It’s official. Autumn is here! In the Greater Toronto Area, we’re already seeing the leaves changing colour. We’re also feeling the nights becoming cooler. Believe it or not, your home is feeling the difference in temperatures too. The fall season is known for bringing about household issues, especially in the basement. They are brought on by changing moisture, freeze‑thaw cycles and more frequent rainfall.
What are the biggest challenges faced by basements during the fall?
Increased moisture and rising humidity.
During autumn, outdoor humidity tends to rise. It’s brought on by rain and damp leaves, among other things. The basement of your home tends to trap more moisture at this time of year. Without good ventilation or waterproofing, this can lead to damp walls, condensation on pipes and a musty smell. Even small foundation or wall cracks can allow moisture to seep in and raise indoor humidity levels.
Problems only increase if your home has ineffective gutters and downspouts. Combined with improper landscaping, these issues can lead to water accumulating around your foundation. Poor insulation creates another dilemma. Without proper insulation, the contrast between warmth, moist air and cool basement walls could result in condensation. Not to mention, regular household chores, such as cooking and showering, enhance moisture levels.
Leaking and water intrusion.
The fall season is known for its many rainy days. Sometimes, it’s also the season of melting snow. All of this excess water can overload drainage systems, gutters and downspouts. It can also saturate soil around the foundation of your home. If drainage isn’t working properly, water will find its way into basements. Window wells and basement windows are common weak points. If they’re not waterproofed or drained properly, water can accumulate and leak through frames or sill joints.
“One of the major factors contributing to basement flooding is the lack of overland flow routes for storm drainage during extreme storms,” informs the Durham Region website, “A lack of proper controls on private property, such as downspout disconnection from sewer collection systems and proper lot grading are also contributing factors.”
Mould, mildew and poor indoor air quality.
It’s vital to highlight the fact that once moisture gets a foothold in your home, mould and mildew can grow. Fall’s cooler temperatures and damp conditions are ideal for fungi to flourish in dark, poorly ventilated basements. Musty smells are usually one of the first signs. If unchecked, mould spores can circulate through the home, causing health issues.
“There is increased recognition that exposure to indoor mould and dampness may contribute to the development of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory infections, as well as eczema,” alerts Health Canada, “The level of risk depends on the extent of mould growth, regardless of the species, how long it has been present, and the susceptibility and overall health of the individuals exposed.”
Are you planning a basement renovation?
2 Bro’s Plumbing provides professional basement plumbing rough-ins and finishing services. Our Durham Region-based, family-owned business has been trusted for quality work since 2015. We work with homeowners and contractors alike to ensure all plumbing rough-ins are set up to code, with a focus on efficiency and reliability. From bathrooms to kitchens or laundry areas, we make your basement plumbing dreams a reality.
Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 905-556-0790 or email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca for a free quote today! You may also fill out the form on our Contact page!
