides additional structural support, while the new window wells and exterior weeping tile system help improve drainage around the foundation.

After completing the work, our crew backfilled the excavation and left the area smooth and tidy, providing the homeowner with a completed solution and greater peace of mind regarding the stability and drainage around their home.

Window Well Installation & Exterior Waterproofing in Rockland, Ontario

2026-07-21T13:16:41.05Z

Our crew completed a full exterior waterproofing project, including:

Window well installation to provide proper protection and drainage around the basement window
Excavation approximately 5–9 feet deep to access and properly repair the affected foundation area
Approximately 24 feet of excavation along the foundation wall
SentrySeal® waterproofing membrane applied to help create a durable barrier against water intrusion
Geo Wrap drainage system installed to help direct groundwater away from the foundation
Removal and replacement of the existing exterior weeping tile
Installation of new exterior weeping tile to improve groundwater collection and drainage performance

By addressing the waterproofing and drainage system together, our team was able to target the source of the water concern rather than only treating the symptoms.

With the new window well, waterproofing membrane, drainage system, and updated weeping tile in place, the homeowner now has improved protection against water intrusion and groundwater buildup around their foundation.

The completed project provides a more reliable drainage solution while helping keep the basement dry and protected during heavy rainfall and seasonal changes.

The homeowner can now enjoy greater peace of mind knowing their home has been equipped with a long term exterior waterproofing solution designed to protect their foundation for years to come.

Mobile Home Stabilization with SmartJack Supports in Perth, Ontario

2026-07-14T08:54:31.05Z

Our crew carefully installed six SmartJack® support posts beneath the mobile home in key locations where additional structural support was needed.

Each SmartJack was precisely positioned and adjusted to provide strong, dependable support to the floor system. The system is designed to transfer the home's weight more effectively while allowing for future adjustments if necessary, making it an ideal solution for homes experiencing settlement or sagging floors.

Throughout the installation, our crew ensured each support was properly aligned to maximize stability and performance.

With the six SmartJack supports installed, the mobile home is now significantly more stable and better supported. The improved floor system helps reduce movement, provides a more level living space, and offers long term structural reliability.

The homeowner can now enjoy greater comfort and peace of mind knowing their home has been professionally stabilized with a durable solution designed to perform for years to come.

This project demonstrates how SmartJack support systems can provide an effective, long lasting solution for homeowners experiencing sagging floors or settlement in mobile homes, helping restore both stability and confidence in their home's foundation.

Foundation Stabilization, Drainage Improvements & Radon Mitigation in Carleton Place, Ontario

2026-07-07T13:04:50.05Z

To access the affected section of the foundation, our crew carefully excavated the work area to depths ranging from approximately 5 to 9 feet, covering a total repair area of roughly 10.5 feet.

Once the footing was exposed, we installed

- three 3" Helical Piers

- Low profile foudnation brackets

The helical piers were advanced deep into stable supporting soil beneath the home until the required load bearing capacity was achieved. The brackets were then secured to the foundation footing, transferring the weight of the structure onto the pier system and helping prevent further settlement.

Drainage improvements

To improve water management around the home, our crew installed.

- heavy duty trench drain

- Smart drain leak detection and protection system.

The trench drain helps collect and redirect surface water away from vulnerable areas, while the SmartDrain™ provides early warning of plumbing leaks, helping homeowners detect issues before significant damage occurs.

Radon Mitigation

To address the elevated radon levels, our team installed a complete radon mitigation system designed to safely draw radon gas from beneath the foundation and vent it outside the home.

To enhance the reliability and longevity of the system, we also installed:

- Fan moisture guard to help protect the fan from weather related moisture

- Varmint Guard to help prevent pests from entering the vent system.

Together these components hel;p ensure efficient long term system performance.

With the project complete, the homeowner now benefits from a home that is better protected on multiple fronts.

The foundation has been stabilized with a professionally installed helical pier system, helping safeguard the home's structural integrity. Improved drainage measures help manage water around the property and reduce the risk of moisture-related issues. Meanwhile, the new radon mitigation system is helping create a healthier indoor environment by reducing radon levels within the home.

By addressing all three concerns during a single project, our crew provided a comprehensive solution that delivers long-term protection, improved safety, and lasting peace of mind.

This project demonstrates how a comprehensive approach can address multiple homeowner concerns at once, resulting in a safer, healthier, and more stable home for years to come

Comprehensive Foundation Waterproofing and Structural Repair in Ottawa,On

2026-06-24T10:16:59.05Z

To provide a comprehensive repair, our crew excavated the affected foundation wall and completed a series of waterproofing and structural improvements designed to manage groundwater and strengthen the foundation.

Once the foundation was exposed, our team installed SentrySeal waterproofing membrane to create a durable barrier between the foundation wall and surrounding soil. This helps prevent moisture from penetrating the foundation and entering the home. Once the foundation was exposed, our team installed SentrySeal waterproofing membrane to create a durable barrier between the foundation wall and surrounding soil. This helps prevent moisture from penetrating the foundation and entering the home.

