Foundation repair in ON

Basement Waterproofing Contractors in the Greater Toronto Area

Wed, April 11 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Every time there's a heavy rain in the Greater Toronto Area, do you worry about the safety of your unsealed, unprotected basement? Does the presence of mold, mildew, and dust mites make you avoid your basement altogether? Is that musty basement smell starting to make its way into the upper levels of your home? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, it's time to contact a certified basement waterproofing contractor in the Greater Toronto Area!

The #1 way to avoid stressing over a wet basement is to hire an experienced, knowledgeable GTA basement waterproofing contractor. He or she can help customize patented basement waterproofing systems perfect for both your home, budget, and climate. Continue reading to learn the many ways in which GTA basement waterproofing contractors can help to protect your home and family from the consequences of a wet, musty, moldy basement.

How GTA Basement Waterproofing Contractors Can Help You
While there are hundreds of basement waterproofing products and services available for today's consumers, some are more effective than others at keeping a basement dry and healthy. But that doesn't mean you have to break your budget to ensure effective basement waterproofing. Rather, simply hire a reputable, certified GTA basement waterproofing contractor whose products come with a written warranty.

Listed below are effective, affordable, and popular basement waterproofing services performed by experienced basement waterproofing contractors in the Greater Toronto Area.

Seal the Space - Step #1 in effective GTA basement waterproofing is to seal the space. Water can easily seep into an unsealed basement through wall-floor joints, cracks, and leaky windows. So the first thing a certified GTA basement waterproofing contractor should do is properly seal the basement so that groundwater can't leak into the area.
Basement Wall and Floor Crack Repair - Similarly, the GTA basement waterproofing contractor will repair any cracks along your basement's walls and floors. Since basement cracks can quickly lead to flooding, this is a very important step. Your GTA basement waterproofing contractor should seal all cracks, pipe penetrations, and leaky basement windows.
Crawl Space Encapsulation - Few GTA homeowners want to think about -- much less visit -- their crawl space. However, if left unprotected, a crawl space can rot, become moldy, and even lead to expensive structural problems. Think about it: your entire home rests upon the health and durability of your crawl space. That's why it's important to take the necessary steps to protect this important, even if unused, area of the home. A GTA basement waterproofing contractor can encapsulate a crawl space and protect it from mold growth, humidity, and that always unpleasant musty smell.
Eliminate Mold Growth - Whether in your basement or crawl space, a dehumidifier is a great way to eliminate mold growth and create a healthier, more usable space. A GTA basement waterproofing contractor can quickly install a self-draining, eco-friendly basement dehumidifier that will remove moisture from the air and, at the same time, eliminate mold and mildew growth.
Install a Lasting Basement Waterproofing Solution - One of the most popular GTA basement waterproofing solutions is a French drain and sump pump system. A GTA basement waterproofing contractor can install a French drain along the inside perimeter of your basement. It will collect any excess moisture and drain it to a sump pump, which will then pump the water outdoors, away from your basement.

Stop stressing over the health and safety of your basement: contact certified GTA basement waterproofing contractors today!

Clarke Basement Systems has basement waterproofing contractors in GTA. They provide free basement waterproofing estimates to those in Toronto, Markham, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Oshawa, and other surrounding areas.

The Many Benefits of Ontario Basement Waterproofing Solutions

Wed, April 11 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Although it can often be time-consuming, expensive, and even stressful, home maintenance is simply part of being a homeowner -- it comes with the territory. Maintaining your home helps to protect your investment, your wallet, and your family. An unprotected and unmaintained home will slowly deteriorate, lose resale value, and could even experience structural problems. That's why it's important to routinely maintain your home to ensure that everything is running smoothly.

One of the best ways to do this is with effective Ontario basement waterproofing solutions. Since water can easily leak into a basement from unprotected walls, floors, and windows, it's important to hire a certified, knowledgeable basement waterproofing contractor that can help protect your home from the many pitfalls of moisture damage, including rot, mold, cracks, and even floods. Let's take a look at how basement moisture damage can negatively impact your home and family, and ways in which a certified Ontario basement waterproofing contractor can protect your basement from encountering such issues.

