Blog Posts
What is the Strongest Foundation for a House?
There are different types of foundations that can be used, and here’s what you need to know about which is best for your Hamilton home.
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When To Worry About Foundation Cracks
Here are a few tips to help you determine whether a foundation crack is something you can repair as a weekend DIY or whether you need to call in the pros.
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Can Waterproofing Be Done in the Winter
When the weather turns and winter arrives in Hamilton, many homeowners think that most home renovation projects need to come to a halt, as projects can't be completed in the winter. This, however, is not...
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Tips to Protect Your Foundation Against the Cold
As the weather gets colder, the frigid temperatures can have an impact on various parts of your home – including the foundation. Here are a few tips for protecting your home’s foundation against the cold.
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What to do about a crumbling foundation
Discovering that the foundation of your Hamilton home is starting to crumble, can be extremely upsetting. Fortunately, it is also a problem that can be fixed.
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Do I Need Basement Underpinning?
The basement in any Hamilton home can be a source of worry for homeowners since that is where many problems are likely to occur. Issues with a basement or foundation of a home can cause a lot of headaches and can be costly to repair.
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Why is Water Seeping Through My Hamilton Basement Walls?
Have you ever gone down into the basement of your Hamilton home and noticed a little water on the ground or walls? Water seeping into the basement of homes, especially older ones, is a widespread problem,...
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Do Helical Piers Really Work?
If you are doing foundation work on your Hamilton home, it may be recommended that you use helical piers. But what are they, and do they really work? This article will discuss why helical piers may be...
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Most Common Plumbing Emergencies
Being a homeowner comes with some surprises, including plumbing emergencies that you must deal with immediately. Here are some of the most common emergencies.
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Did the winter cold cause the cracks in your foundation to grow?
Hamilton, like many other Canadian cities, has some cold, harsh winters. Even though Canadians may be used to the cold weather our winters bring, the foundations of our homes have a hard time adjusting to the freezing temperatures. When you've had issues with your foundation, you may wonder if the cold will make those issues worse or if you can wait until the next year to fix them. Here's what you need to know about the cold and your foundation issues.
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Is It Safe to Live In a House With Foundation Issues?
Damp odour in your basement or cracks forming on your walls and ceiling are signs of foundation issues. Before you panic, here’s what you should keep in mind.
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What's The White Stuff on my Basement Walls?
The name for the white, chalky substance on your basement walls is efflorescence and while it isn't dangerous or toxic, it is a sign of basement water problems.
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Protect Your Basement From Melting Snow
In order to prevent flood basement or growing cracks from melting show, it’s important to take care of any foundation issues you may have with your Hamilton home now.
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Can Tree Roots Cause Foundation Problems?
You’ve recently bought a new home with an abundance of beautiful trees on your property. As much as you may love trees, you worry when they’re too close to your home. After all, won’t their roots lead...
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How Long Does Foundation Repair Last?
If you’ve ever experienced a foundation problem such as bowed walls or massive wall cracks, you’ll want to ensure it never happens again. Fortunately, there are long-term foundation repair solutions available that should last a minimum of a few decades and come with a lifetime warranty. Here’s what you should know about getting a quality foundation repair that will last.
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Does Basement Waterproofing Increase Home Value?
With basements being one of the most common places for water leaks to occur, getting your basement waterproofed is a great selling feature.
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Which basement waterproofing system is best?
There are generally three approaches to waterproofing a basement – so how do you choose the best one for you? Here’s what you need to know.
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When Is Exterior Basement Waterproofing Necessary?
One of the best ways to prevent a flood from happening is by completing exterior basement waterproofing. Here’s what you should know about this process
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Keeping Pipes from Freezing in your Crawl Space
The reason why water pipes in crawl spaces are so prone to freezing is that these spaces allow cold air in to circulate around the pipes. The good news is, there are some simple steps that homeowners in Hamilton and Burlington can take to help prevent freezing of these pipes.
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What Is Polyurethane Crack Injection?