To further improve drainage around the foundation, we installed a Geo Wrap drainage system, allowing groundwater to be collected and directed away from the structure more efficiently.

As part of the waterproofing process, the existing exterior weeping tile system was removed and replaced with a new drainage system designed to improve water management around the home.

During the project, foundation cracks were identified that required repair and reinforcement. Our team sealed the cracks and installed 8 concrete stitches to help stabilize the affected areas and provide additional structural support to the foundation wall.

Concrete stitching is an effective method of reinforcing cracked concrete by securing the wall and helping prevent further movement along the repaired sections.

To further improve drainage and help protect against water infiltration, a new window well was installed. Properly functioning window wells play an important role in directing water away from basement windows and reducing the risk of leaks in vulnerable areas.

By combining exterior waterproofing, drainage improvements, crack repair, and structural reinforcement into one comprehensive project, the homeowner received a complete solution tailored to the property's needs.

The foundation is now protected by a modern waterproofing system, supported by improved drainage infrastructure, and reinforced in areas where cracking had occurred. The homeowner can move forward with confidence knowing their home is better equipped to manage water and maintain the long term health of the foundation, and to enjoy their summer with peace of mind!

Restoring Stability and Protection for an Orleans Home

2026-06-08T15:23:21.05Z

After evaluating the property, our specialists developed a repair plan focused on both stabilizing the home's foundation and protecting it from future water intrusion.

To access the affected areas, our crew carefully excavated approximately 91 linear feet around the home's perimeter, reaching depths ranging from 5 to 9 feet.

Once excavation was complete, we installed 24 helical piers beneath the foundation. Helical piers are engineered steel supports designed to transfer the weight of the structure to stable load-bearing soils deep below the surface. This provides long-term stability and helps prevent further settlement.

While the foundation walls were exposed, the homeowner took advantage of the opportunity to address additional concerns.

Our team:

Sealed visible foundation cracks
Applied a waterproofing membrane to the exterior foundation walls
Enhanced the home's protection against moisture infiltration and water related damage

By combining structural stabilization with exterior waterproofing, the homeowner received a comprehensive solution that addressed both current issues and future risks.

The home is now supported by a professionally engineered helical pier system and protected by a durable waterproofing barrier. With the settlement issues addressed and vulnerable areas sealed, the homeowner can have greater confidence in the long term stability and durability of their foundation.

This project highlights the value of addressing multiple foundation concerns during a single excavation. By stabilizing the structure and waterproofing the exposed foundation at the same time, the homeowner was able to maximize the effectiveness of the repair while minimizing future disruption.

Helical Pier Foundation Repair & Garage Slab Replacement in Orleans-Ottawa

2026-05-26T09:11:32.05Z

Our crew began by carefully excavating alongside the affected foundation wall to a depth of approximately 5–9 feet. This allowed access to the footing where the stabilization system would be installed.

We then installed:

3" helical piers
Low profile foundation brackets

The helical piers were advanced deep into stable supporting soil below the home until proper load bearing capacity was achieved. The low profile brackets were then secured to the footing to help transfer the weight of the structure onto the newly installed pier system.

This process helps stabilize the foundation and reduce the risk of continued settlement over time.

In addition to the foundation work, our crew completed an RNR (remove and replace) of the homeowner’s single car garage slab floor.

The damaged concrete slab was removed and replaced with new concrete, helping restore the functionality, appearance, and durability of the garage floor.

With the repairs complete, the home now has improved structural support and long term stabilization through the newly installed helical pier system. The garage floor has also been fully restored with a fresh concrete slab, improving both safety and usability.

By addressing both the settlement concerns and garage slab issues, our crew helped provide the homeowner with a durable, long term solution and renewed peace of mind in the stability of their property.

Foundation Crack Repair & Waterproofing in Arnprior, Ontario

2026-05-25T14:47:49.05Z

Our crew completed a comprehensive repair process that included:

Foundation crack repair to seal the damaged area
Crack stitch installation to help reinforce and stabilize the foundation around the crack
Exterior waterproofing along the affected section of the foundation to help prevent future water intrusion

The crack stitches were installed to add structural support and reduce movement along the damaged area, while the waterproofing system created a protective barrier against groundwater penetration.

With the repair complete, the foundation crack has been reinforced and the area is now protected against future water entry. The homeowner can now enjoy a drier basement and greater confidence in the long term stability of their foundation.

By combining structural reinforcement with waterproofing protection, our crew provided a durable solution designed to help safeguard the home for years to come.

TripleSafe Sump Pump & WaterGuard Installation in Nepean-Ottawa

2026-05-14T13:26:59.05Z

To provide a complete waterproofing solution, our crew installed:

WaterGuard interior drainage system to capture groundwater at the wall to floor joint before it reaches the basement space
WaterGuard Port installed in the cold room to allow convenient access for future inspection and maintenance
TripleSafe sump pump system to provide reliable water removal and multiple layers of protection

The TripleSafe system includes:

A primary pump for everyday water removal
A secondary pump for high water volume situations
A battery backup pump to help protect the home during power outages

Together, these systems work to efficiently collect and redirect water safely away from the foundation.

