There are several ways that basements can flood in Toronto due to rainstorms and overland flooding. Some common causes include:
Overflowing gutters and downspouts: If your gutters and downspouts are clogged or damaged, they can’t effectively channel water away from your home. This can cause water to build up around the foundation of your home and potentially lead to basement flooding.
Poor grading: If the ground around your home is not graded properly, it can cause water to pool around the foundation of your home, leading to basement flooding.
Cracks in the foundation: If your foundation has cracks or gaps, water can seep through these openings and into your basement.
Sewer backups: If the city’s sewer system becomes overwhelmed during a rainstorm, it can lead to sewage backing up into your home, including the basement.
Overland flooding: In some cases, heavy rain or a nearby river or stream can overflow and flood the surrounding area, including the basement of homes.
To prevent basement flooding in Toronto, it’s important to take steps such as maintaining your gutters and downspouts, properly grading the ground around your home, sealing any cracks in your foundation, and investing in flood prevention measures such as a sump pump or backflow valve. It’s also a good idea to have a flood emergency plan in place and to follow the guidance of emergency officials in the event of a flood.
Basements have been a common feature of Toronto homes for many years. The type of basement and foundation used in a home can vary based on the age of the home, the location, and the specific construction techniques used. Here is a brief overview of the history of basement types in Toronto, along with information on common foundation wall types:
1800s to early 1900s: Many homes built in Toronto during this time period had stone or brick foundations, with basements that were used for storage or as root cellars. Some of these homes also had crawl spaces, which are shallow basements that are only a few feet high.
Mid-1900s: As Toronto continued to grow, newer homes began to feature concrete foundations and basements. These basements were often used for additional living space or as a recreation room.
Late 1900s to present: In more recent years, Toronto has seen the development of newer types of foundation systems, including pile foundations and slab-on-grade foundations. Pile foundations involve driving long, sturdy columns into the ground to support the weight of the home, while slab-on-grade foundations involve pouring a concrete slab directly on the ground to serve as the foundation.
In terms of foundation wall types, there are several options commonly used in Toronto homes:
Concrete block: Concrete blocks are a common foundation wall type in Toronto. They are durable and easy to work with, making them a popular choice for both new construction and renovations.
Concrete: Concrete foundation walls are another common choice in Toronto. They are strong and durable, but can be more expensive to install than other options.
Poured concrete: Poured concrete foundation walls involve pouring liquid concrete into a form and allowing it to harden. This method allows for a more seamless, monolithic wall and is often used in newer construction.
Stone: Stone foundations are not as common in Toronto as they once were, but they can still be