Wet basements can cause a number of home- and health-related issues. For starters, a wet, damp basement is an unusable space -- a waste of square footage. Not only do you want to avoid being down there for any extended length of time, but you probably don't want to store your belongings down there either. Wet basements are a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can cause allergies, respiratory problems, eye irritation, and fatigue in both humans and pets. And finally, a wet, unmaintained basement can eventually lead to rot, cracks, and serious (i.e. expensive) structural issues that will require immediate repair.

Proven Ontario Basement Waterproofing Solutions
There are numerous basement waterproofing solutions that can help protect any Ontario home from moisture damage and flooding. Let's take a look at a couple of popular and affordable Ontario basement waterproofing solutions.

Self-Draining Dehumidifier: A self-draining basement dehumidifier is perhaps the easiest and most affordable way to protect your home from mold, mildew, and humidity. Quality basement dehumidifiers can remove more than 100 pints of water out of the air every day, effectively transforming a wet, musty basement into a dry, healthy space where mold has no chance of growing. The main benefit of a self-draining dehumidifier is that it requires no day-to-day maintenance on the part of the homeowner. The dehumidifier will not only remove moisture from the basement air, it will automatically expel the collected water outside, away from the home.
Perimeter Drain & Sump Pump with Battery Backup: If your basement needs protection against more than just humidity, a perimeter drainage system and sump pump is a great choice. An interior perimeter drainage system collects excess water along basement floors and walls, and directs that water to a sump pump. The sump pump then expels the water outside, keeping your basement dry no matter how much it rains or snows outside. Speak with a certified Ontario basement waterproofing contractor about installing a battery backup pump as well. That way, if you lose power during a severe storm, the sump pump can continue to expel collected water away from the home.

Don't wait for a torrential downpour or heavy snow to threaten the health and safety of your basement and belongings. Instead, contact a certified waterproofing contractor today about possible Ontario basement waterproofing solutions for your home!

Clarke Basement Systems specializes in basement waterproofing in Ontario. They provide free basement waterproofing estimates to those in Toronto, Markham, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Oshawa, and other surrounding areas.

Clarke Basement Systems Earns 'Best of' Award in Waterproofing

Wed, April 4 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Toronto, ON - Clarke Basement Systems has earned the “Best of 2011 in Toronto” award in the waterproofing category given by HomeStars.

The award is given to a company based on reviews and ratings from the homeowners who hired them. Both the company’s work and service is considered by HomeStar as they rigorously process the ratings.

Clarke Basement Systems was the recipient of this same award in 2008. Praise from customers continues: “It is with great pleasure that I recommend Clarke Basement Systems for waterproofing.” and “Great service and professional attitude.” are a small sampling of recent customer comments.

Clarke Basement Systems was presented its award at the Best of 2011 Awards Night in Toronto held on March 12, 2012 at the Toronto Cricket Club attended by more than 200 guests.

HomeStars.com is a growing community of homeowners and home improvement contractors throughout Canada and the U. S.

Serving the greater Toronto area, Clarke Basement Systems specializes in crawl space repair, foundation repair, and basement waterproofing in Ontario. Locally owned and operated, they are part of a national network of waterproofing experts offering high quality and up-to-date products.

Leaky Basements in Ontario, including Markham, Peterborough, Mississauga

Fri, February 24 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Basement leaks happen too often. If you are a homeowner and haven’t had to deal with a leaking basement, you should consider yourself lucky. Even in the best built homes, cracks in basement and foundation walls will eventually form.

There is moisture in the soil outside your basement walls. Some homes are built over very damp soil or on flood plains and they are almost bound to have a basement leakage problem – so much so that they might need a sump pump to constantly remove water from their basement.

Even if your home is built on relatively dry soil, there will be times, during heavy rains or spring thaw, when there will be increased water in the ground, and increased chance of leaks through your basement walls.

As soon as water leaks into your basement, you have a problem. Water can seriously damage your basement walls, foundation and your belongings. Water also attracts mold and mildew which can cause breathing problems and create an unhealthy atmosphere for your family.