Polyurethane injection is a method of repairing basement cracks that works by injecting cracks with a foam rubber seal. This method works best on concrete walls and slabs, but is not suitable for block construction.
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Waterproofing vs. Damp-Proofing
Damp-proofing has been done on buildings for decades and is often mistakenly referred to as waterproofing. This technique keeps soil moisture out of the basement of your home using a coating process.
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Does Foundation Repair Require a Permit?
Generally speaking, minor repair work such as waterproofing does not require a permit however other more extensive repairs, such as those that require excavation and underpinning do.
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What is the Code for Egress Windows?
If you are a homeowner in the Hamilton or Burlington area – and your home has a full basement – then you should strongly consider egress windows for your basement.
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Can a House Collapse from Foundation Issues?
Even if one of your basement walls were to collapse, it is unlikely that it would take out the entire house. It would however, cause some major structural damage. It could also damage your plumbing and cause extreme water damage.
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Can Foundation Issues Really be Fixed?
Thankfully, most foundation issues can be fixed – although the cost to do so will vary depending on the extent of the damage.
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Why Proper Landscaping is Important for Your Home’s Foundation
Proper landscaping is vital for maintaining your home’s foundation, and a good foundation is essential for your home's general functionality.
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Are Window Wells a Good Idea?
With winter’s darkness also arriving, you may be looking for ways to bring more light into your house. Window wells may be just what you’re looking for – but it’s important to know all the facts before deciding for sure.
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What You Should Know About Cracked Foundation Inspections
Cracks in a home’s foundation are not uncommon, but they can be worrying for homeowners in the Hamilton area.
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How to Install a Sump Pump
. The following are the steps you will have to take if you are installing a sump pump.
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Crawl Space Repair in Hamilton and Burlington
Most people in the Hamilton and Burlington area don’t give much thought to their crawl space. But if you are noticing that your home has a musty odour or that insects seem to appear in your home from out of nowhere, your crawl space could be the problem.
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Brick Foundation Repair
While most of the newer homes in the Hamilton and Burlington area have foundations that are made from cement or cinder blocks, some older homes have brick foundations.
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Identifying the Cause of Flooding in Your Basement
Foundation issues such as cracks in your basement wall, property grading, or leaking water heater can all lead to water in your basement.
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Corner Wall Repair in Hamilton and Burlington
Conterra Foundation has been serving homeowners in Burlington and Hamilton for nearly 20 years, repairing foundations, waterproofing and fixing concrete walls. And at Conterra Foundation, we have the knowledge...
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French Drains: Keep Water Away From Your Home
French Drains are a popular way to divert water away from your home. This subsurface drainage system is often used when a lawn is prone to flooding or if you have a feature like a pond and drainage is...
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Block Foundation Problems (and Their Solutions)
Many homes with cement block foundations were built without reinforcement and because of this, certain problems can occur which may require block foundation repair.
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How much does foundation crack repair cost?
Foundation repairs can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some ideas of some of the factors involved in determining the price.
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Expansive Soil and Your Foundation
Expansive soil is soil that changes depending on how much moisture there is. As you can imagine, this can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation.
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Basement Parging in the Greater Hamilton Area
It is no secret that homes in Hamilton are subject to a lot of abuse from the elements. One common technique for protecting a home’s basement from moisture is basement parging.
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Signs of Weeping Tile Problems in Hamilton, Ontario
Here are the major warning signs to look for in your weeping tile system and what to do if you notice any weeping tile damage.
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4 Major Signs of a Bad Foundation
Foundation damage is never good but can be lessened if the problem is noticed at its onset. Here are some of the most common tell-tale signs.
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Are Foundation Repairs Covered by Homeowner’s Insurance?
Although you may know the coverage associated with fires, floods and burglaries, do you know what type of coverage is available in case of foundation issues?
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How to Keep Your Basement Flood Free
Simple maintenance tips and a few layers of protection, you can adequately safeguard your family, property and can greatly reduce your risk of flooding.
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How Serious are My Ceiling Cracks?
