Trusted Tips and Resources

Trusted Tips & Resources

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 at Liftech Concrete Levelling Explains Why They Use Polyurethane When Lifting and Levelling Concrete

Trusted Saskatoon Contractor Liftech Concrete Leveling Inc is your go-to Trusted Saskatoon Contractor for lifting and levelling sunken and uneven concrete. Traditional mud jacking, or slab jacking, is a remedy that’s been used for decades to raise sunken slabs. Now there’s a newer, longer-lasting alternative available from Liftech Concrete Leveling, in their first tip they share the benefits and why they use Polyurethane. 


Why Poly? 

Plain and Simple ...it LASTS! 


Concrete is the second-most used substance on Earth, only surpassed by water.

While it’s long-lasting, it doesn’t stay in good condition forever. Aged concrete is prone to all sorts of damage, making it both an eyesore and a safety issue.


Mudjacking and polyurethane injections are two of the most common concrete repair methods in use today. They have a similar purpose of repairing and leveling old or damaged concrete. Despite their similarities, it’s important to know what sets these two methods apart to choose the best method for your project.



Traditional mudjacking, or slabjacking, is a remedy that’s been used for decades to raise sunken slabs. Now there’s a newer, longer-lasting alternative available from Liftech Concrete Leveling that replaces the sand and clay-based grout mixture typically used for concrete leveling with a two-part polyurethane product that expands to fill voids, providing a cushion of support and raising the concrete. The lightweight polyurethane concrete lifting material is available in several formulas designed for different applications. One of the key benefits of using polyurethane is that it is formulated with the exact characteristics needed for specific jobs. We can provide lifting foams that are engineered to support heavy loads such as raising highways and industrial slabs. Standard foams for raising sidewalks and other residential concrete. As well as foam designed to set up in, and displace water.

The two liquid components that combine and react to create the polyurethane foam are mixed at the tip of the injection gun. When this mixture is injected beneath the concrete it will flow like water into any voids present for about 15 seconds before the chemical reaction takes place. When this reaction takes place, the foam expands to 25 - 30 times its liquid volume within 45 seconds. Fifteen minutes after the material sets, it reaches full compressive strength. Because of the characteristics of the material and how it is delivered, polyurethane can cover a larger area in less time. Our polyurethane is 100% hydro-insensitive meaning it won’t break down in the water, erode or leach into soils. The only thing in nature that will break down polyurethane is ultraviolet light. Because it is impervious to moisture the physical characteristics and volume of cured foam are unchanged by the frost or seasonal changes in our climate. Despite these benefits, you may be left wondering how long foam jacking lasts. While mudjacking usually lasts 2-5 years, polyurethane can last much longer if properly maintained.

The application process of void filling and lifting a concrete slab with polyurethane is similar to traditional mudjacking. Polyurethane expands to lift the concrete versus building pressure to get a lift with mudjacking. Another big benefit to the use of polyurethane is that the size of the holes drilled in the concrete to pump the product is relatively small in comparison to the holes needed for mudjacking.

Whether your project is residential, commercial, industrial or municipal Liftech has many answers to Saskatchewan property owners' concrete problems. Our polyurethane foams are the newest material being utilized in the concrete raising industry and Liftech is proud to be leading the way!



If your sinking concrete dragging down the value of your property... GIVE IT A LIFT, it's a fraction of the cost of replacement!


Contact them today to book a no-obligation FREE ONSITE QUOTE TODAY!


Liftech Concrete Leveling Is Your Trusted Saskatoon Concrete Leveling Expert!

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. 


Advantages of a Walkout Basement 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, share the advantages of a walkout basement.

ADVANTAGES OF A WALKOUT BASEMENT

Walkout Basements are designed so you can walk out the main floor of your home. Quite often, this basement design incorporates a wall with windows and a door that you can walk out of on the ground level, and it may have a raised patio or covered roof from the upper floor of the house to cover this entrance.


Some of the advantages of a walk-out basement include full-size windows in your basement. Full-size windows allow more natural light into your space. If you are looking to grow plants or use a portion of this space as a workspace, it is always well lit naturally. 


MORE LIVING SPACE

Generally, a walk-out basement is the same square footage as your upper living space, based on this, you have more living space. Walkout basements can be transformed into mudrooms that neatly hold shoes, backpacks and other items for coming in and out of the house. When put to its best use, a walkout basement provides endless ways to gain square footage in your home without enlarging its footprint.

ACCESS TO THE OUTDOORS 

Because you have built your home with a walk-out basement, you literally have access to the outdoors from this level. Typically you will have a door that allows you to walk right into your backyard creating a hosting space or second living room that leads into the backyard for seamless entertaining; or as an indoor/outdoor playroom for the kids. 

SEPARATE APARTMENT FROM YOUR WALKOUT BASEMENT

Based on the amount of space you have in your walkout basement, many people use this space to create a separate apartment. A private door to the outdoors makes a walkout basement ideal for a standalone apartment where older children can live or as a complete in-law suite for flexible multi-generational living. If you’re looking to supplement your income, you might consider turning your walkout basement into a rental apartment where the tenants can come and go as they please without needing access to your home from the side door.  

There’s a lot to think about when you are picking a home design, do you know the advantages of a walkout basement? If you don’t we recommend you call Steve immediately and ask him to provide you with your options and costs

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