With the new waterproofing system installed, the basement is now far better protected against water intrusion and flooding concerns. The homeowner now has confidence knowing their basement is equipped with a reliable, long term solution designed to perform in all conditions.

This project helped create a drier, safer, and more secure basement environment while giving the homeowner lasting peace of mind.

Radon Mitigation & Floor Crack Repair in Merrickville, Ontario

2026-05-06T09:36:01.05Z

Our Crew installed a combined system to improve safety and prevent future issues including:

Radon Mitigation system to safely vent radon gas from beneath the home.
Professional Floor crack sealing to block moisture entry and protect the foundation.

These solutions work together to improve indoor airquality while also reducing the risk of water related damage.

The basement is now safer, healthier and better protected. Radon levels have been reduced, and the sealed cracks prevent moisture from entering the space. The homeowner now has a peace of mind knowing their basement environment is secure and their home protected for the long term.

Interior Drainage & Sump Pump Installation

2026-05-05T13:41:46.05Z

To provide a long term waterproofing solution, our crew installed a complete interior drainage and sump pump system, including:

- WaterGuard interior drainage system to capture groundwater before it reaches the basement floor

- WaterGuard Port to allow easy access for inspection and maintenance

- TripleSafe sump pump system, offering three levels of protection: - A primary pump for everyday water removal, A secondary pump for higher volumes of water or pump failure, A battery backup pump to keep the system running during power outages.

This integrated system ensures that water is effectively collected and safely discharged away from the home.

With the new system in place, the basement is now dry, protected, and prepared for all conditions. The homeowner no longer has to worry about water entering the space during heavy rain or power outages. This solution provides reliable, long term protection, giving the homeowner peace of mind and confidence that their basement is safeguarded year round.

Radon Mitigation & Crack Repair in Stittsville, Ontario

2026-05-05T13:20:51.05Z

Our crew installed a complete system designed to improve air quality and protect the foundation, including:

Radon mitigation system to safely vent radon gas outside the home
Fan moisture guard to protect the system from weather and extend its lifespan
Professional crack sealing to prevent water from entering through foundation cracks

These solutions work together to reduce radon levels while also stopping moisture at the source.

The home now has significantly improved indoor air quality and a better protected basement environment. Radon levels are reduced to a safer range, and water intrusion through the foundation cracks has been eliminated. The homeowner now has peace of mind knowing their home is healthier, safer, and protected for the long term.

Garage Settlement Repair in Ottawa

2026-04-24T15:01:18.05Z

After a detailed inspection, our team recommended a permanent stabilization solution using helical piers.

To begin, our production crew carefully excavated the area around the garage foundation to gain proper access. We then installed helical piers equipped with low profile brackets, which are ideal for tight or limited access areas like garage structures.

These piers are advanced deep foundation systems designed to transfer the weight of the structure to stable soil layers below, effectively stopping further settlement and providing long term support.

With the helical piers in place, the garage is now stabilized and protected against further movement. The visible signs of settlement have been addressed, and the homeowner can feel confident knowing their structure is supported by a reliable, long term solution.

This project is a great example of how early detection and the right repair method can prevent further damage and restore structural stability.

Stabilizing a Settling Foundation in Orléans, Ottawa

2026-04-08T15:06:15.05Z

After a detailed inspection, our System Design Specialist created a comprehensive solution to address both the cracked foundation concerns and the structural settlement.

First, our production crew repaired the foundation crack and waterproofed the exterior of the affected area to prevent any potential water intrusion. To stabilize the home and prevent further settlement, the team installed 6 helical piers along the foundation. These piers are driven deep into stable soil layers beneath the home, providing reliable long term support and helping stop the settling process.

To reinforce the balcony structure, the crew also installed 2 smart jacks beneath the balcony. These adjustable steel supports help provide additional stability and ensure the structure remains safe and properly supported.

With the crack repaired, the foundation waterproofed, and the structural supports installed, the homeowner can now feel confident that their home is protected from further settlement and water intrusion.

Thanks to the expertise of our team and the use of proven structural support systems, this Orleans home now has a stronger, more stable foundation and reinforced structural support for years to come!

The Truth About Winter Salt and Your Concrete

2026-01-30T00:00:00.05Z

Concrete Is Strong but It’s Also Porous

Concrete may look solid, but it behaves more like a very dense sponge. Tiny pores run throughout the surface, allowing water to soak in, especially during winter when snow and ice sit on it for long periods. That’s where salt and ice melt come into play.

How Salt Affects Concrete

Traditional rock salt (sodium chloride) doesn’t just melt ice, it lowers the freezing point of water. As ice melts, it turns into a salty liquid called brine.

This brine can stay liquid at colder temperatures than plain water, which allows it to soak deeper into the concrete’s pores. When temperatures drop again, that brine refreezes inside the concrete. Water expands with great force when it freezes, and over time, that repeated expansion creates internal stress that can break those pores.