Not all ceiling cracks are problematic – some are age-related. Here’s how to determine if they are caused by structural damage or are purely cosmetic.
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What to Expect During a Foundation Repair
The last thing a homeowner wants to hear is that they have foundation damage, but the sooner an issue is caught and addressed, the less costly it is to repair.
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The Fundamental Problem with Window Wells – And How We Can Help
Window wells can be a great solution for allowing natural light into an otherwise gloomy basement, but they are not without their problems.
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Soil Composition and Your Home’s Foundation
You've probably heard that a house must be built on a solid foundation, but did you know that what’s underneath the foundation is equally if not more important?
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Is My House Sinking?
Being a homeowner can mean challenges that are scary and costly, and one of those issues could be your home sinking. Here are a few signs to look for.
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Protect Your Home with Foundation Drainage Systems
You reduce fire damage by keeping your smoke detectors in working order and you stop roof damage from happening by getting your roof replaced. But did you know that one of the leading causes of structural damage to homes is normally overlooked by homeowners?
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Help! My Parging Is Cracked. What Do I Do?
Your home’s foundation is relied upon to keep you and your family safe. That’s why it’s important to fix any cracks that appear right away in the foundation’s parging.
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Why Are My Walls Cracking?
Finding cracks in your home’s walls can quickly lead to worry and, more than likely, you’re wondering how the cracks got there in the first place. Here are four of the most common reasons why wall cracks may have appeared in your home.
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Signs There May Be Mould Growing in Your Basement
Your home’s basement can serve many purposes ranging from a simple space where you can do your laundry and store your Christmas decorations to the ultimate entertainment room. But whatever you use your basement for, it is also the space that is most susceptible to mold.
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How to Complete a Stone Foundation Wall Repair
Your home’s foundation plays a key role in keeping your home stable. Here’s what you need to do if you notice that your stone foundation wall requires repairs.
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Repair Your Weeping Tile System with High-Pressure Flushing
Over time, your home’s weeping tile system can become clogged. Find out how high-pressure flushing provides an effective, more cost-efficient alternative.
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Taking Care of Your Home's Foundation this Summer
Besides all the enjoyment that summer brings, the season can also cause problems in your home’s foundation. The good news? There are some preventative actions that you can take to prevent any foundation damage from occurring in your home this summer!
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What is Involved in Exterior Foundation Repair?
When a home’s foundation begins to crack, it is best to have it repaired sooner rather than later to prevent the problem from getting worse. In many cases, it makes the most sense to repair the crack from the inside using a pressurized resin injection. In other circumstances, however, the repair should be made from the exterior.
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Sump Pump Considerations
The key to keeping a basement dry and your home safe in the event of a flood is not always about keeping water away from the home but controlling its flow. This where a sump pump comes in.
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Flooding Areas in Hamilton, ON
Because they were built without storm sewers, the older areas of Hamilton are especially at risk of flooding. The following areas have the most drainage hot spots:
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Teetering on the Edge: Foundation Problems in Hamilton Homes
In areas such as Red Hill Valley and other parts of the city located along the Escarpment, Hamiltonians are noticing more and more cracks in their walls and basements. Floors are becoming sunken and uneven.
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Common Signs of Foundation Problems in Hamilton
By catching some of the most common signs of foundation problems early, you can avoid larger, more costly repairs down the road. Here are some of the most common foundation problems in Hamilton.
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Dry Up Your Wet Basement For Good!
Fortunately, it is possible to dry up that wet basement for good. And it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune either.
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How to Get Rid of Basement Water Damage
Getting rid of water damage is your end game and water damage cleanup is key to restoring your home and everything in it.
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How to Spot Foundation Damage
As a home owner, hopefully, you’re doing routine inspections of home’s foundation, both inside and out. If not, here's a guide on how to start.
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Basement Moisture Causes and Dangers
How do you identify if you really have a moisture problem? Here are some of the obvious signs to look out for, as well as the potential causes.
