Basement leaks can lead to structural damage to your building’s foundation. Repairing the leaks is the best solution to safeguarding the building’s foundation and stopping the growth of mould in your basement. Read on to learn some hidden dangers of delaying basement leak repairs for your Toronto property.
Living in Toronto and having a basement that has multiple leaks is a dangerous combination. Approximately 787 millimetres of annual rainfall is a common thing for Toronto. If you leave the leakage in your basement untreated, the basement’s structure might get damaged due to heavy rain. A timely repair can save the property and also save costs for further repairs.
Moreover, you can safeguard your basement from growing mould and insects. Some insects prefer damp areas in our house. If continuous rainwater leaks into the basement, it will soon become a breeding ground for insects. So let’s understand why basement leak is a common issue in Toronto.
Why Basement Leaks Are a Common Problem in Toronto
One of the main reasons for basement leaks in Toronto is the weather. The seasonal freeze and thaw cycles damage the foundation and create leaks in it. During the rainy season, water enters any cracks in the basement foundation, and when the temperature drops, the water in the cracks freezes and expands. The continuous cycle of freeze and thaw damages the basement.
Moreover, the old houses in Toronto may not have proper waterproofing. So, the old building foundations cannot keep out the rainwater. As a result, leaks develop in the basements of the old houses. Additionally, if there is no proper drainage system present in the area of the old building, excessive rain can damage the building’s foundation.
In such cases, basement waterproofing in Toronto can save your property from further damage.
Top Hidden Risks of Ignoring a Leak
If you deliberately ignore leaks in your basement, then you might face the following hazards. From the growth of mould to damaging the foundation, rainwater leakage can create a troublesome situation for you.
Mould & Mildew Growth
In damp areas, you can see the growth of mould and mildew rapidly. Within 24 to 48 hours, these health hazards can grow in your basement. As a result, those with allergies or respiratory issues may experience a worsening of their condition.
Structural Damage
If the cracks or leaks in your building have multiple locations, not repairing them in time may deteriorate the situation. Due to the freeze-thaw cycle, the cracks might get bigger, and you will experience severe structural damage to your property.
Electrical Hazards
If rainwater seeps into the basement through leaks, it can create a further risk for the residents. For example, having exposed electrical wiring in your basement means that water in contact with the electrical wire will increase the risk of electrocution.
Increased Repair Costs
Most annoyingly, you will have to pay for the repair of basement leaks. If the leaks are not repaired on time, they will increase in size and cause further damage to your basement foundation.
Let’s take a look at the following table to see how delaying the basement leak repair can raise issues in your house.
| Delay Duration | Common Issues Developed | Estimated Cost Impact |
| 1 Week | Mould patches, musty smell | $500–$1,500 |
| 1 Month | Foundation cracks, pests | $3,000–$7,000 |
| 3+ Months | Wall collapse, health risks | $10,000+ |
Table 1: Impact of Delay and Estimated Cost to Resolve the Issue
Health Implications for Your Family
Leaving basement leaks untreated can create a hazardous situation for your family. For example, the growth of mould in the damp areas of your basement can cause asthma or allergic reactions in children or elderly people in the house. Moreover, these moulds can also cause respiratory infections.
With a continuous damp environment inside the room, the humidity increases, which also makes the indoor air quality unhealthy. Such a situation is risky for children, elderly people, and most importantly, those with a weakened immune system.
To avoid these conditions, contact a Toronto basement leak repair service immediately.
Reduction in Property Value
The basement leak can reduce the value of your property in Toronto. Even if you want to sell it to a customer, you might not receive sufficient valuation of your property due to damage in your basement.
During the home inspection, the issue of a damaged basement might arise, which could scare off potential buyers.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
If your basement has multiple lakes, then you should watch out for the following warning signs. It will save you from further damaging your building.
- You notice stains of water on your walls and floors in the basement
- You can visibly notice mould in the basement, and the air seems musty
- Multiple cracks in the foundation, and you see a pool of water inside the basement whenever it rains
- You notice a white powder-like substance on your basement wall
- Musty odours or visible mould
What to Do If You Spot a Leak
If the basement has developed multiple leaks, don’t ignore them. Contact a service related to basement waterproofing in Toronto. Call the professionals to get the property checked properly. If possible, contact a licensed waterproofing specialist in Toronto and ask them what the best long-term solution would be for the leakage in your basement.
Contact a Waterproofing Professional, Get the Basement Fixed
If you own a property in Toronto and discover that your basement has leaks, don’t ignore the issue. Otherwise, it will deteriorate further and incur additional repair costs. Considering the rainfall in Toronto, the best solution would be to get a waterproofing solution for your basement.
Hire professionals and complete the task as soon as possible.
