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WATER IN YOUR BASEMENT DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN YOUR BASEMENT WALLS OR FLOOR IS LEAKING.

When talking about heavy rains, building leaks and basement leaks we need to take into account the role that gravity plays in bringing water to its final destination – the basement.
Consider this example: If your main floor kitchen sink is leaking behind the cabinet, do you think the water will reach your basement? Of course it will.

If during a rainfall you can see water coming through a crack in the foundation wall, then you have identified a basement leak. However, if your basement is finished, finding the cause of your leaky basement is more difficult and requires investigation.

Incorrect assumptions, inspection and lack of expertise are the main reasons homeowners spend money waterproofing a basement that isn’t actually leaking. If the source of the water in your basement isn’t properly assessed, you risk spending $1000s of dollars to fix a problem you don’t have!

THE EFFECT OF HEAVY RAIN ON YOUR HOME

When rainwaterwater penetrates the roofline, water enters your home. When you have a leaking roof, 90% of the time you won’t see water pouring out of your ceiling. In most cases, minor roofing leaks result in water travelling along the roof trusses and then down the wood framing of the interior walls support beams. It is common for rainwater to make its way to your basement. That “leaky” basement may not be leaking at all!

There are many possible weak points in your roof that water can penetrate. The only way to identify the location of a roof leak is to be in the attic during a heavy rain to see where the water is coming in. In many cases fixing the leak is as easy as re-sealing the spot where the water has entered.

Window and door frames (including patio doors) are inserts into large openings in the building, making it necessary to seal around the frames with caulking to prevent water from penetrating the building. Caulking shrinks and dries as it ages and  deteriorated caulking separates from doors, window frames and wall surfaces over time. When water comes into contact with deteriorated caulking, the water seeps into the building. Water, by gravity, drains down onto the top of the foundation wall(s) and often results in a leaky basement.

We are professionals and have been in the business for over 30 years. We can identify the cause of a leaky basement and provide you not only the most cost-effective solution, but also the right solution!

Hydrostatic pressure can easily drive ground water into the basement through gaps and cracks in the masonry. High water pressure also causes seepage through sold concrete. “Hydrostatic Pressure” means water pressure, and it’s a major cause of basement water problems.

In Canada, we also get the pressure from the ground freezing and thawing. In Nova Scotia, this is particularily common with the climate by the ocean.

The spring thaw not only has normal rain falling in the spring months, but the thawing of the ice and snow puts a lot of pressure on the foundation.

Pressure can come from all sides and even under the foundation. This is why it’s important to address basement leaks and cracked walls right away because it will cause more damage and cause the repair cost to go up even more.

Call us for a free estimate on your basement foundation needs: 1-888-612-5554

We offer a FREE estimate at your home. Just give us a call or send us a request from our website and we will book a time with you for your FREE estimate!

We serve central Nova Scotia (Truro to Digby and Liverpool to Sheet Harbor).

What to expect when we arrive to give you your estimate:

  1. Allow at least an hour of time
  2. Ensure the path to the basement is clear
  3. Be sure that the homeowner is present
  4. The technician will first ask you some questions
  5. The technician will need access to the area of concern
  6. The technician will analyze the problem
  7. The technician will then explain the possible solutions and provide a price
  8. Take the time to look at our short presentation the technician has for you, it’s very informative

We have solutions for any type of basement problem whether it’s a cracked foundation or you need a simple sump-pump. We have been keeping Nova Scotians dry for over 30 years!

Give us a call:
1-888-612-5554

This is the time of year to sit back, relax and enjoy some much needed time off. Spending time with your family and loved ones during the Holidays is what makes it special.

With the mild winters we’ve been having the past few years, the ground doesn’t stay frozen and of course that means water pressure on a cold basement wall. The last thing you want to worry about is a leak in your basement during the holidays. So, here are a few helpful tips:

1. If you see icicles coming down from the rain gutters on the roof, remove them.
2. Look for ice patches at the seam between your wall and the ground. If you have ice patches, use a de-icer to melt the ice. DO NOT USE SALT!
3. Ensure all your outside taps have the water turned off and they are properly drained of water. A burst pipe can cause water to leak in your basement too.

You can always call us for a FREE estimate, and we will be happy to find the source of the problem and provide you with the best and most cost-effective solution to fix the issue.

On behalf of all of us, we want to wish you a very happy holiday! If you are travelling during the holiday, please watch for changes in the weather conditions and give yourself extra time to get to your desination.

Here in the maritimes we don’t always get snow in the fall. We get lots and lots of rain. Combine the fall rain to the amount of rain we get in the spring and this is a recipe for basement foundation leaks.

Leaves can clog up the gutters causing the rain water to not follow the right paths to drain properly. The water the goes into the ground and puts pressure on the foundation wall. Changes in temperature, pressure and time are all that’s needed to make a basement leak.

In the spring, gutters can get clogged or blocked by ice buildup. Although it’s pretty to see the icicles hanging from the side of the house, this also means the water isn’t draining properly through the gutters.

Gutters are designed to make rain water flow away from your home. Gutters will channel the water into weeping tile, drain tile or rain barrels. If you’re using rain barrels, make sure to check them often as you don’t want them to overflow.