What can you do to prevent damaging leaks in your basement? It’s more than just patching a hole – you need to waterproof your basement.
• Identify the source of the leak
• Determine why there is water outside your basement
• Make sure water is being properly drained from your roof and around your house
• Keep basement drainage systems clear and adequate for your home’s needs

The professional basement waterproofing experts at Clarke Basement Systems have the knowledge and experience to quickly identify the source of your basement leakage problem and offer a practical solution that will keep your basement warm, dry and healthy.

When you choose Clarke Basement Systems you have the peace of mind of knowing you have chosen a trusted name in basement waterproofing:
• Certified waterproofing experts
• A member of the Basement Systems Inc. worldwide network of authorized dealers
• Our work is backed by the transferable National Basement Systems Warranty

Clarke’s waterproofing professionals service Southern Ontario and the GTA, including: Toronto, North York, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Thornhill, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Peterborough and Concord.

Contact Clarke Basement Systems today to set up a free site inspection and estimate and make your basement warm and dry!

Basement Waterproofing by the Experts

Fri, February 24 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Waterproofing your basement is a great way to keep it dry – but it does so much more:

Stops odours – stagnant water can become smelly and fill your home with unpleasant odours
Prevents mold and mildew – mold and mildew spores are everywhere and all they need is a little moisture to start growing and become a health hazard in your home
No Rot – damp wood structural supports, walls and panelling can become stained or rotten from too much moisture
Protects your furnishings and belongings – imagine no water stains, bad smells or damp carpets

Waterproofing your basement keeps it dry and warm and creates a healthier environment in your home. Before you finish your basement, you should make sure it is waterproofed to avoid damage to your floor, walls, furniture and belongings.

But, waterproofing your basement is not a simple process. Each home has its own unique waterproofing requirements, depending on where it is built, the soil around it, condensation in the home, the roofing drainage system and the foundation drainage system.

If your home has a problem with condensation, then the best outside drainage system in the world won’t help. In other words, to properly waterproof your basement, you need a solution that is specifically designed for your home and its situation.

So how do you know what it will take to properly waterproof your basement? Consult the basement waterproofing experts at Clarke Basement Systems and get a guaranteed solution developed specifically for your home. Using Clarke’s certified professionals to waterproof your basement will ensure the job is done right the first time – because you don’t want to do it a second time.

When you choose Clarke Basement Systems you have the peace of mind of knowing you have chosen a trusted name in basement waterproofing:

Certified waterproofing experts
A member of the Basement Systems Inc. worldwide network of authorized dealers
Our work is backed by the transferable National Basement Systems Warranty

Contact Clarke Basement Systems today and set up a free site inspection and estimate to waterproof your basement and enjoy a warm, dry and healthy home!

The professionals at Clarke Basement Systems have the knowledge and experience to waterproof basements throughout Southern Ontario and the GTA, including the following communities:

Ajax - Ancaster - Apsley - Aurora - Bala - Baldwin - Bayshore Village - Belleville - Bobcaygeon - Bolton - Brampton - Bridgetnorth - Brooklin - Burlington - Caledon - Cavan - Claremont - Coboconk - Colborne - Concord - Dunsford - Ennismore - Etobicoke - Fenelon Falls - Georgetown - Gormley - Haliburton - Hamilton - Havalock - Holland landing - Huntsville - Innisfil - Keswick - King City - Kinmount - Lagoon City - Lakefield - Lindsay - Little Britain - Mamora - Maple - Markham - Millbrook - Minden - Mississauga - Newmarket - Nobleton - North York - Oak Ridges - Oakville - Oakwood - Omemee - Orangeville - Orillia - Owen Sound - Penetang - Peterborough - Pickering - Picton - Port Carling - Rice Lake - Richmond Hill - Rosseau - Scarborough - Stouffville - Sunderland - Sutton - Thornhill - Toronto - Unionville - Uxbridge - Vaughn - Wasaga Beach - Whitby - Wilberforce - Woodbridge

Basement Water Damage - Causes and Prevention

Fri, February 24 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Water damage in your basement? It’s problem that needs to be taken care of right away. If not, it will continue to get worse and can become costly – and unhealthy – very quickly.