So, after enough freeze-thaw cycles, the surface can start to break down, leading to:

· Spalling (a fancy industry term for chipping or pitting)

· Flaking or scaling

· Cracks

· Rough, uneven areas

The damage often builds slowly, becoming more noticeable after several winters have passed.

What About Chemical Ice Melt?

Many homeowners switch to chemical ice melts, thinking they’re automatically safer than salt. The truth is, it depends on the product and how it’s used.

Most chemical ice melts (such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride) also work by creating a brine. The difference is that they can melt ice at much lower temperatures than traditional salt, which makes them effective in extreme cold.

However, because they create brine that stays liquid longer and penetrates more deeply, they can also contribute to freeze-thaw damage if overapplied. And that’s not all. Some chemical ice melts are also more hygroscopic, meaning they actively attract moisture, which increases how much liquid gets pulled into the concrete, potentially making the situation worse.

What You Can Do About It

One of the best ways to protect concrete from winter damage is sealing the surface with something like SealantPro®.

A quality, professionally applied concrete sealer acts like a raincoat for your concrete, limiting how much water and brine can soak into those tiny pores, reducing the internal freeze-thaw stress that leads to cracking and spalling. And a sealer that actually bonds to concrete, like SealantPro, rather than just sitting on its surface, is like a raincoat you never take off.

Sealing your concrete can:

· Reduce moisture and salt absorption

· Slow surface deterioration

· Extend the life of driveways, sidewalks, and patios

· Help concrete maintain a cleaner, more uniform appearance

While sealing won’t stop winter weather from happening, it adds a strong layer of protection where concrete is most vulnerable right at the surface, protecting your home’s curb appeal season after season.

The Takeaway for Homeowners

Salt and ice melt are often necessary for winter safety, but they can have unintended effects on concrete over time. Because concrete absorbs moisture, repeated exposure to brine and freeze-thaw cycles can gradually weaken the surface.

Using ice melt thoughtfully and protecting concrete with proper sealing can go a long way toward preventing costly repairs down the road.

How to Prevent tripping hazards around your home.

2024-04-03T00:00:00.05Z

Broken, sunken concrete looks bad, but it can also represent a dangerous tripping hazard — especially with summer activities around the corner. Check out this blog on how to trip-proof your property and fix that cracked, uneven concrete the right way!

[Blog: https://www.polylevel.com/about-us/news-and-events/40635-concrete-safety-how-to-prevent-tripping-hazards-around-your-home.html]

Sunken concrete

2024-03-06T00:00:00.05Z

What To Do if You See Your Concrete Sinking

Concrete is one of those things we don’t really think about. It’s just there in your driveway, sidewalk, patio or pool deck, doing its job, day in and day out. It’s heavy and solid. It’s flat and level. Until… it’s not. Then, suddenly, your concrete becomes an eyesore that reduces your home’s curb appeal. Even worse, uneven concrete slabs can present tripping hazards to your family, friends, or anyone visiting or just passing by — hazards you, as the homeowner, may be legally responsible for.

Why is the concrete around your home no longer level?

In almost every case, concrete settlement is caused by issues with the soil underneath it, so let’s look at those:

· Unstable fill soil is a common culprit. Land developers and builders moved soil around to prepare your home’s site for construction, creating an additional top layer of fill soil. Your concrete slabs were then poured over these areas. Unfortunately, even if it was compacted well with special equipment, that fill soil is not as stable as the native soils below. So, when fill soils consolidate and settle, voids inevitably form under the concrete slab. Eventually, the slab cracks and falls into these voids.

· Drought is another common issue. During dry periods, or even just times of warm weather and low precipitation, the soil under your concrete slabs can dry out and shrink. This leaves voids for the concrete to crack and sink into — especially when any weight is placed on it, like an automobile or a load-bearing wall.

· Excess moisture also causes concrete problems. When heavy rains or snows occur, that water finds its way under your concrete slabs via cracks and crevices. The soil underneath your slab then becomes saturated and soft — or washes away completely — leaving voids for the heavy concrete above to fall into.

How to deal with sinking concrete.

Here’s the good news: The sunken concrete around your home can be lifted, leveled and protected against future problems. Even better, in most cases, it can be fixed permanently.

But before we get into that, we should address two not-so-permanent “fixes” for sunken concrete. The first is concrete replacement.

Pouring new concrete might seem appealing. After all, you’ll end up with brand-new slabs, and new is better, right? Well, in this case, no. First, pouring new concrete requires breaking up and tearing out the old concrete. That means a lot of disruption for you and your neighbors. Not only is this a noisy, messy process, but it can take a week or more for concrete to cure, which means your driveway, sidewalk, patio or pool deck will be unusable for that time.

When new concrete cures, it’s usually a different color than any older concrete around it. So, unless you remove and repour your entire driveway, etc., you’ll end up with a patchwork quilt of mismatched slabs.

