Trusted Tips and Resources

Trusted Tips & Resources

How to Fix a Sinking Foundation - Article By Trusted Saskatoon Contractors K & S Contracting

K & S Contracting specializes in foundation repair for homeowners across Saskatchewan. In addition, they also offer general contracting services to Saskatoon and the surrounding area. In their latest Trusted Saskatoon tip, K & S Contracting, Trusted Saskatoon General Contractors, and foundation specialists discuss steps you can take to fix a sinking foundation on your home.

HOW TO FIX A SINKING FOUNDATION

A sinking foundation is a serious issue that can occur in homes located in Saskatchewan. It can lead to uneven floors, cracked walls, and other structural problems. If left unaddressed, a sinking foundation can cause significant damage to your home and even pose a safety risk to you and your family. Here are some steps you can take to fix a sinking foundation on your home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.


Identify the cause of the sinking foundation

The first step in fixing a sinking foundation is to identify the cause of the problem. This could be due to soil settlement, poor construction, or water damage. Hire a professional foundation repair contractor like K & S Contracting to inspect your home and determine the cause of the sinking foundation.

Determine the extent of the damage

Once the cause of the sinking foundation has been identified, the next step is to determine the extent of the damage. This will help you determine the best course of action to take. K & S Contracting will assess the foundation and provide you with a report outlining the extent of the damage.

Choose the right repair method

There are several methods that can be used to fix a sinking foundation, including underpinning, foundation piering, and slabjacking. The method chosen will depend on the extent of the damage, the type of foundation, and other factors. K & S Contracting will recommend the best repair method based on their assessment.

Repair the foundation

Once the repair method has been chosen, K & S will begin the repair process. This may involve excavating around the foundation, installing foundation piers or underpinning, or injecting polyurethane foam to lift the foundation. The repair process can take several days or even weeks depending on the extent of the damage.

Monitor the foundation

After the repair is complete, it is important to monitor the foundation to ensure that it remains stable. Regular inspections by K & S Contracting can help identify any potential problems early on and prevent further damage to your home.

In conclusion, a sinking foundation is a serious problem that requires prompt attention. By identifying the cause of the problem, determining the extent of the damage, choosing the right repair method, and monitoring the foundation, you can fix a sinking foundation and protect your home from further damage. Contact Steve with K & S Contracting today to ensure that the repair is done correctly and to prevent future issues.

Is The Foundation Of Your Home Sinking? Article By Trusted Saskatoon Contractors K & S Contracting

K & S Contracting specializes in foundation repair for homeowners across Saskatchewan. In addition, they also offer general contracting services to Saskatoon and the surrounding area. In their latest Trusted Saskatoon tip, K & S Contracting, Trusted Saskatoon General Contractors, and foundation specialists, ask: is the foundation of your home sinking?

IS THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR HOME SINKING?

The foundation is the most important part of a house as it provides the necessary support to the entire structure. Any damage or issue with the foundation can lead to serious structural problems and safety hazards. One of the most common foundation problems is sinking, which can cause cracks in walls, windows, doors, and other structural components. Here are some signs that may indicate that the foundation of your home is sinking.


Cracks in walls and floors: One of the most obvious signs of a sinking foundation is cracks in walls and floors. Look for cracks that are wider than 1/4 inch, especially if they are diagonal or appear near windows and doors. Horizontal cracks may also indicate that the foundation is settling unevenly.

Uneven floors: If you notice that your floors are sloping or sagging, it may be a sign that the foundation is sinking on one side. Check if doors and windows are sticking or not closing properly, as this may also indicate a problem with the foundation.

Water pooling around the foundation: Water pooling around the foundation can cause soil erosion and weaken the foundation over time. If you notice water pooling around the foundation after rain or irrigation, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible.

Chimney leaning: Not many homes in Saskatoon have a chimney anymore, but if you have one of those amazing vintage homes and it does have a chimney, than a leaning chimney is a clear sign that the foundation is sinking on one side. If you notice that your chimney is leaning, it is important to have it inspected by K & S Contracting.