There is moisture in the soil that surrounds your basement. If there is a lot of water in the soil, either from groundwater, heavy rains or thaws, it will find it’s way into your basement through cracks in your basement and foundation walls.

Condensation can also be a source of moisture in your basement. When the warm moist air inside your home meets the cold basement walls, condensation forms. Enough condensation can be just as bad as a leaky basement.

No matter how it gets there, once water gets inside, it can damage your basement and its contents in number of ways:

• Damage to finished basements – water can stain and weaken wood studs, paneling and flooring
• Mold and Mildew – spores are present in the air, but remain mostly harmless until they find a nice damp spot in your basement where they can cultivate and grow. Mold and mildew can aggravate allergies, cause breathing problems and generally create an unhealthy environment in your home – not to mention the unpleasant, musty odour.
• Basement and foundation wall damage – as water enters through small cracks, it can make the cracks larger and damage the walls. Unsightly mineral deposits are left on walls and floors as water evaporates.
• Your belongings – anything you have in a leaky basement can suffer water damage and be ruined. Unsightly stains, mold and odours can affect clothing, furniture, sports equipment and stored items.
• Dirt and insects – water that leaks into your basement brings with it anything that was outside the wall – including soil and insects, which can have their own devastating effects on your home.

What can you do to prevent water damaging your basement and belongings? A good start is to talk to the basement waterproofing professionals at Clarke Basement Systems. They have the knowledge, experience and tools to find the source of dampness in your basement, fix it properly and make sure you don’t suffer any more damage.

When you choose Clarke Basement Systems you have the peace of mind of knowing you have chosen a trusted name in basement waterproofing:

• Certified waterproofing experts
• A member of the Basement Systems Inc. worldwide network of authorized dealers
• Our work is backed by the transferable National Basement Systems Warranty

When Finishing Your Basement You Absolutely Need 2 Things

Fri, February 24 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Finishing a basement has so many advantages, it makes you wonder why more people don’t do it.

A lot more living space
Increased property value
Lower energy costs due to insulated walls and floors

One reason for not finishing a basement is that it is not a small job. If you have a large enough budget, you might want to hire a basement finishing contractor.

Whether you do-it-yourself or find a professional, there are two things you absolutely must have before Finishing your basement.

1. A Plan
Not just a general idea; you need to draw a layout of your proposed finished basement, to scale, with all the rooms you want to add.

You need to carefully consider each room you want to add:

Family Room/Entertainment Centre

Think about the rooms above
Consider television or computer placement and power points.
Will you use panelling or drywall?

Games room

If you will have large table games, like billiards, make sure the room has enough floor space.
You might want to consider seating and/or a bar area.

Bathrooms/Laundry rooms

Both should be located near water heaters and drains.
The more details you put into your plan, the better.

2. A Waterproof Basement
Even with the best basement plan ever, if you finish your basement without waterproofing it first, it could all go to waste.

Concrete basement walls and floors are bound to crack at some point in their lifetime. When they do, the moisture in the soil around your basement can get in and that’s when the damage starts:

Wood rot
Mold and Mildew
Rust on metal equipment
Water damage to floors, carpets and personal belongings

Waterproofing a finished basement is expensive and probably involves taking apart your finished walls and floors.

The basement waterproofing specialists at Clarke Basement Systems can make sure your basement is waterproof and help you plan a basement that you will enjoy for a very long time.

Clarke’s knowledgeable and courteous representatives can also make recommendations for your walls and floors that will keep your finished basement warm and dry.

Contact Clarke Basement Systems today and arrange for a free inspection and estimate to waterproof before finishing your basement. Make sure you ask them to help you out with your plan and get all the benefits of a well-finished basement.

Keep Your Basement Insulation Dry

Fri, February 24 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Do you have insulation in your basement? Many homeowners have avoided it, even in finished basements, because they feel their basement is insulated by the ground outside. In fact, soil is a bad insulator and a source of cold and dampness.

