Frequently Asked Questions

The most common causes are groundwater seeping through cracks or the joint between the wall and floor, surface water from short downspouts or poor grading, failed or clogged weeping tile, and condensation on cool walls in humid weather. An assessment looks at when and where the water appears to narrow down the source.

Interior waterproofing manages water that reaches the wall, usually with a drainage channel at the base of the wall, a membrane and a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing involves digging down to the footing to coat the wall, add a drainage membrane and install new weeping tile. Each has its place, and the choice depends on the foundation, the water source and the property.

Yes, in many cases. Cracks in poured concrete walls can often be sealed from inside with crack injection, which fills the crack through the full thickness of the wall. Block and stone foundations usually need a different approach.

Not every house, but many homes with weeping tile or interior drainage rely on one. If your basement takes on water during heavy rain or spring thaw, a sump pit and pump are often part of the solution.

Discharge should flow well away from the foundation so it does not soak back into the soil around the house, and the route should be planned so the line does not freeze in winter. Municipalities can have rules about sump discharge, so the installation should follow local requirements.

Often, yes. A musty or earthy smell usually means moisture is lingering and mould may be growing somewhere, sometimes out of sight behind finished walls or under flooring. Finding and fixing the moisture source is the first step.

Small spots of surface mould on hard surfaces can often be cleaned by a homeowner using gloves, eye protection and good ventilation. Growth that covers a large area, keeps returning or has spread into drywall or insulation is better handled professionally, along with the moisture problem behind it.

Stay safe first: avoid standing water near electrical outlets or appliances and shut off power to the area if it is safe to do so. Remove water and wet materials as quickly as you can, take photos for your records and your insurer, and start drying the space to limit mould growth.

We serve Brockville, Prescott, Gananoque, Athens, Lyn, Mallorytown, Maitland and the 1000 Islands area in Ontario.

We look at the walls, floor, any existing drainage and sump pit, and the outside of the house, including grading, downspouts and window wells. We ask when water or odours appear, explain what we find and recommend the work that fits your situation.

Interior work can usually be done in any season. Exterior excavation depends on ground conditions, so frozen soil or very wet periods can affect timing. The best time to start planning is as soon as you notice a problem, before it grows.

Coverage varies widely between policies and insurers. Some types of water damage may be covered while others, such as gradual seepage, may not be. Check your policy and speak with your insurer about your specific situation.