Cracks in exterior walls: If you notice cracks in the exterior walls of your home, it may be a sign of a sinking foundation. Look for cracks that are wider at the top than at the bottom, as this may indicate that the foundation is sinking on one side.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to have your foundation inspected by K & S Contracting as soon as possible. Ignoring foundation problems can lead to serious safety hazards and costly repairs down the line. K & S Contracting can identify the cause of the problem and recommend the best course of action to fix it. Don’t wait until it’s too late – address foundation issues as soon as possible to protect your home and family. Contact Steve with K & S Contracting today. 


Trusted Saskatoon Contractors K & S Contracting Share 5 Signs Your Basement is Leaking

K & S Contracting specializes in foundation repair for homeowners across Saskatchewan. In addition, they also offer general contracting services to Saskatoon and the surrounding area. In their latest Trusted Saskatoon tip, K & S Contracting, Trusted Saskatoon General Contractors, and foundation specialists, share 5 signs your basement is leaking.

5 SIGNS YOUR BASEMENT IS LEAKING

Basements are an integral part of any home, especially in Saskatoon, and it’s important to keep them dry and free from leaks. A leaky basement can not only cause damage to your home but can also create a health hazard by promoting mould growth. Here are five signs that your basement is leaky and in need of repair.



WATER STAINS

One of the most obvious signs of a leaky basement is the appearance of water stains on the walls or floor. These stains are usually brown or yellow in colour and can indicate that water is seeping into your basement. In addition, you may also notice discolouration or efflorescence, a powdery substance that forms on the surface of the wall due to water evaporation.


MUSTY ODOUR

A musty odour in your basement can also indicate the presence of water. This odour is caused by mould and mildew growing in damp areas, which can be a sign of a leaky basement. If you notice a musty odour in your basement, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible, as mould can be harmful to your health.


PEELING PAINT OR WALLPAPER

If you notice that paint or wallpaper in your basement is peeling or blistering, it could be due to exposure to moisture. This can be a sign of a leak, as the water is causing the adhesive to break down and causing the paint or wallpaper to peel away from the wall.


CRACK IN THE WALLS OR FLOOR

Another sign of a leaky basement is the appearance of cracks in the walls or floor. These cracks can be a result of settling or shifting, or they can indicate that water is entering your basement through a weakness in the foundation. Inspecting these cracks by a K & S Contracting professional is important to determine the cause and the best course of action. As this could be 1 of the 5 signs your basement is leaking.


HIGH HUMIDITY LEVELS

If you notice that the humidity levels in your basement are consistently high, it can be a sign of a leak. High humidity levels can cause condensation on walls and floors, which can promote mould growth and other health hazards.

In conclusion, if you notice any of these 5 signs in your basement, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and to maintain the overall health and safety of your home. You need to consult with K & S Contracting owner, Steve Ostapiw to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. By taking care of your basement, you can ensure that it remains a safe, dry, and healthy living space for years to come.


Trusted Saskatoon Contractors K & S Contracting Discuss Different Types of Basement Foundations

K & S Contracting specializes in foundation repair for homeowners across Saskatchewan. In addition, they also offer general contracting services to Saskatoon and the surrounding area. In their latest Trusted Saskatoon tip, K & S Contracting, Trusted Saskatoon General Contractors, and foundation specialists, share the types of basement foundations.

TYPES OF BASEMENT FOUNDATIONS

There are 3 main basement foundations found in Saskatoon and the area, they are: 


  1. Full Basement Foundations 
  2. Daylight Basement Foundations 
  3. Crawl Space Foundations

FULL BASEMENT FOUNDATIONS

This type of basement is generally found on a 2 story or a bungalow home.  A bungalow is a home in which you walk up to the front door, and generally, there are only 1 or 2 steps to the door. Once you walk into the home you have a full staircase to go into the basement.  A full staircase is 13 to 16 steps. For both a 2-storey or a bungalow the windows in these types of homes are smaller, generally the opening about 24 inches at ground level. 

Full basements can either be finished or unfinished; finished basements are insulated and installed with drywall and flooring, providing living and storage space. Unfinished basements are not insulated and their walls and floors are left bare. 

This type of basement is one of the most expensive foundations to build and can be susceptible to mould and moisture. 