So you need basement insulation:

Up to 1/3 of the heat loss in your home is through your basement

Insulation can help reduce basement moisture problems

Insulation will protect and preserve finished basement walls and floors

There’s no denying the advantages of insulating your basement. Not only will your basement be warmer and drier, you will save money too.

But, there is an enemy of insulation lurking in your basement. Moisture in insulation can reduce its R-value (rating of insulating ability). In fact, it’s the leading reason why insulation loses R-value.

Small amounts of moisture, not enough to be seen or felt, will noticeably reduce the efficiency of the insulation
Moisture in wood and building materials is enough to affect your basement’s insulation, especially in new homes where building materials have not dried completely.
Repeated wet/dry cycles will further reduce your basement insulation’s R-value

It’s important to insulate your basement, especially if you are planning to have it finished. However, if you insulate without first waterproofing basement, then you might be wasting your time and money.

Talk to the basement waterproofing experts at Clarke Basement Systems before insulating your basement. They understand how moisture affects insulation and can make recommendations that will save you time, money and costly damage.

Clarke has a number of basement waterproofing solutions, depending on your needs

Basement Waterproofing Services – Moisture in the soil around your basement can get in through leaks and damage your insulation and belongings, Clarke’s proven waterproofing solutions will keep your basement dry and your insulation working
Wall Systems – Clarke’s Thermal Dry Wall System and Brightwall Panelling System keep basement moisture in its place – your drainage system
Foundation Repairs – Fixing wall cracks and reinforcing basement and foundation walls help to keep moisture out

One of the courteous basement waterproofing professionals at Clarke Basement Systems would be pleased to help you find the best solution. Contact Clarke today to arrange for a free home inspection and estimate to have a warmer, drier and better-insulated basement.

The Right Systems for Finishing Your Basement

Fri, February 24 2012, 00:00:00 -500

A basement finishing system will make sure you get many years of enjoyment from your finished basement and help you avoid costly repairs later on.

The Components of a Basement Finishing System

Basement Waterproofing
Before you begin to finish your basement, you must waterproof it. A good basement waterproofing system will have adequate piping to lead any water that enters your basement to a drain or sump pump.
Flooring
Moisture can get into your basement from cracks in the floor or from condensation that forms when warm interior air meets the cool concrete. Install a proper plastic sub-floor, not wood, to keep moisture down and avoid water damage to your basement flooring.
Walls
Walls are also susceptible to water leaks and condensation. A wooden stud wall and wooden paneling are easily damaged by moisture if your walls are not protected by a wall system that works like a vapour barrier and insulates at the same time.
Basement Air System
Even if you do it yourself, a basement leak repair can be a costly and difficult undertaking. Fortunately, you can make it so you will never need to worry about repairing a leaky basement again.

The Clarke Basement Finishing System

The basement finishing professionals at Clarke Basement Systems have the options you need to keep you basement warm and dry.

Waterproofing Solutions

Clarke has a full range of basement waterproofing products, including:

WaterGuard – A clog-free piping system
Sump Pumps – Including the SuperSump, the TripleSafe Sump Pump System and the UltraSump Sump Pump
WellDuct – Drains water from window wells to your basement waterproofing system.

Floor Systems
- Thermal Dry Flooring System: a waterproof membrane that covers your basement floor and creates a moisture barrier between the cold damp floor and your living area

- Thermal Dry Floor Matting: Use it unfinished as a basement sub-floor or add a designer touch with mats finished in carpet, tile and even wood.
Wall Systems
- ThermalDry Basement Wall System: Keeps moisture out, heat in and is ideal for finishing with a stud wall. BrightWall Panelling System

- If you don’t plan to finish your walls, the BrightWall paneling system is an attractive wall vapour barrier and insulator.
Air Systems
- SaniDry Air System – Eliminates damp, musty odours with a powerful dehumidifier that filters your air and never needs to be emptied.

Contact Clarke Basement Systems today and arrange for a free inspection and estimate to determine the best basement finishing systems for your needs. Make sure you ask them to help you out with your plan and get all the benefits of a well-finished basement.