Then there’s the environmental impact. In addition to the old concrete heading to your local landfill, there’s the issue of Portland cement, the “glue” that holds concrete together. The cement industry is one of the world’s worst carbon emitters. In fact, if it were a country, the Portland cement industry would be the world’s third largest CO2 emitter, behind the US and China. So, the less brand-new concrete we use, the better it is for our environment.

Finally, there’s the problem of the soil we mentioned earlier. Pouring new concrete on your old soil won’t address the issues that caused the old concrete to sink in the first place, so in a few years, you’ll be right back where you started.

Now, let’s look at mudjacking. This involves injecting a slurry of mud and rocks beneath your concrete slabs to shore them up. As the name suggests, it is an extremely messy process. Plus, it leaves a series of soda-can-sized holes in your concrete through which the slurry is injected, leaving your concrete with an odd polka-dot appearance.

But the negatives don’t end there; like pouring new concrete, mudjacking doesn’t address the soil issues beneath your slabs. And since the slurry consists of mud and rock, it’s extremely heavy, exerting even more weight on your unstable soil.

PolyLevel®: The ideal concrete solution

Now we come to the best of all worlds: PolyLevel foam. PolyLevel is an expanding polyurethane foam that starts off as a liquid injected beneath your concrete, where it quickly runs to find cracks and voids in the soil. Almost immediately, it begins to expand as much as 29 times its original volume. This expansion lifts the heavy concrete slabs above it back to their initial level. Not only that, but PolyLevel’s expansion also exerts a downward pressure, compacting the soil beneath it and stabilizing it in the process. This means that when your home’s concrete is lifted and leveled with PolyLevel, it is permanently stabilized.

Because it’s a foam, PolyLevel is incredibly light, so any weight it adds to the soil is negligible. As it quickly cures into a rigid, incompressible mass, it fills the voids beneath your concrete, providing stabilization. Once cured, it’s environmentally friendly because it doesn’t react chemically with the surrounding environment and won’t break down over time. It also provides no nutritional value, so it won’t be damaged by insects or other animals.

Lastly, PolyLevel cures incredibly quickly, so you can actually start using your driveway, patio, sidewalk or pool deck as soon as the installation crew leaves.

As you can see, PolyLevel foam injection is the one solution for sunken, broken concrete that offers a permanent fix that’s minimally disruptive and environmentally friendly.

The only catch is, PolyLevel is only available from select contractors across North America and must be installed by an experienced crew. The good news is, we’re one of those select dealers! So, if you’re ready to repair your concrete for good, click the button to schedule your free estimate

The Importance of Gutters

2023-08-01T00:00:00.05Z

What is the difference between Gutters and Eavestrouphs?

Lets begin with eaves on a house. Eaves are the part of the home where the roof extends past the wall to create a drip line. This is to prevent water damage from forming along the side of the home. Eavestrouphs is the small channel that collects rainwater and distributes it to the ground.

Gutters is a regional term and it's used to describe anything that operates with the same function as an eavestrouph.

Eavestrouphs and gutters are important to a home as it prevents rain and melting snow from any potential damages to the exterior. Caring and maintaining the gutters of your home is easy and uncomplicated. You want to make sure that rain, debris, and dirt aren't clogging the drain. You also want to keep and eye on your gutters and make sure their aren't any cracks or sagging. Prolonging any concerns can potentially expedite your issues on your home. Once you noticed any apparent concerns please call to schedule a free estimate.

Signs of Moisture Mold Problem in your Crawl space and Solutions

2023-07-24T00:00:00.05Z

The humidity in the city can get relatively high during the year especially during the warmer months. Moisture from the outside can come through crawl space vents or get collected on cool surface areas such as air ducts and pipes. Once the moisture develops it can begin the corrosion process alongside of Mold, Mildew, and worse - rot. It is really important when purchasing a new home and or renovating your current home that is experiencing moisture.\

Here are some of they key signs that your Home/basement/Crawlspace is experiencing moisture problems.

- Mold developing. New mold that is caused by water damage will appear fuzzy and almost transparent. Once the mold has grown and established itself in your home it will be in form of unmistakably dark spots on the affected surfaces. Old spores will start to develop after 72 hours of exposure to water. Mold colours that are of concern in orange, purple,yellow and green in color. Once these visible signs have occured it is best to book an appointment with a specialist who can get rid of the developed mold.
- Musty odors in the living area. Musty odors are caused by mold and mildew. The odors given off is stale and earthy.
Condensation ( sweating). You'll notice water droplets appear on air conditioning ductwork and equipment.
Damp and sagging insulation. The insulation in your home shouldn't feel damp to the touch and once you've noticed the insulation starting to sag - that is a tell tale sign of moisture being retained.
Buckled hardwood floors that are above the crawl space. Hardwood will buckle. During the warm months, wood expands due the moisture in the air. The pressure that builds up is what causes the buckling.
Insect infested. Moisture attracts many bugs and insects. They can come into the home through cracks and when the insulation was poorly installed.
Showing signs of rot on wooden window frames.

