Category: News

Take Advantage of Toronto’s Basement Waterproofing Subsidy

Despite the fact that Toronto’s sewers were designed to withstand all storms, Toronto has been getting stronger storms, which have been brought about by rain which falls over a short span of time. This means an increase in the pressure on the sewer systems as well as overland systems of drainage. When the pressure from the storms becomes too severe, basement flooding occurs. To counter the effects of these storms, the City of Toronto Basement Protection Subsidy Program has been put in place with the aim of improving drainage systems.

 

What are the details of the subsidy program?

It’s always nice to receive some financial aid for a significant home improvement project, and luckily, the City of Toronto offers assistance for basement waterproofing. As of spring 2015, residential homeowners could get as much as $3,400 to fund certain qualified flood protection improvements, like storm sewer capping, severing pipes and sump pump installation.

There is a pipe severance subsidy, which extends up to $400, including labor costs, materials as well as taxes that are applicable. The sump pump subsidy is fixed at 80%, which is estimated to a maximum of $1750. This project will ease all basement flooding problems so as to improve the quality of life in the whole of Toronto.

Do you own more than one property built prior to 2009? The city’s Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program means you’re eligible for individual subsidies for each improvement project, and the initiative is intended to last for a few years.

Homeowners who want to apply can do so by reading the instructions and filling out the application form below.

• Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program Overview
• Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program Application

A DryShield expert can answer any questions you have about the program and assist you with the application process. Give us a call today at 1 (800) 277-5411.

 

What else can be done to prevent basement flooding?

Homeowners are also cautioned to embrace practices that can help to prevent basement flooding from occurring. Such practices include refraining from pouring grease down the drain, which hampers flawless flow of water. While constructing the home, it is advisable to maintain a sloping surface away from the home for easy drainage of water away from the house. Homeowners are also advised to fix leaks that may exist in their basement and around windows. All downspouts that direct water to the sewer system should be disconnected.

Using hard surface landscaping has also been seen as a reason for the failure in the drainage system. Therefore, installing soft-surface landscaping measures will help to curb basement flooding. All paving should be porous for easy movement of water away from the home compound.

 

Getting the most out of your waterproofing project

Subsidies have limits; to avoid exceeding them and having to pay out of pocket, you’ll have to choose your waterproofing plan carefully.

DryShield’s 25-year stay dry guarantee has earned us mention on Love It or List It and Holmes on Homes, and we’re serious about getting you your money’s worth. Our team offers a range of bleeding-edge waterproofing solutions designed for lasting performance in unique properties, so find out more about your options today.

Call now to speak with a DryShield waterproofing expert:
1 (800) 277-5411

Or, try our free Online Estimate Tool to calculate the cost of waterproofing your home.

DryShield Talks Waterproofing with Lowe’s Home Improvement Experts

Damp, musty basements are every homeowner’s worst nightmare. In extreme cases, condensation and water intrusion can make it impossible to finish a basement. Other times, hidden moisture problems can ruin all of the work that you’ve put into finishing the space. These are problems that homeowners and building contractors encounter regularly. Lowe’s Canada is also aware of these issues. To debunk some of the myths of basement waterproofing and to discuss current methods for controlling moisture problems, Fiona Wagner of Lowe’s talked to Jonathan McMahon, DryShield’s very own waterproofing expert.

Read the Lowe’s article here: http://www.lowes.ca/articles/waterproof-a-wet-basement_a840.html
 

Managing Moisture Problems

If your basement floods every time it rains or if your property has a high water table, water problems are going to be pretty obvious. However, latent moisture issues are difficult to detect. McMahon cautions that minor problems can cause major damage. For example, basement drywall or paneling can be 100 percent dry on a moisture meter, but the block foundation behind it can be letting in moisture. Water follows a path of least resistance. If you simply plug the cracks in your foundation, the water will find another way to enter your home.

For best results, McMahon recommends a permanent solution, such as internal drains and external waterproofing. The best option depends on the foundation material, basement configuration and geology of the property. In many cases, waterproofing experts will excavate around the foundation, apply rubberized urethane and install a new system of weeping tiles, also called French drains, which will direct water into a sump pump and away from the building.

 

DryShield Basement Waterproofing

DryShield offers a number of effective waterproofing systems that have been featured on popular home improvement shows, such as W Network’s “Love it or List it” and HGTV Canada’s “Holmes on Homes.” All of these services come with a 25-year stay-dry guarantee, and they have been successfully used by Wal-Mart, Scotia Bank and Ontario’s Pearson International Airport.

Call now to speak with a DryShield waterproofing expert:
1 (800) 277-5411

Or, try our free Online Estimate Tool to calculate the cost of waterproofing your home.