Repair Basement Leaks - If You Know a lot About Home Repair

Fri, February 24 2012, 00:00:00 -500

You can repair basement leaks yourself, but you will need to know a bit about home renovations. That’s because a basement leak can have many different causes or sources and each one requires different skills to repair.

Concrete Repair
Of course, most basement leaks happen through the mortar and concrete that make up your basement walls. Repairing a leak in your basement wall will likely involve the following:

Finding the leak – not always an easy task, especially if your basement is finished
Excavating the ground outside your home around the leak
Plugging the hole (or holes, cracks, etc.) outside your home
Sealing the exterior of your basement wall
Plugging the hole inside your home

Roof Repair
Water in your basement does not mean you have a leak in your basement. Water that gets into holes in your roof can find its way down to your basement.

Door and/or Window Repair
Often basement leaks happen through improperly sealed doors and windows. Repair can be as easy as re-sealing the door or window. However, you may need to replace the door or window to fix the leak properly.

You Have Options

Even if you do it yourself, a basement leak repair can be a costly and difficult undertaking. Fortunately, you can make it so you will never need to worry about repairing a leaky basement again.

Waterproof Your Basement The basement repair and waterproofing professionals at Clarke Basement Systems can waterproof your basement to stop basement leaks permanently.

Repair Wall Cracks - Clarke Basement systems can expertly repair any existing leaks using the patented Flexispan® Wall Crack Repair System – and it is guaranteed

Keep Water Out - Clarke Basement Systems has a full range of drainage systems, including sump pumps and no-clog pipes, to keep water out of your basement.
Keep Windows Dry - Clarke’s WellDuct basement window well drain keeps water away from basement windows.

Clarke’s waterproofing professionals repair basement leaks in Southern Ontario and the GTA, including: Toronto, North York, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Thornhill, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Concord.

Contact Clarke Basement Systems today and set up a free site inspection and estimate to repair your basement leaks and keep your basement dry – guaranteed!

Have A Dry Basement

Fri, February 24 2012, 00:00:00 -500

A dry basement is a wonderful thing for many reasons:

It's healthy – Mold and mildew love to find damp places to grow and release their harmful spores into your home's air. A dry basement means mold and mildew have no where to grow
It smells nice – In wet basements, moisture, mold and mildew create unpleasant, musty odours - but, not in a dry basement.
It's clean –Water leaking into a basement from outside brings with it all the dirt, debris and insects from the soil around your basement.
It's safe for your belongings and renovations –Water in your basement can damage your belongings, furniture, drywall, wood paneling and studs. But, as long as your basement stays dry, you are safe.

Unfortunately, there are many ways moisture can get into your basement and keeping it dry is a challenge.

Concrete cracks – The settling of your home and the subtle shifting of the ground around it will inevitably cause your concrete basement walls and floor to crack. When it does, moisture will leak in from the soil outside and you will have a wet basement.
Condensation – In an improperly insulated basement, when the warm air inside your home is exposed to cold walls, condensation forms and so does a moisture problem.
Plumbing leaks – Another moisture problem that is almost inevitable.

So, the question is, what can you do to keep moisture out and enjoy all the benefits of a dry basement?

Waterproofing your basement keeps it dry and gives you the peace of mind of knowing you will never have to worry about a wet basement again. Each basement's moisture problems are different and you will need to know the best way to keep your basement dry.

The basement waterproofing specialists at Clarke Basement Systems know how to repair your basement and foundation walls and keep moisture out of your basement. They would be pleased to develop a guaranteed solution to keep your basement dry.

When you choose Clarke Basement Systems you have the peace of mind of knowing that you have a trusted name in basement repair and waterproofing working to keep your basement dry:

Certified waterproofing professionals
A member of the Basement Systems Inc. worldwide network of authorized dealers
All of Clarke's work is backed by the transferable National Basement Systems Warranty

Contact Clarke Basement Systems today and set up a free site inspection and estimate to waterproof your basement and enjoy a warm, dry and healthy home!

