Water Leaks: How To Prevent Them

Water leaks and inconsistent water pressures are challenges that every homeowner has to deal with. And rightfully so, as water damage to a home can cost thousands of dollars in repair costs. How can one prevent water leaks?


Preventing water leaks can be as simple as conducting frequent monitoring of possible culprits of water leaks. The first area of your home that you would need to check is your kitchen. Major appliances such as your sink, refrigerator and dishwasher have all the potential to have water damage. As so, make sure to inspect these appliances thoroughly. Check for leaks, blocked drains or any pipes that would need replacing. Another critical area to check in your home is your washrooms. Check your showers, sinks and toilets for leaky pipes and faucets. If there are any repairs that you are unsure of, don’t hesitate to call the services of a plumbing Toronto company.

Lastly, windows and door seals should also be checked for leakages. They can be detected as peeling paint or water streaks on windows. Inspect both interior and exterior surfaces of windows and doors, making sure that they are in good condition. Replace any damaged sliding or drywall whenever you determine that they have been compromised.

Water leaks can lead to serious damage financially and structurally to any homeowner. Without proper maintenance, these damages can cost thousands of dollars to mend. Make sure you remember some of the points discussed here to ensure that your home is in great condition.

Learn About ICF Construction

ICF construction stands for insulated concrete form structures. They are permanent structures that considered being of high quality and to be more durable than traditional construction materials.

ICF are hollow blocks that are stacked one after the other into the shape of a building. Strong steel reinforcement is then added within the forms then concrete is poured inside the forms. This structural design therefore provides ICF buildings a range of properties not available in other buildings.

For one, concrete forms provide significant energy savings to homeowners. ICF homes have thermal mass property which helps maintain consistent temperature throughout the home. It can therefore save up to 50% on heating and cooling costs as homeowners need not depend on their heating and cooling system as much.

Concrete homes as mentioned are durable structures that on the extreme can withstand severe weather. Where traditional wood-frame homes would be destroyed by tornadoes and earthquakes, a properly engineered ICF home have the sustainability to resist such conditions. ICF structures can withstand fire far longer than wood wood frame walls.

Insulated concrete forms are also environmentally friendly structures whose formation save a minimum of ten trees from being cut down. Furthermore, these structures do not contain any formaldehyde or other toxic gases that can affect the indoor quality of homes. Providing homeowners a healthier and cleaner living environment.

Insulated concrete forms can be a costly investment. But they are investments that pays themselves in the long run. Don’t let its high cost sway you.

Basement Insulation Tips

Proper insulation can make a difference to saving a homeowner hundreds of dollars in energy usage. Insulating basement walls is an easy way to retaining the heat in your basement and reduce your annual utility bills. By insulating your basements, you will also provide a comfortable living environment for your family. Here are some tips.

To start the insulation process, first inspect the condition of you basement. Look for surfaces with signs of moisture. Repair any leaks you find and allow your basement to dry out before you start insulting your basement. This is important as moisture can seep into the insulation material and therefore, promote mold growth. Also, check the edges of your basement window for air leaks and repair them as accordingly.

There are two ways to insulate your basement. You can choose to insulate it externally or internally. Insulating the exterior can take more time and hence, money. However, it is the best choice in better protecting the foundation of your home from moisture and cold weather. If you notice any cracks or leaks in your foundation, make sure you call a contractor to fix it for you. Never try to repair it yourself as it will only cost you more money in the long run if not done right. You can choose to install insulation above-grade or below-grade portion of your home’s foundation.

Comparatively, basement wall insulation done internally is a simpler and less expensive option to home insulation. Make sure you do your installations properly otherwise, your basement will be infested with moisture and mold growth problems. With this in mind, use non-absorbent material for the inner layer of the insulation. Do not use vapor barrier for basement wall insulation as it will prevent your walls from drying out during those hot summer periods.