FAQs
Q: What areas does your company service?
A: We currently service most of the Ottawa Valley and
surrounding areas. Unfortunately we are not licensed to work in
Quebec at this time. To ask if we'll come to your area, please call
us at 613-225-6322 email us at
info@ottawafoundationcontractors.com
Q: Why does my basement leak?
A: Your basement leaks due to the seepage of water through
cracks. Cracks appear due to the lateral and hydrostatic pressure
of water acting against your home.
Q: How serious is my water problem?
A: Water will cause bulges in the floors and walls,
bubbling of paint, deterioration of concrete, as well it can
attract mould. Moulds give off a musty smell which can contribute
to allergies and asthma as well as other health
problems.
Q: What is the best procedure to repair a cracked
concrete foundation wall?
A: There are multiple ways to repair a cracked wall. To
permanently seal a crack, the best course of action would be to
waterproof your exterior foundation. This will be a one time
investment that will last for a lifetime.
Q: Why do surface repairs fail?
A: Surface repairs fail because the crack isn't fully
sealed. The seal only covers the surface of the concrete where
water can get through the edge of the patch.
Q: How does crack injection work?
A: There are 3 steps: 1) Drill holes along the crack 2)
Seal and install injection ports 3) Inject sealant
Q: Can a crack in concrete get wider?
A: Yes. Homes are constantly shifting during the seasons.
This shifting movement of the home can affect the size of the
crack.
Q: Does a crack in a concrete wall that is not leaking
need repair?
A: This is up to you. Some people choose to hold off on
repairs to finish their basement but once water finds its way
through the crack, it will be more costly to repair any leak plus
damage to drywall, insulation, and flooring.
Q: I have cracks in my basement wall and I've been told
I need to install "weeping tiles". Do I have to spend thousands of
dollars to keep my basement dry?
A: Weeping tiles are the underground pipes surrounding
your home that drain any water build up. They are crucial in
protecting the integrity of your foundation walls. It is important
to know that once the cracks are properly sealed, the basement will
remain completely dry.
Q: When to use epoxy or flexible resin
injection?
A: Epoxies cure as soon as it is injected. It is not
flexible and harder than concrete. The only time epoxy should be
used is if there are structural problems to your home. If you're
not sure if the crack is structural, an engineer can examine the
affected area and provide a recommendation.
Q: I have cracks in my basement wall and I've been told
I need to install "underpinning posts". Do I have to spend
thousands of dollars?
A: If you are not sure of the nature and seriousness of
the cracks, an engineer can determine it and provide a recommended
course of action.
Q: Can I do the repair by myself?
A: Absolutely, if you follow the procedure step by step, you can
seal a crack permanently. However if it is not done correctly, you
can expect to spend even more money on redoing the repair than you
would have in the first place.
Q: Are you a member of the Better Business
Bureau?
A: We are an accredited business of the BBB in
Ottawa.
Q: My basement is unfinished and I rarely go down there.
Why should I bother fixing it?
A: There are a number of reasons including prevention
of future cracks in your wall and water leakage. It can also
sustain your property value and potentially add more living
space. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has an
excellent publication: About Your House, Water damage, mold
and house insurance
Q: I am going to be selling my house soon. Should I fix the
problem before I sell it?
A:
Absolutely! The basement is the most important part of your home. A
fixed basement can be the deal breaker that gets the customer to
buy or run. A fixed basement not only raises property value for
your home, but also ensures the potential buyer that they won't
have to spend thousands of dollars on constant crack repairs.
Q: How much is it going to cost to have my basement
fixed?
A: It
will depend on the amount of work needed. This can include labour,
permits, materials, etc. Our estimator will recommend the most
economical solution for your specific problem.
Q: My basement is completely finished. Will you be able to
fix my problem?
A:
Ofcourse! The estimator will give you the option of having
repairs done externally. If not, we can repair internally with
minimal disruption to your basement.
Q: What happens if the problem comes back after you do the
work?
A: We
strive to serve our clients with the quality and respect they
deserve. If you advise us of a problem, we will thoroughly review
your file and determine the cause and solutions to correct it.
Q: There's interlocking stone on one side of my house and
asphalt on the other. Will this stop you from making an exterior
repair?
A: As a
full-service waterproofing contractor, we can remove and replace
any pavers, asphalt or stone to complete your repairs.
Q: Can I just fix one small area?
A: Yes. At the end of the day, it is YOUR basement and
YOU have the choice to repair your basement any way you'd like. We
will not pressure you to waterproof the entire basement. However,
if we feel that you will continue to have problems, we will advise
you to waterproof the entire wall.
Q: I saw some waterproofing stuff at the hardware store.
Can't I just fix it myself?
A: Of
course, although the products at local stores tend to produce
limited results. We are professionals with access to specialized
industrial products not available to the public. We've had
countless help requests from people who've tried fixing their
problem themselves so we recommend seeing a professional.