Basement Leak Repair Fix It and Make Sure Your Basement Doesnt Leak Again

Thu, February 23 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Repairing a leaky basement is not something any homeowner looks forward to. First, it means you have a serious problem and you probably don’t know where the leak is or the best way to fix it.

If you don’t have a leak in your basement, you are lucky – but, you will likely have a basement leak that needs repair.

There are two main reasons for water leaks in basements

1. Water is always present in the ground outside your basement walls. During heavy rains or snow melt, there is more water in the ground than can be drained away.

2.Concrete cracks.Your basement walls and floors are made of concrete and, as your house settles and the concrete cures, it cracks. Once a crack has formed, even a hairline crack, your basement will leak and need repair.

Unfortunately there is nothing anyone can do to stop these two things from happening. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t repair basement leaks and waterproof your basement.

The basement waterproofing professionals at Clarke Basement Systems are experts at basement leak repair. Clarke will not only find and repair your leak, they can make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Moisture in the soil – if your home is built in damp soil, you have an ongoing leaky basement problem. Clarke Basement Systems has a range of drainage systems, including sump pumps and no-clog pipes, to keep water out of your basement.
Snow Melt or Heavy Rains – Your basement may leak only on occasion and not require an additional drainage system.

Patented by Basement Systems, the Flexispan® Wall Crack Repair System was developed to permanently repair wall cracks and stop leaks – and we guarantee it!

Contact Clarke Basement Systems today to set up a free site inspection and estimate and repair your basement leaks permanently – guaranteed!

Finishing Your Basement Talk To Basement Waterproofing Pros Before You Start

Thu, February 23 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Finishing your basement can almost double the living space in your home. All the extra space any homeowner needs is right below their feet. Just think about the possibilities

a home entertainment centre.
a pool room.
a workroom.
additional bedrooms.
complete living quarters with kitchen, living room and washroom.

The benefits of basement finishing are too numerous to list. Not only will your living space increase, so will the value of your home.

However, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Finishing your basement is a significant investment of time and money and you need to protect that investment.

Basement walls and floors are made of concrete, which cracks over time. Moisture in the earth outside can leak into your basement through cracks in basement walls and floors. If you do not waterproof your basement before finishing it, the results could be devastating:

Drywall damage.
Rot and damage to wood studs and furniture.
Water damage to your belongings.
Mold, mildew and the odours and unhealthy environment that go with them.
Dirt, debris and insects that come in with the water from outside.

To prevent these problems from happening and get the most from the additional space in your basement, you need to find a trustworthy, professional basement waterproofing specialist.

Wood rot – damp wood attracts bacteria that feeds on the wood, slowly weakening the wood that supports your walls or floors.
Mold & Mildew – spores are constantly present in the air but are not a real problem until they find a nice damp spot to germinate – then they become a health hazard throughout your home.
Wall damage – ongoing leaks in walls slowly make cracks larger.

The basement waterproofing experts at Clarke Basement Systems know how to fix basement leaks, waterproof your basement and get it ready for finishing.

Clarke offers a full range of basement waterproofing solutions to prevent it from happening again:

Thermal Dry Basement Floor Matting – keeps moisture and cold away from carpets and other flooring
Thermal Dry Tiled Floor System – waterproof your floor and have the look of ceramic tile.
Wall Systems - Including the Thermal Dry Wall System and the BrightWall Panelling System, keeps water out and stops condensation from forming.
Air Systems – to dehumidify the air and keep your basement dry.
Sump Pumps – get the water out and away from your basement

Clearly Clarke has the basement waterproofing solutions to allow you to finish your basement with the peace of mind of knowing it will stay warm and dry.

Contact Clarke Basement Systems today to set up a free site inspection and estimate and protect your finished basement before you start.

Make your Wet Basement Dry

Thu, February 23 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Wet basements are a homeowner’s nightmare. There are few worse feelings than stepping onto your basement carpet or floor and feeling cold wetness instead of dry warmth.

