As the Toronto homes continue to age, the risk of water damage increases as well. One of the most common water damage issues Toronto homes face is leaky basements due to old and cracked foundations. Yes, water damage from leaky pipes in the plumbing and older appliances is a risk, but the biggest problem will lie in the basement. There is a shift in soil matter with the constant Toronto weather being very cold and wet. This causes lots of pressure on the foundation of the home, and over time it will cause some of the concrete to erode and crack. These small cracks will over time translate into bigger problems, as now it is an avenue of having water enter your basement with downpours and snow melting.

One of the most important steps a homeowner can take is keeping an eye out for signs and symptoms of a foundation issue.

There are cases where if the problem is found early, the cost of repairs will be significantly less. Most importantly not having water damage restoration is needed in the basement, with the addition of now having the foundation leak fixed. The first step a homeowner must take to understand if they have a leaky basement is to understand the high-risk areas. Water damage from foundation issues will always be more common in older homes. Find out the age of your home and anything near/over 75 years old is in direct danger of foundation issues. Starting with southeast Toronto, the beaches have a high-risk status with water damage in basements due to the age and condensation the area receives. Other areas due to their age are South Annex, High Park, Trinity Belwood, Dufferin Grove, Cabbage Town, West Queen West, Church Yonge Corridor, and Avenue Road.

Next, homeowners need to keep an eye on the inside of their basement for water damage signs and symptoms. Water damage from leaks in the foundation can happen behind the wall, without obvious signs of water on the floor or wall. When water is noticed on the floor and walls, that means an excessive amount of water has penetrated the property. However, you may still have water damage behind the walls, without physically being able to see the water. Here are a few ways to identify water damage from a foundation leak. The most important way to identify water damage is to check your baseboards. Excessive moisture or water damage will cause your baseboards to be swollen and peel off the walls. Notice the paint or caulking above the baseboard to identify if your baseboard has now been swollen due to excessive moisture. Secondly, if your basement is finished, keep tabs on all your doors and cabinets. Older houses have difficulty closing doors and cabinets because, over time, the exposure to constant moisture causes them to swell up. Lastly, look for discoloration on your baseboards or drywall. This might be a sign that mold or mildew is forming behind the wall. Even a dime-size mold on your exterior drywall or baseboard can signify that there is a lot more mold in the interior drywall.

It is highly recommended that with or without water damage, keep a residential dehumidifier in the basement at all times. However, in many cases, this will not be sufficient enough to keep your basement dry and healthy.

5 Star Cleaning 5 Star Cleaning provides water damage restoration Water Damage Restoration Services, mold and mildew removal, and equipment rental services.
Call your 5 Star Cleaning expert to see what kind of equipment they recommend for your basement to keep it dry and healthy. Having industrial dehumidifiers can go a long way in saving you thousands of dollars having to deal with mold and mildew removal.

5 Star Cleaning 5 Star Cleaning experts in Toronto can also direct you to high-risk areas in your basement that may need attention or repairs to avoid further damage. Any preventative measure is an extremely big advantage to avoid large repairs or restorations down the line.   Feel free to call your local 5 Star Cleaning Expert for a free phone call consultation today! 416-315-7562

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