Clear gutters means you will channel the water away from your basement. Make sure to check and clean your gutters twice per year.

If you detect a leak in your basement or crack in your foundation call us right away! We will come to your home and give you a no-obligation free estimate and provide you with the right solution to permanently fix the issue. 1-888-612-5554

Basement leaks can be fixed quicker and for much less than you think! Aquatight Basements has been waterproofing basements in Nova Scotia for over 30 years.

Our interior waterproofing system is proven to not only stop your basement from leaking, but also to prevent your basement from leaking. Our work is guaranteed for the lifetime of your home.

Take a look at our Interior waterproofing video to give you a better idea of our interior waterproofing system:

Contact us for a free quote today! 1-888-612-5554

Water does more than just damage buildings.

It creates mould, disrupts families and businesses, and harms the structures’ integrity which can lower the value of your property. Fortunately, Aquatight Basements™ can help by stopping and preventing water damage.

At Aquatight Basements™, we have been waterproofing basement foundations since 1974. We know what works, and we can provide you with the most suitable solution to your basement’s water control problems. If the best solution is to waterproof your basement from the outside, we will use a mini excavator or hand dig if necessary.

Our system utilizes both air gap drainage membranes and structural waterproofing membranes for a permanent waterproofing solution that will last the life of the home.

Aquatight Basements™, recommends to install a structural waterproofing membrane which will effectively seal your foundation walls permanently for the life of your home. Self-adhered “SBS” (rubber) waterproofing membrane low temperature formulation to (-14°C) factory controlled thickness and has self-healing properties that make it last under tougher conditions. Originally designed for commercial construction, SBS waterproofing membrane is the best waterproofing available.

Water water everywhere! Over time water can find a way in through cracks in the wall, at the join with the wall and foundation stone or through cracks in the floor.

We do 3 major things when it comes to addressing a leaking basement:

  1. Assess the situation and find the source of the leak
  2. Repair the crack(s) and or foundation wall(s) and / or floor
  3. Install our system that will prevent the leak from happening in the future

Our Assess, Repair and Prevent system has proven to be the most effective system when it comes to fixing basement leaks. Assessing where the water is coming from is extremely important in the prevention process. Sometimes it’s as simple as replacing the gutters so the water flows and drains properly.

Many times the seal around the basement windows has deteriorated and allows water to come in. Window wells that do not drain the water properly can also cause water to pool and come in through any cracks. These factors need to be assessed by our basement leak professionals.

Many times the cost for the repair is much less than you might think. Also, leaving a problem unresolved can lead to a more costly repair in the long run. Aquatight offers FREE estimates so there’s no reason to call us if you have a basement leak or crack!

Come and see us at our booth from October 13 – 15 2017 at Exhibition Park in Halifax!

More info: http://www.idealwholehomeexpo.ca

FEATURES

The Home Show Theatre will include information about home décor and renovation, pets, home entertainment and more, including headliner…PAUL LAFRANCE from HGTV’s popular “Disaster Decks and Custom Built.”

IDEAL MARKET

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The Ideal Marketplace is a feature of the Ideal Whole Home Expo and will allow visitors the opportunity to enjoy home entertainment, wellness and lifestyle products right on the show floor. Sample and shop your way through products and services that make your home life more enjoyable. From gourmet food products to handcrafted giftware, to health & wellness at home, this feature is sure to inform and inspire

PET FEATURE

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Pets are a very important part of many homes these days. The Ideal Pet feature will focus on products, services and training/education for our companion animals.  There will also be education and demonstrations designed to help and inform pet owners on our main stage, during the three day event. While the facility does not allow pets as visitors, we hope that homeowners will enjoy bringing ideas and products back home to their fur-families.

Moisture is the most common problem in basements – either entering from outside sources or being produced inside by the occupant’s activities.

The soil around the walls can contain a large amount of moisture from surface water that is seeping down or from a high water table. Water can find its way inside by gravity or through a crack or flaw in the water protection layer of the foundation.

Water can also be pulled up by a “wicking action” or pushed up” by hydrostatic pressure from the soil under the walls or floor. In the summer, warm moist air from outside can enter the house and lead to condensation on the cool basement walls or floors.

Daily activities also produce moisture that can be trapped inside the home.

Basement moisture problems often include:

  • foundation cracks that leak
  • standing water
  • efflorescence (white, chalky stains)
  • wet decaying wood in contact with concrete
  • damp or moldy walls or floor
  • condensation on windows, pipes & other fixtures
  • wet insulation
  • moisture damaged finishes
  • musty or damp carpets
  • high humidity
  • stuffy, damp smells

Possible Causes of a Wet Basement

  • a leak in your home’s foundation
  • basement walls, window or door
  • poor lot drainage
  • failure of the weeping tile system (foundation drains)
  • overflowing eaves troughs
  • leaking/plugged downspouts
  • a blocked connection between your homw and the main sewer in the street
  • a back-up of wastewater in the sewer system (or a combination of wastewater and rainwater from the sanitary or combined sewer system)
  • failure of a sump pump (in some areas) used