DAYLIGHT BASEMENT FOUNDATIONS 

This type of home is generally found in a home with a walk-out basement. As their name suggests, daylight basements let in some natural light and aren’t as susceptible to mould or moisture. This type of basement is perfect for a homeowner who wants a patio or access from their basement to outdoors.  


CRAWL SPACE FOUNDATIONS

Crawl space foundations are elevated several feet off footings, leaving a small protected space (usually three or four feet) between the ground and the base of the building. The foundation walls are built partially underground and shorter than basement foundation walls, making crawl spaces a happy medium between standard foundations and basement foundations. They are deeper than standard foundations and more shallow than basements.

Though they eliminate the possibility of having a finished basement, crawl spaces provide easier access to piping or plumbing than standard foundations. They also encourage more airflow underneath the building, which helps keep things cool in warmer climates. Crawl spaces are the least expensive type of basement foundation since they don’t require as much excavation. 

Do you know what type of basement foundation your home has and if it’s susceptible to moisture?  If you aren’t sure,  we recommend you call Steve immediately and ask him to provide you with the information you need. Not sure if you should purchase the home if it has foundation issues, check on Steve’s blog here. 


Developing Your Basement With Trusted Saskatoon Contractors K & S Contracting - Part 2 of 2

K & S Contracting specializes in foundation repair for homeowners across Saskatchewan. In addition, they also offer general contracting services to Saskatoon and the surrounding area. In their latest Trusted Saskatoon tip, K & S Contracting, Trusted Saskatoon General Contractors, and foundation specialists, they continue last month's blog on Developing your Basement. This is Part 2.

DEVELOPING YOUR BASEMENT - PART 2

Many basements are little more than a place to collect cobwebs and store stuff. However, fixing a full-height basement can increase the usable living space in your home at a lower cost than adding on. Basements can be turned into any one of several living areas: bedrooms, rec room, or office space. 


Changing a concrete dungeon into an inviting living area can be a challenge, and not every basement is a good candidate for finishing. And this time, we are going to review the key considerations for conversion including lighting, ventilation, and dressing up those window wells.  Although you can do some of the work yourself, hiring K & S Contracting can save money and headaches. 



WHERE IS THE LIGHT? 

Basements that walk out usually have an abundance of light; however, when the only light is from small, ground-level windows, the basements can be dark and uninviting. The first step is to clear away shrubbery from existing window wells to make the most of what natural light there is available. If the basement is served by a steel bulkhead, a door with glass lights can be installed at the bottom of the steps and the bulkhead doors left open when the weather is nice. 

The options listed above, don’t always do the trick, so lighting needs to be added to the ceiling. Depending on the area you have to work with, you will have different options. Some of them include track lighting, recessed lighting or “can” lights can be added as spot or flood lamps. These lights allow you to add a dimmer switch which gives you more lighting flexibility. 


VENTILATION ISSUES

If you only go down to the basement occasionally, musty, damp air may be something that you can tolerate. But once the basement becomes a true living space, some form of ventilation is crucial in controlling air quality. Using reverse fans work, in winter they draw in fresh dry air from outdoors, and in summer moist air can be pumped out of the house. If the home already has a forced air heating system then the basement can become another area. 


HOW TO DRESS UP THE WINDOW WELL

It’s hard to enjoy the view out of a basement window if all you see is a when all you see is corrugated steel. Changing that dreary scenery may be easier than you think. You can add a view of the seashore, mountains, woodlands, desert or golf course with Scenic Window Wells’ WELL liner. These are weather-resistant polystyrene liner that slips into a standard window well. The window well liners will allow you to imagine you are on vacation to the ocean or on the golf course. 

There’s a lot to think about when you convert your basement into a bright, welcoming living area, when trying to make the decision to develop your basement, we recommend you call Steve and ask him to provide you with your options and costs. Once the work is done, you won’t be sorry about the decision. 

Categories

Previous Posts

ADDRESS

S & E Trusted Online Directories Inc
TrustedSaskatoon.com
310 Wall St #209
Saskatoon, SK   S7K 1N7
Ph: 306.244.4150

GET THE APP

App Store Google Play
Follow us on Facebook Instagram Linked In Twitter YouTube RSS Feed
Abex
Abex
Stevies
Sabex
NEYA
Website hosting by Insight Hosting