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Wet basements and settling foundations are a common problem in the Ottawa area. Whether it’s a poured concrete, block or stone foundation, there’s a good chance you have experienced moisture or water issues in your basement....
People who deal with the matter of egress windows know exactly what the key issues and questions are. Other people have never even heard the term before. The other day, I mentioned egress windows to a colleague...
Often a distressed or settling foundation will display observable warning signs. These include: cracked drywall and bulk heads; misaligned windows, doors and moldings; cracks in the foundation; water leaks from the basement wall or floor; cracked...
Radon is a natural radioactive material found in soil and groundwater. Radioactive decay of Radium 226 produces radon gas. An aroma-less, monochrome and flavourless radioactive gas is formed when the uranium ores are broken down....
Before undertaking any new build or foundation work, it is important to understand the makeup of the soil at the site. Across the Ottawa region, the soil composition can be quite varied and the only way to determine the actual soil makeup of your site is by drilling...
Expansive soils are present in certain parts of Canada and across the globe and they cause millions of dollars in damage to homes and buildings every year. Expansive soils, typically clay, can lift buildings and crack foundations, floors and walls....
Recently CBC’s Marketplace program featured an episode on spray foam insulation for houses. It’s an interesting and often controversial topic for homeowners. As people increasingly seek energy-efficient homes...
Water drainage problems lead to millions of dollars in damage for homeowners every year. By controlling water and properly waterproofing your foundation, you will prevent serious damage and help maintain the structural stability and integrity of your home....
Have you ever wondered how it’s possible for an ancient building like the Pantheon to still be standing? Well, the Pantheon does have the distinction of being the best-preserved old building in Rome but there are many other Roman buildings that share the same solid...
A humidity level of about 40 percent, and no greater than 45, is about right in the winter time. During very cold temperatures, a much lower level may be needed to prevent window condensation. To gauge your home’s humidity level, you’ll need a hygrometer....
It’s that time of year again! The leaves have fallen, the air is getting cold and you’ve begun digging around the house looking for those warm coats. Regular home maintenance is crucial to protecting the value of your home....
As winter approaches, many homeowners find themselves cozied up around the fireplace. Whether wood-burning or natural gas, a fire on a cold winter’s night is nostalgic and comforting. But fireplaces can be extremely dangerous if not properly maintained...
Imagine concrete with no gravel and no sand in it. Would it be strong? What would it be used for? And most importantly, what would you use in place of the gravel and sand? Well, if you’re Henry Louis Miller, an architecture...
The Ontario Building Code (OBC) 2012 sets minimum standards for sound transmission and fire resistance in multi-unit construction. The OBC requires that party walls and floor assemblies separating residential dwellings provide a minimum...
The main reason we “winterize” our pools is simple: it’s to prevent damage. Water expands when it freezes and can wreak havoc on the pool’s filter system, all its plumbing lines, and the pool itself. A secondary but also important objective is to keep the pool...