Warmer days are just a little bit ahead. Although this might put a smile on your face, with the harsh winter weather that Southwestern Ontario received this year, it’s critical to be really prepared for the coming spring thaw.
Just this February alone, we had a double-digit snowfall accumulation in the Greater Toronto area and Southwestern Ontario. London specifically has experienced snow squalls and has since experienced sporadic heavy snowfalls throughout.
Since spring is about to blossom in mid-March, it’s important to always expect the worst. Spring’s wet weather can cause foundation cracks, leading to damage. Fixing issues early prevents bigger problems in the summer. For homeowners, wet basement repair will surely be in high demand, alongside exterior waterproofing and common crack repairs. [If you’re looking for a ‘basement waterproofing near me’, click here.]
If not addressed properly, foundation cracks can let water into your home, which could later cause more serious structural damage, flooding, and unnecessarily expensive repair costs. The root causes may be hard to detect right away, as they’re mostly caused by several different factors, like snow melt, heavy rain, flooding, and poor drainage. Such issues can be repaired by waterproofing your foundation or implementing carbon fiber repair, whichever your London foundation contractor thinks is best for your situation.
Fixing your foundation problems head-on can spare you any future hassle, and spring is the perfect time for those foundation repairs. Start by carefully detecting where the problem is coming from before you jump on waterproofing, so you can understand the gravity of the situation and develop an informed decision. As an expert in foundation fixes, we don’t recommend self-assessments though especially if it bothers you, as they may cause you more harm than good. Don’t make the mistake of googling “how do you waterproof a basement” and then do it yourself.
This article gives you expert insights and tips on how to keep your foundation in optimal condition so you can enjoy worry-free living throughout the year.
Warning signs to watch out for
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Foundation cracks
Small hairline cracks often appear before water intrusion. We recommend you inspect your foundations twice a year, in spring and fall. Power Foundations, a foundation repair company in London, Ontario, is dedicated to repairing minor to major cracks. Unlike simple caulking, proper repairs require epoxy fill application or carbon fiber.
Reach out to Power Foundations and get a free quote customized to your needs.
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Strong smell
A strong musty, stale smell is a major red flag when you enter any part of your house, especially the basement. It’s an obvious first sign of moisture problems that could be affecting your foundation for who knows how long.
To ensure safety, check for damp spots or mud on the floor. Keep in mind that a wet crawl space or basement isn’t just an inconvenience, it can cause sagging floors, attract pests, and lead to mold growth. Catching these issues early can help protect your home’s foundation.
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Water leaks [exterior waterproofing]
Spring thaw can reveal hidden foundation issues and they can pose safety hazards to your family. As snow melts, it increases groundwater levels from outside your house and puts a lot of pressure on your foundation, causing a wet basement. If you notice water leaks in your basement, don’t ignore them! They could be a sign of cracks or weak spots in the foundation. Even small leaks can indicate trouble.
As more water seeps through your home, it can widen existing cracks, weaken the structure, and lead to mold growth. Over time, this moisture can cause floors to shift, walls to bow, and even affect indoor air quality. The most effective way to address water leakage problems is to implement exterior waterproofing. This will ensure your house is leak-proof in the years to come.
If you’re wondering how much does it cost to waterproof a basement, contact Power Foundations for a free estimate.
Power Foundations has completed a similar project to address water intrusion into a basement. It was due to the rainfall pooling in one area because of negative grading towards the house. Apart from professional excavation and land grading, Power Foundations in London, ON installed a French drain system to deflect water away from soggy points or low points around the house foundation. Read more here.
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Eroding foundation
If you think you have an eroding foundation, don’t hesitate to search and reach out to a trusted ‘concrete contractor near me.’ Visible signs of foundation erosion include uneven floors, widening cracks in walls, gaps around windows and doors, or water pooling near the foundation.
If your foundation is left unchecked, erosion can cause significant damage. It can also make repairs more complex and expensive. Preventing foundation erosion starts with proper drainage. Ensure gutters and downspouts direct water away from your home, and consider grading your landscape to slope away from the foundation.
What you can do to protect your foundation amid spring thaw (preventive measures)
- Gutters. Ensure your eavestroughs and downspouts are clear of any debris and clogs so that water flows seamlessly and doesn’t pour over the sides.
- Downspout. During winter, downspouts tend to become disconnected or clogged. Check if they are working properly. It is also recommended to extend your downspouts and sump pump discharge at least 10 feet away from your house.
- Snow. When spring thaw is starting, try your best to shovel all the snow away from your foundation. It’s highly recommended to keep your yard sloped away to get rid of water and snow.
- Sidings and Windows. If you have basement windows that are vulnerable to accumulated water, you can install a plastic cover to make sure water from outside won’t penetrate your home. Another trick would be checking for gaps in windows and cracks in exterior walls that are wider than 1/16 of an inch.
- Walls. Check your whole property for cracks and have them assessed by a professional foundation company to ensure how you can address them. They would know if your property needs a foam crack filling or an exterior waterproofing project. Avoid doing self-assessments as you might end up having more repairs in the future if the cracks were left unchecked. For reference, see how we’re able to fix a crack with interior crack injection method.
- Air conditioning. Ensure water drains away from your foundation to prevent structural damage.
In case everything looks good on your end, you may want to consider going the extra mile and beautifying your place with some spring projects you’ve always wanted!
Waterproofing and other foundation projects that you can start this spring
Power Foundations provides expert foundation solutions for your home. Whether you want a traditional concrete foundation or a modern helical pile installation, we’ve got you covered.
Our helical piles are a cost-effective alternative to concrete foundations which can help strengthen your project because of their high load-bearing capacity. Not to mention that helical piles also require no downtime and curing, so you can enjoy your new amenities as soon as possible.
- Decks, elevated patios, or balcony
- House additions
- Gazebo and sunrooms
- Boat house and docks
For foundation repairs, Power Foundations offers a variety of solutions and methods personalized for your needs.
- Crack repair services
- Exterior or interior waterproofing
- Structural repair
- Carbon fiber repair
- Hydrojetting
- Spray and wrap
- Cutting and coring
The next steps: Foundation waterproofing and crack repair services
We understand how important it is to safeguard your home’s foundation from spring thaw. We’re here to help you manage the issues and provide expert, long-term solutions. Summer is also a great time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends, so we highly recommend doing all the necessary repair work and foundation projects as early as spring.
Warmer days are ahead of us and we want you to enjoy it to the fullest!
If you notice visible signs of foundation issues that you think might cause further damage when left untreated, feel free to call Power Foundations in London at 519-298-0478 or fill out an inquiry form here. Don’t delay your projects and spring into action this 2025!
