Foundation and basement improvements

Flooded basements; how to start fixing a basement flood
Basements improvements

Basement full of water? How to start fixing the damage from a basement flood

All basements are prone to flooding, which is why we don't really like basements much. So, if it's your turn to look with dismay at your unplanned basement pool and wonder what to do next to fix things, read this guide and we will try our best to help. Flooded basement? That really sucks... Basement flooding can be…

A close up of a concrete crack being repaired with self healing concrete
Foundation and basement improvements

Self-healing Concrete: The Definitive Guide to Self-Repairing Foundations

Discover how self-healing bio-concrete, smart mortar, and crystalline parging allow foundations to repair their own cracks, preventing leaks in 2026 home building. Self-healing concrete: how bacteria in concrete works to heal itself. The construction industry is witnessing a shift toward resilient and autonomous…

Basements improvements

Repairing Damp Basements: Why Encapsulation is the Best Upgrade for Older Foundations

Upgrade your existing foundation for better air quality and efficiency. Learn how to repair damp basements and crawl spaces using mineral wool, dimple mats, and 20 mil liners. Basement and crawl space encapsulation: a homeowner's and pro's guide Basement and crawl space encapsulation is a comprehensive moisture…

Waterproof floor screeding with underfloor hydronic heating
Basements improvements

The ultimate guide to basement under floor heating and waterproof floor screeding

Turn an old damp basement into useable living space with proper waterproofing, insulation and a nice under floor heating system. In many homes, basements are increasingly being converted into functional, comfortable, and often very livable spaces, but getting them to be warm, dry, and usable poses a unique set of…

Why basements flood and how to prevent that with a sump pump
Basements improvements

Why basements flood & how to prevent flooded basements

Basements flood, full stop. As a hole in the ground similar to a swimming pool, once all is done to stop water getting in, we then need to remove any water with a sump pump, a sump pump battery backup & maybe a sump pump alarm to stop basements flooding. Spring flooding of basements is very common and most times can…

Finished basements can lead to mold and mildew
Basements improvements

Why are basements moldy? How to fix or prevent a moldy basement

Basement mold and mildew can easily be avoided with better designed walls. Common building practices trap moisture in wall assemblies preventing them from drying. That musty, moldy basement smell that we have come to accept as unavoidable, is actually quite avoidable. The solution is really quite simple - stop…

Insulating crawlspaces as part of home renovation
Crawl spaces

How to insulate crawlspaces properly as part of renovating an older home

Crawlspaces are becoming rare for new home construction in USA & Canada. If you've got a crawls space with damp, mold, odor & cold issues, here's how to insulate it properly to fix it permanently & have a more comfortable home. Crawlspace insulation - be careful to get it right A crawlspace comes with all the…

Crawl Spaces or Slab on Grade Foundations?
Crawl spaces

Should I build on a slab on grade foundation or a crawl space?

One of the first decisions when building a home is what type of foundations to sit your home on - cold-climates, termites, problem expansive clay soils, insulation & vapor & radon barriers all need to be considered. What is the difference between a slab on grade and a crawl space? A slab on grade, or ‘frost…