Wet Basement = Lots of Problems A wet basement automatically means you have a number of problems:

You will need to find a way to get rid of the water
Carpets, walls, and belongings need to be dried and cleaned
Your belongings might be damaged or destroyed
You need to find the source of the moisture and fix it

Unseen Problems = Unseen DamageIf there is a silver lining to a flooded basement, at least you know you have wet basement problem. Often, moisture can build up in your basement from a number of unseen sources:

Slow leaks – cracks in foundation walls will allow water to leak in from outside
Condensation – warm, moist air comes in contact with cold basement walls and plumbing to form moisture
Plumbing leaks – aging or faulty plumbing can leak and cause moisture problems

Unseen problems might be worse than known problems because, if the damage they cause is left unchecked, it could become a larger problem:

Wood rot – damp wood attracts bacteria that feeds on the wood, slowly weakening the wood that supports your walls or floors
Mold & Mildew – spores are constantly present in the air but are not a real problem until they find a nice damp spot to germinate – then they become a health hazard throughout your home
Wall damage – ongoing leaks in walls slowly make cracks larger

A Warm, Dry Basement Fortunately, you can take steps so that you won’t have to worry about a wet basement again. When you choose the wet basement specialists at Clarke Basement Systems to waterproof your basement, not only will they find the source of your moisture problems, they will offer solutions for preventing it from happening again:

Condensation

Clarke offers a full line of wall, floor and plumbing insulation systems that eliminate condensation problems
Wall cracks
Clarke fixes them permanently with Basement Systems’ patented Flexispan® Wall Crack Repair System
Ongoing leaks
Clarke has the solution that is right for your problem, from our WaterGuard piping system and WellDuct window well drainage system to a full range of powerful and effective sump pump systems.

Clarke’s waterproofing professionals fix wet basements in Southern Ontario and the GTA, including: Toronto, North York, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Thornhill, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Concord.

Contact Clarke Basement Systems today to set up a free site inspection and estimate, take care of your wet basement problem and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Window Wells

Thu, February 23 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Consider yourself very lucky if your home has window wells. Without them, you would not be able to let daylight into your basement, making it a darker and less inviting space.

So why do many homeowners with window wells not consider themselves lucky? Window wells sometimes fill with water, which can flood basements. Even if it does not flood, ongoing seepage can lead to moisture problems like mold and bad odours.

What’s the Problem?

For most of the past 50 years, window wells were made with a galvanized steel barrier that keeps the surrounding earth away from the window. The barrier is open at the top to let daylight in and open at the bottom to let water out. Debris can collect at the bottom of the window well, or the weeping tile that channels water away can become clogged, making it difficult for water to drain. During rains or snow melt, the water can build up in the window well and it has nowhere to go, except into your basement.

Grass and weeds can grow at the bottom of window wells. Not only do they make it more difficult for water to drain, they block out daylight and are difficult to remove. The galvanized steel that most window wells are made of can rust and become dark, which not only looks bad, but lets even less light into your basement.

You can test the drainage ability of your window wells with a simple flood test. Put your garden hose nozzle on the bottom of your window well, making sure it is not pointed directly at the window. Turn the water on full for about 5 seconds. If the water drains quickly (in a few seconds), your drainage is good – if not, you could have a problem.

What’s the Solution?

If water does not drain quickly following your flood test, you need to address the problem immediately, before your basement floods. You can call Clarke Basement Systems at 1-866-455-4861 for fast, professional advice.
Many new window well systems will prevent problems from starting. The Sunhouse™ basement window enclosure, manufactured by Basement Systems, prevents problems caused by traditional window wells through the following advancements:

• Clear, durable cover to let light in and keep dirt and debris out
• Durable poly-carbonate construction that will not rust
• Fully enclosed, including the bottom, so no grass or weeds will grow
• Specially designed walls and bottom will reflect as much daylight as possible into your basement

Other new window well systems include the stakWEL window well, which is adjustable to fit any depth of window, and the scapeWEL window well, which meets building code specifications for safe emergency exit from your basement. Bilco has specially designed both of these systems to let more light into your basement.

Clearly there are new solutions for your window well problems. The professional staff at Clarke Basement Systems will not only understand your problem, they will help you find the best solution. Call them now to learn more about window wells before you have a real problem on your hands – or in your basement.