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What to Do If the Foundation Shifts
All homes experience some settling to varying degrees, but how do you know the difference between normal wear and a more severe problem?
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How to Fix your House's Foundation Problems
The process involved foundation reinforcement needs the expertise of the professionals who can ensure the job will have long lasting results.
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Parging: Providing the "Icing on the Cake" for Your Home!
Parging, which uses masonry-based mortar to cover foundation walls, has additional benefits than just making your exterior more attractive.
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Wet Basement! Now What?
When dealing with a wet basement, you will have to act quickly to mitigate the damage. Here are several tips if you notice water in your basement.
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Fixing a Stone Foundation
Stone foundations may have worked just fine for folks during the early 1900s, they are no longer suitable for modern day living.
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Brighten up your Basement with Egress Windows
Egress windows are made by cutting a window into the basement wall, opening out into an area – a window well, which has been cut down from the earth level.
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Stopping That Leaking Crawl Space
Do you have space in your home referred to as the dungeon? Crawl spaces and cool rooms don't have to scare small children and can, in fact, be useful and even inviting....
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Should I Buy a Home With a Foundation Issue?
Found a great deal of a home but you noticed the foundation is going the way of the dinosaurs and aren't sure if it's such a great deal anymore? Our latest blog is sure to help you get an answer.
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Foundation Repair Questions to Ask Your Contractor
Finding out that you have foundation problems is never an issue that you want to be faced with on any day. However, if you discover that your home does have foundation issues, you should know how to address...
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What are Weeping Tiles?
Whether you’re a first-time or seasoned homeowner, you may have wondered what’s keeping the water beneath your home from coming into your basement? Most people don’t give this question...
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Identifying and Repairing Foundation Cracks
As a homeowner, it's important to know the process of identifying & repairing foundation cracks. If any problem is noticed, it should be fixed immediately.
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Do I need a Sump Pit and Sump Pump?
Some houses do not have an efficient way of getting rid of unwanted water from the outside of the building, and the answer to this is a sump pit. The sump pit is usually located underneath the basement...
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Best Foundation Waterproofing Methods
The risk of water entering your basement or foundations is a common issue for a lot of houses, and it can end up being a big problem if it is not resolved quickly and prevented in the future. Damp or wet...
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Dry Rot in Foundation Wood
Cement, even though it might look dry, both releases moisture and sucks in moisture from the surrounding area for years to come.
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What are Weeping Tiles' Purpose and Functionality
Excess water is very often the cause of foundation problems. A proper weeping tile system is essential to remedy and/or prevent foundation water problems.
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Recognizing and Troubleshooting Different Foundation Cracks
There are various types of foundation cracks that you might find in your foundation. It's important to recognize these cracks and know the solutions for them.
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Preventing Water Damage to your Foundation
The accumulation of rainwater near your foundation can cause water damage to your foundation, which leads to moisture problems in basements and crawlspaces.
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Will Foundation Repairs Destroy My Landscape?
If your foundation repair requires full excavation, you can expect some damage to your landscaping and property around the house.
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Winter Foundation Repairs
Cracks and foundation damage are detrimental in winter months, as your foundation is responsible for keeping in the heat and keeping out moisture.
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Fall Pest Prevention
Keeping pests out of your home is not any easy task, especially as the weather cools off over the fall season. This is the time of year when small rodents, birds and other critters try to find a way into...
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Foundation Reinforcement Guide & Maintenance Tips
As it is made to carry the load of your home or other building, a weak or damaged foundation can lead to a number of problems. Fortunately, there are foundation reinforcement options available to strengthen...
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Do you Know the Value of a Window
By installing an Egress window, you can turn a dark basement into a valuable rental space.
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Stop Leaky Basements with Exterior Waterproofing
Outside of water traveling through cracks or other openings, the simple reason foundations leak is that concrete is very porous and all the foundation elements are underground.
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Waterproof Your Foundation Exterior Properly
When the time comes to protect your home from the elements you’ll want to consider waterproofing your foundation exterior.
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