The common types of mold that is found in homes are

Aureobasidum
Altenaria
Acremonium
Chaetomium
Cladosporium
Fusarium
Stachybotrys Astra
Mucor
Aspergillus
Penicillin
Trichoderma
Ulocladium

As soon as you've noticed any of these signs emerge your home it is paramount that you contact your local contractor to repair and prevent any future problems.

Common Solution for mold or moisture in your crawl space are installing a vapor barrier or a heavy-duty liner over the ground/soil,piers, walls,and foundation. You should also add a dehumidifier to ensure control over the humidity in the crawl space. Sump pumps are also important to have added to the encapsulation of your crawl space to make sure that it doesn't flood or pool when there's a future plumbing leak, or an unexpected water issue. Sump pumps are great because they will pump out the excess water and also an alarm will go off when the sump pump is failing to pumping the water out of the area.

Aspen Air Purifying System

2023-06-07T00:00:00.05Z

Nothing like a fresh breath of fresh air. Through out the year, our homes get filled with dust and among other things which can be potentially cause allergies and irritation. Many new air purifying technologies have made it to some of our homes and stores, but are they worth it?

Many air purifiers have one filter and builds up residue quickly. These filters commonly used in purifiers aren't sufficient for homes but are much better or really small and limited areas.

Aspen air purifying system has 3 STAGES! This mega machine will give your home and space with the cleanest and freshest air. Who needs to go to Switzerland to experience the same thing? What makes Aspen amazing is it's ability to efficiently remove, mold, dust, order, smoke, chemicals, viruses and it's HEPA filter removes the tiniest particles down 1/1000 the width of a hair.

lets check out the Aspen's features and benefits.

Professional-grade air purifier covers 1,500 square feet
3-stage air filtration process for maximum air purification
Removes more than 99.97% of particles down to 0.1 microns
Uses 85% less electricity
Reduces allergies, asthma, and risk of long-term illness
Uses 100% safe purification methods
10-year warranty with filter subscription & 2-year standard warranty

Get fresh air and Book your free estimate today!

Is Your Home Foundation Beyond Repair?

2023-06-08T00:00:00.05Z

Cracks in your foundation can appears out of random for numerous reasons. Sometimes it much to worry about then others, are serious symptoms of concern. Keep reading below to find out if the cracks you see in your foundations are reasons to be concerns.

Twisting cracks that branch out and aren't in a linear formation is a good tell sign that there is a serious issue. The twisting of the crack is indicating that the foundation is shifting due to water damage and the soil that surround the home is also shifting.

Uneven floors or sloping of any kind. When you've noticed that the floor that you're standing on is unleveled and feels off, it is highly recommended that you book and appointment with a professional. the even floors can be either damages to the foundation or an over all bad structural design.

Bulging walls, is a good sign that there is water pressure happening within your walls. There comes to a point where the contractor that asses your walls and foundation would most likely not be able to repair the walls if it's bulging to a certain level.

Widening vertical cracks above ground. Vertical lines are less of a concern as it is something that someone can repair. These are lines that can form once the concrete has started to settle and cure. Once the crack has started to widen from the bottom, it is an indication that there is sever damage to your foundation. You can always try to fit a dime in the crack, and if the dime can fit in that's a good indication of damages to your foundation.

In conclusion, as soon as you notice changes and shifts to your foundation you will definitely want to call one of our professionals to take a look at the issue. Foundation repair isn't something someone without experience should try to take on. Book your free estimate today!

EverBrace™

2023-05-03T00:00:00.05Z

EverBrace™ is a new steel corrugated steel panels and beams that work together to provide a solid stable foundation. Suitable for many kinds of foundation walls such as brick, clay block, poured concrete, concrete blocks and field stones to name a few. With so many alternatives in repairing your home's foundation walls, EverBrace™ is the only option that can successfully restore a severely damaged foundation walls. The corrugated steel panels and beams add both strength and unsurpassable support. Once the panels and beams are installed, a rigid foam gets injected behind the steel panels to ensure ultimate protection.

What are the advantages of EverBrace™ ?

- Quicker installation with less mess compared to other foundation repair options.

- Dry Wall and easily conceal the steel panels.

- Edges and Corners are covered with steel trim to give a finished appearance.

- Corrosion Resistant Zinc coating on steel parts.

- Panels are customized to fit around doors and windows among other potential obstacles.

- Can be Integrated with a basement waterproofing system.

Is Your Home Radon Protected?

2023-04-21T00:00:00.05Z

Ontario, one of the largest provinces in Canada, boasting with a mineral rich soil. This soil has the largest reserves of uranium than anywhere on Earth. The thing with uranium is that once it starts to decay and decompose, it release a gas known as Radon. This gas is odorless, tasteless, and invisible and highly toxic. With repeat exposure for long period of time, it is linked to an increase risk of lung cancer among other health risks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 21,000 lung cancer deaths are caused by Radon each year.

Winter is the season in which Radon levels are at the highest. The cold air changes the atmospheric pressure and pushes cold air into the ground. If your home isn't properly sealed or it's an old home, the radon gas in the ground will get push through into the foundation.

