How Stormwater Runoff Causes Basement Flooding and Long-Term Damage
Posted in Flood & Water Damage, on January 29, 2025
Water damage in Toronto can take a huge toll on your home, and as spring starts approaching, it’s important to prepare for the rainiest of seasons. Stormwater runoff, in particular, poses a huge threat as it tends to overwhelm basement waterproofing systems and lead to flooding. Flood damage restoration can be difficult, but with Canada's Restoration Services, you can prevent high remediation and mold removal costs. Learn more about the impact of stormwater runoff below.
How Stormwater Runoff Leads to Basement Flooding
Stormwater runoff refers to the remnants left behind after a storm. This occurs when rainwater flows over textured surfaces like roofs, driveways, and lawns, collecting debris and contaminants along the way. Stormwater runoff can go on to clog or overwhelm the city’s storm drains as well as your own property’s drainage systems. You’ll find that this can cause water to pool near the foundation of nearby homes, which is what leads to rainwater entering basements. While it’s hard to predict what homes will find themselves flooded, having foundational vulnerabilities in your home could heighten your risk of flooding. Issues like improperly sealed foundations, cracks in your wall and poor drainage all make it easier for stormwater runoff to seep into your basement and cause a flood.
The Long-Term Consequences of Basement Flooding
When most people think of basement flooding, they tend to focus on the immediate task of getting rid of all that water. Having your basement flooded will likely damage your personal belongings as well as your property. Things like electronics, furniture and stored items are most likely to be found damaged after the water has been removed. However, even once you’ve drained the flood in your basement, without proper flood damage restoration, your home is at risk of suffering more long-term consequences. One major long-term consequence of basement flooding is structural damage. If you don’t properly remediate water damage in Toronto, that water can infiltrate and weaken the foundation or walls of your home. This can lead to cracks, corrosion and even foundation issues. Instances of high moisture, like flooding, can create a damp environment perfect for mold growth and mildew. Mold, in particular, is often associated with health issues like respiratory problems and allergies, as well as potentially furthering the damage to your property. That’s why it’s important to act quickly at the first sign of mold.
Ignoring Issues related to flood damage will only worsen their impact. The longer you go without properly addressing all the issues caused by flooding, the worse the damage gets and the more expensive repairs cost.
For help or guidance on all things related to water damage restoration or mold removal, like costs, timelines and procedures, be sure to contact the professionals at Canada's Restoration Services.
How to Prevent Basement Flooding from Stormwater Runoff
You can help your home avoid flooding as much as possible by taking a few preventative measures. Firstly, make sure you install proper drainage systems around your home, like French drains and sump pumps, to direct water away from the foundation. You’ll also want to make sure you regularly maintain your gutters clean and ensure your downspouts direct water at least 3-4 feet away from the foundation to prevent any water buildup during a storm. It’s also important to seal any cracks in your foundation. Be sure to regularly inspect it and seal visible cracks immediately to avoid water seeping into your basement. If possible, you should also consider grading the landscaping around your home to slope away from your foundation to encourage stormwater runoff to flow past your home rather than pooling near your basement.
How Canada’s Restoration Services Can Help with Basement Flooding
Canada's Restoration Services provides comprehensive flood damage restoration services, including water extraction, drying, and dehumidification. This helps prevent water from further seeping into your home and makes it harder for mold to grow. If mold has occurred, Canada's Restoration Services has the expertise in mold removal to make sure any mold growth is fully remediated. They can also provide you with flood-proofing solutions like sump pump installation and foundation waterproofing to help you prevent any future flooding. With our years of experience we can provide you with expert assessments to provide you with solutions specific to your needs. With Canada's Restoration Services, you can ensure your home is fully restored to a safe and habitable condition.
It's crucial that homeowners keep their home’s foundation protected and act quickly, so if your home has suffered water damage or flooding, don’t wait. Contact Canada's Restoration Services today to help you with your flood damage restoration today.