Old homes in the Toronto area were built with clay pipes for footing and weeping tile. Clay pipes possess severe disadvantages compared to corrugated plastic pipes. Over time, clay pipes give in to the hydrostatic pressure and positive environment. They get damaged and clog up the lines, preventing water from flowing out efficiently. In this… Continue reading Corrugated Plastic Pipe for Weeping Tile
Imagine this: you stroll down to your basement, greeted not by cozy relaxation but by the chilling embrace of dampness. Your beloved belongings huddle in fear, shrouded in the musty air of a persistent leak. This is no nightmare, friend; it’s a waking disaster. But fear not, for within your grasp lies the power to… Continue reading Don’t get surprised by damp or leaky basement
To many homeowners, a sump pump can be one of the most important pieces of equipment in their home but how do you know if you need one or not? There are a couple things to look out for that will determine if a sump pump is required in your home. Let’s first talk about… Continue reading Do I Need a Sump Pump?
Basement waterproofing will safeguard your home from outside moisture and prevent your basement from flooding. Without question it is a good investment for your home, but how much will it cost you? This question can be difficult to answer as there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration to determine a price point.… Continue reading Cost of Waterproofing a Basement in Toronto
We all know that house floods can be a real pain, but imagine a sewage water flood! Sewer flooding is inconvenient, costly to clean up and recover damage and very dangerous for your health. Protect your Toronto and GTA home and your family by installing a backwater valve. This is a valve that is designed… Continue reading Backwater Valve installation & Benefits
A building’s current foundation can be strengthened and/or deepened through the process of underpinning. It is employed to increase the building’s usable space or to support the structure’s structural integrity. This is extensive, complex work requiring special permits and engineer drawings to be completed by a qualified, insured, and licensed professional. If done incorrectly, this kind of work can be very dangerous. The building could collapse completely if the work is not completed in accordance with code or if the house is not adequately supported while it is being done.
Underpinning or basement lowering, although expensive, can be necessary and well worth the money spent. Occasionally, events occur that cause the foundation to deteriorate. This can be a result of an aging home and normal wear and tear of the foundation, or it could be due to poor workmanship, damage from other repairs, climate changes, soil changes, natural events like flooding or an earthquake, or putting on an addition that adds weight that the existing foundation simply cannot support. These occurrences can cause the foundation to shift, and so it will no longer be able to safely support the home. Once the underpinning is done, you reduce the chance of having major structural problems. In the most basic terms, you are ensuring that your home’s foundation is sturdier, safer, and has an extended lifetime.
The other use of underpinning is to add more livable space to your home. It is becoming more commonly used in order to gain extra square footage, especially in older-type homes. Many older homes were never built with the intention of using the basement as a usable living space. Basements were only meant for storage purposes, such as storage for coal, oil tanks, or cold cellars for produce.
If you are looking for additional room and are not interested in moving, an underpinning can be a great option to look into. Underpinning can be a wonderful solution to adding the extra space you need, and the options for what you can do with this extra space are vast! With an underpinned basement, you can use the space for an extra bedroom, office, play space, entertainment room, or in-law suite. Many homeowners now use underpinning to create an apartment, which they can then rent out for an extra source of income.
In addition to these uses, the underpinnings will also expose the electrical and plumbing systems of the home. This can be useful as they can then be easily accessible for inspection, repair, or replacement if needed. In older homes, these systems are probably no longer up to code, so this gives the perfect opportunity to have them brought up to current standards.
Regardless of the reason for its underpinning, it has many benefits. The return on investment is more than worth it, as it will add a significant amount of value to your home! If you would like to know more about basement underpinning or are interested in having an inspection and estimate done, call Rooter-Man! We have many years of experience and always ensure that the job is done safely!
