Are you a Toronto house owner? If you are about to get a waterproofing inspection, know that the procedure involves a few steps. From the first step of a visual inspection to the determination of leakages around the home, professionals conduct quite a few steps at the time of inspection. In this blog, we have discussed the things that homeowners can expect during a waterproofing inspection in Toronto.
Toronto’s overall wet climate and snowfall cycles often lead to basement flooding and create moisture on the house’s foundation. Therefore, a waterproofing inspection is important to protect the house from structural damage. In a scheduled waterproofing inspection in Toronto, property owners can anticipate:
- Thorough interior and exterior assessment
- Foundation check
- Grading and Damage Check
- Examination of the Basement
Toronto is widely known for its uncertain weather, with substantial rainfall and cold during winter. Every year, Toronto’s rainfall averages 786.9 mm. Therefore, it is well understood that homeowners in Toronto consider waterproofing to sustain the structural integrity of their house.
This blog will discuss what happens before, during, and after a waterproofing inspection in a Toronto-based household. But first, let’s know why a waterproofing inspection is needed for these households.
Why You Might Need a Waterproofing Inspection?
A waterproofing inspection may be required to detect leakage issues within the property before they cause extensive damage in the basement or any other section of the house.
Here are the reasons you should consider a waterproofing inspection:
Visible Signs of Water Damage
If there are indications of water damage in any part of your property, you should consider a waterproofing inspection. Basement leaks in Toronto houses are very common. It can generate a stuffy odor. Moreover, mold growth can also reduce the structural strength of the property.
Moreover, due to unchecked water damage on the walls, a white powder-like substance can damage the wall if not identified or fixed early.
Preventive Reasons
There can be preventive reasons why Toronto house owners look for waterproofing inspections. For example, homeowners in Toronto might look to sell their unused properties. Therefore, a Toronto waterproofing company’s inspection can be called for as part of the renovations.
Toronto-specific Triggers
Homeowners in Toronto might face specific issues due to its disruptive weather conditions. For example, the sudden cloud-bursting rainfall across summer and frequent snowstorms during winter may make the household damp.
Another reason to consider waterproofing inspection is to comply with the Ontario Building Codes (OBC), which highlights different aspects of waterproofing.
What Happens Before the Inspection?
The initial phase of waterproofing inspection starts by finding certified home inspectors. Here are the things that happen before the waterproofing inspection:
Scheduling the Inspection
Make sure that you get your property inspected by a “Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors” (CAHPI) certified home inspector. You can find a home inspector from various sources, which include telephone directories or by reaching out to any Toronto waterproofing company.
Preparing Your Property
After scheduling an appointment with a home inspector, you have to ensure smoother access to your basement. Identify areas that have been leaking and where recurring issues are observed the most.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Waterproofing Inspection
Professional home inspectors conduct both exterior and interior assessments to identify areas potentially damaged by water. Here is how it is done:
Exterior Assessment
Inspectors check if the ground around your house is sloped to prevent waterlogging the walls. They also check the state of downspouts and gutters. Typically, inspectors are mindful of the fact that the downspouts should guide water a minimum of 6-10 feet away from the property foundation.
Interior Assessment
After carefully checking the exterior, home inspectors shift their attention to the interiors of the house. Basement leaks in Toronto are a result of water ingress through cracks, so it is important to look for the humidity level as well.
An expert property inspector will consider the sump pump as well to detect the moisture level. If your basement gives off a musty smell, this can be a sign of unseen water intrusion or a poor drainage system.
Here are the key areas that house inspectors look at to assess the level of waterproofing:
- Wall cracks in the foundation
- Seepage points in windows and floor-wall junctions
- Weeping tiles
- Mold presence and ventilation
What Happens After the Inspection
After the house inspection, you are likely to receive the report within a couple of days. Evaluating the report, you need to undertake the necessary waterproofing solution.
Findings in the Report
In the inspection report, you will find a summary of issues that have been discovered in the inspection area. Plus, you can find photos and diagrams of the disputed areas.
Recommended Solutions
Through the waterproofing inspection, not only will the issues be identified, but inspectors will also suggest waterproofing solutions. You can contact a Toronto waterproofing company to resolve the leakage or seeping issues.
Inspectors may recommend solutions like injecting the crack and installing a sump pump. They will also convey to you the urgency of these waterproofing issues so that you can take necessary action on time.
Choosing the Right Waterproofing Company in Toronto
To resolve the waterproofing issue in Toronto households, homeowners can opt for a waterproofing company in Toronto.
Here are the things you need to know before choosing a waterproofing company in Toronto:
| What You Should Look For | What You Should Avoid |
| Licensed Waterproofing | Vague Pricing |
| Provides warranty coverage | Pressure sales |
| Transparent Inspection process | No written estimates |
| On-time reporting | No local awareness |
Table 1: Things to look for and Things to get alerted about while choosing the right waterproofing companies
Wrapping Up
Waterproofing inspection is a necessary step to protect your home from getting damp and reduce the scope of basement leakage. It is important to work with expert and certified professionals who understand Toronto’s unprecedented weather conditions and suggest effective waterproofing solutions. This preventive measure will keep your home safe and secure.
Go for a Waterproofing Inspection Now!
Is your house in Toronto becoming damp and smelling musty? Book a waterproofing inspection before there is no other way but to pay for costly repairs!