Why Does My Basement Get Wet After It Rains?

2023-04-17T00:00:00.05Z

It's one those evenings, where it's cold out and a storm is in full swing. You're upstairs minding your business and you hear water drips coming from the basement. You go down to the basement to check to see where that drip sound is coming from, to realize your basement has started to leak in water and pool. So many of us Canadians have this issue or other similar situations that arise whenever it seems to rain or storm. A bad home drainage system can perpetuate most of these problems. Issues that could effect your gutters, sump pumps, and soil grade to name a few. Although a poorly encapsulated basement can be the reason but there is also some scientific reasons why these problems seems to be flowing in (no pun intended).

Hydrostatic Pressure is one of the main reasons for the leaks that come into your basement. Hydrostatic Pressure is when there is exerted pressure from water or any fluid confined in a space. For example; your basement blocks the natural flow of water. Whenever it rains, rainwater would normally move down in the soil but instead, pools and contains itself adding pressure to the foundation of the home. This when many issues start arise, where you'll notice cracks forming and walls bowing. A photo example below.

htgt

With an inefficient drainage system, the collected water over saturates the soil surrounding your house and the weight of the water pushes against the foundation walls. Thus water starts to leak into the home. To make matters worse the " clay bowl effect" is at place when Hydrostatic pressure starts to form around your home.

What is the " Clay Bowl Effect"?

Imagine what the land looked like before your home was built. A flat (sometimes) land that hasn't been excavated was then dug into a bowl shape. Within that bowl shape the foundation of your home was laid and then the basement walls were built. Once the foundation is built, the soil that was excavated out is then shoveled back into dug out to fill in any gaps. The excavated soil has gone through some changes after it's been dug out of the ground. It becomes softer, less dense and much looser. This softer soil is called "back fill", and it absorbs more water than the hard and undug soil. Talk about a situation!

Combined with the hydrostatic pressure, clay bowl effect, backfill and inefficient drainage system can all wreak havoc. Though through preventive measures, you can beat the problem before it starts, Lets look at 4 ways to prevent it!

1: Gutters and Downspouts- Make sure you update your gutters if they're out of date and have them cleaned annually or invest in gutter shutters.

2: Cleaning your window wells. If you start to notice that your window wells are starting to puddle, that's a good sign there is a blockage in the drain.

3: Repair any Foundation cracks. As soon as you found a crack in your foundation, its important to have it sealed before the situation becomes worse. Touch up on your foundations will save you lots of money down the road.

4: Install a sufficient basement waterproofing system. If you've notice your basement always has a leak whenever it rains or storms. Investing in a good basement waterproofing system is paramount is preventing further damages.

A wet basement is annoying problem but it's definitely not an unsolvable one. Understanding the science behind what is happening will help you prevent any issues from progressing so you can live happy with a dry basement. The Foundation guys have been helping Canadians with their basement water issues since 1978, and continue to do so! We're just a phone call away!

The Foundation Guys Food Drive

2022-09-06T00:00:00.05Z

SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2022-OCTOBER 4TH,2022

TFG team are raising food to benefit families in need at our headquarters and training center located at 1294-1300 Algoma Rd, Ottawa, ON. Everything donated will be taken to the Ottawa Food Bank on Friday, October 6th for Thanksgiving.

How can you help? Bring your donations to our headquarters at the above address.

TYPES OF FOOD NEEDED:

INDIVIDUEL SIZE ENTREES like macaroni and cheese cups, tuna salad packets, soup, canned goods and pasta. There is always a need for food that DO NOT REQUIRE cooking.

FRUIT/VEGETABLE SQUEEZES/SNACKS (squeezable packets are much better for storing) granola bars, cereal, dried fruit, crackers etc...

FlexiSpan®

2023-04-26T00:00:00.05Z

FlexiSpan provides a built-in secondary repair strategy in case the seal fails. First, a small drywell is developed into the floor under the crack. If it can be connected into the perimeter drainage system or a stone bed under the floor, that’s the best way to go. If it can’t be though, no problem, a drywell is made about 5 to 10 gallons in size. Then, the crack is sealed with a urethane based sealant. After that, a polyurethane ether foam strip is applied over the first seal. This foam strip is set up so water from within and behind it can drain into the drywell. After this step, it is overlaid with polyurethane sealant and tooled off to look like a gray drywall compound joint. Lastly, the opening in the floor is re-concreted.

So the wall crack is now sealed and if any water ever gets past the seal, it drains down into the drywell. This gives you exactly what you are looking for: a dry wall and dry floor, forever. Flexispan is flexible, and no amount of wall movement will make it leak again.

If you think FlexiSpan is the right fit for you, give us a call.

Click on on the link below to see some photos of our past work using FlexiSpan®.

https://www.ottawafoundationsupportworks.ca/about-us/photo-gallery/20372-album-foundation-crack-repair-in-kanata-on.html

Floor insulation

2023-04-26T00:00:00.05Z

After CleanSpace is installed in your home, there is no need for fiber glass insulation. This is because once the moisture barrier is there, and all the vents and other air leaks are sealed up you really don’t need to keep that old moldy insulation. Your home’s energy efficiency has already been drastically improved, but if you wish to take another step a radiant barrier can be installed on the crawlspace walls, or those walls can be insulated with foam.

SilverGlo paneling has tiny graphite particles that reflect heat and lower the material’s conductivity for superior R value per inch. In addition to resisting heat conduction, SilverGlo boasts a radiant barrier, which reflects heat back into your crawlspace for more energy savings.

The Crawlspace floor can also be insulated with TerraBlock. TerraBlock is a ¾ inch thick flexible foam insulation with a vapor barrier on both sides. It adds R value, puncture resistance, and dreamy padding for your knees. TerraBlock is for those who want to save the most on their energy costs.

Click the link below for our Before and after photos using SilverGlo.

https://www.ottawafoundationsupportworks.ca/about-us/before-after/58652-thermal-insulation.html

The bulb of influence - Explaining the SmartJack System

2023-04-26T00:00:00.05Z

The bulb of influence is what sets the SmartJack system apart from other repair options. It’s based around sound engineering. The SmartJack pre-cast concrete base and cast aluminum base are 12 inches wide. How sound engineering works is that at a depth of twice the bearing width, bearing stresses dissipate to approximately ten percent of those at the bearing surface. So the 12 inches is the bearing width, and two times 12 inches is 24 inches. Therefore, at the bottom of the two-foot hole , the pressure that was being exerted at the structural footing base is reduced down to only 10 percent of what it was.

Even if the soil at the bottom of the excavated hole isn’t all that strong, you can be assured that the ‘Bulb of significant Stress Influence’ has already been distributed within the compacted crushed stone or recycled concrete fill.

The bottom line: The SmartJack system, as it name implies, is smart. It reduces stress on the original soil by 90%, making it a long term effective solution for your home.

Which French Drain System Works Best For You?

2023-05-19T00:00:00.05Z

Each of our drainage systems is designed to address a different, unique challenge that you may be facing. Some of these challenges involve the way your home has been designed, while others address unusual basement water issues, such as iron ochre.

We offer our customers the following five French drain systems:

WaterGuard® Below-Floor Drain

For a typical basement, our WaterGuard® system is the ideal choice for waterproofing. This French drain is designed to be installed below the floor slab, resting on top of the foundation footing. This keeps this drainage system out of the "mud zone", where drains can clog.

Installation involves removing a section of floor around the perimeter and creating a drainage trench. Sections of WaterGuard® are then placed within the trench, resting on a bed of drainage stone, and the floor is restored.

A wall flange extends 3/8" above the floor, allowing the drain to collect water leaking from the basement walls.

DryTrak® Baseboard Drain Pipe

Most foundations come in three pieces: walls, floor, and footing. Other foundations (called monolithic foundations) come with the floor and footing as one piece, and the walls are installed on top as a separate piece.

Monolithic foundations have exceptionally thick floors around the edges. Jackhammering through these thick concrete floors is very time-consuming and creates a lot of dust!

To avoid these issues, we recommend the DryTrak® Baseboard Drain Pipe System. This unique drain system installs above the floor, eliminating the dust and labor of jackhammering.

FlowGuard® Thin Floor Drain System

Sometimes the concrete floor in a basement is too thin for a drain to be installed on top of the footer. If we did install it on top of the footer, the drain would stick up past the concrete slab.

We usually address this challenge with our FlowGuard Thin Floor System. This system is designed to sit in front of the footing in a bed of drainage stone. After installation, the concrete floor is restored over it.

Like our other drain systems, FlowGuard includes a wall flange, which extends up the wall to direct any leaking water to your sump pump system.

WaterGuard® IOS Perimeter Drain

If iron bacteria is present in your water, it will create a gelatinous, rust-colored substance known as iron ochre.

This unpleasant material is notorious for smelling terrible, staining everything it touches and clogging drainage systems.

Our experts tackle this rare problem with our WaterGuard® IOS Basement Drain. This product is a modified version of our WaterGuard® system that includes an extra-wide drain channel, and larger drainage openings. To allow for easy drain system maintenance if clogged, the drain system also includes an exposed, removable lid.

TrenchDrain™ Grated Drainage Pipe

Our dealers often meet with homeowners who would like us to prevent water from flooding from an outer entryway (hatchways, garage doors, under doorways, etc.)

In cases like this, our dealers will often span the opening with our TrenchDrain Grated Draining Pipe. The grated opening of this system is designed to accept water from the floor, where it's then directed to your perimeter drain.

Like our other drain systems, TrenchDrain is compatible with a radon mitigation system. If this is a concern for you, ask your specialist for details on how TrenchDrain works in a sealed radon mitigation system.

No matter how your house was constructed or what kinds of problems you're facing, our waterproofing products can be combined to create a solution that's ideal for you!

The Basement Systems line of drainage products has been used in warrantied systems for hundreds of thousands of homes worldwide!