The moment a foundation issue is detected, narrow down the area in your basement right away. Feel free to move any furniture, couches or carpet that are in the way to allow us to make evaluation process easier. On the exterior of foundation wall, take note of your existing grade, shrubbery, trees, water taps or any variable that may be contributing to the leak. Remember, don't forget to check your eavestroughs!
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Bench Footing Services
by GJ MacRae
“Quality is doing things right when no one is looking.” – Henry Ford
Bench Footing : Expand Your Basement Without Digging
The one common problem in every household is not having enough space. The house you bought was enough at the time of purchase, but as years passed, you felt a shortage of space. You bought a new couch but didn’t want to throw away the old one, and now there’s no space to store it. Or you purchased a snooker table to play with your pals, but there’s no space to keep it. THERE IS NO SPACE. So, people think about building up or building sideways. But little do they know, it will cost them a huge amount of money. Building up requires you to change the entire structure of your upper floors to increase the ceiling height, and it’s also going to cost you a fortune. Building sideways is not ideal either; you must sacrifice a huge portion of your favourite garden, and there’s no place to stroll around anymore.
But what if we tell you, you can expand your basement without spending a lot or giving away your favourite garden space. A special kind of underpinning method, called Bench footing, can be used to expand your basement below and get you enough space for that pool table or new inlaw suite!
Bench Footing Experts in Toronto
GJ MacRae Foundation Repair is a completely family-owned basement waterproofing and foundation repair company in Toronto. We have been providing complete waterproofing plus transformation services for your basement. Whether you need to waterproof your basement or want to get more space in your basement, we are your one-stop solution. We have almost five decades of experience in providing Bench footing services in Toronto. Our highly experienced staff closely inspects your basement and devises the perfect bench footing solution for expanding your basement without hindering the foundation’s structural integrity.
We have served thousands of clients and helped them get the much-needed space in their basements. Our quality service has brought us thousands of positive reviews across sites like Homestars, HGTV and Google Guaranteed. GJ MacRae Foundation Repair has been serving The GTA, Hamilton, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Toronto, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Georgetown, and surrounding areas since 1975. Need more space in your house? Give us a call.
Benefits of Bench Footing
Bench footing or Bench underpinning is the process of expanding your basement height. You can raise the height of your basement without digging under the foundation wall and footing. This method provides additional support to the original foundation and is connected to the new floor at a lower height. This method is safe, quick and economical compared to other basement height-increasing methods.
Bench Footings are ideal for homeowners whose house is very close or attached to another building. Performing basement underpinning could be risky in such a situation. Suppose you want to increase your basement height quicker and under a small budget. In that case, then bench footing is the ideal solution for you. Even though you can get the desired height, you must sacrifice a little of your square footage to install a bench footing. However, it is still a win-win. You get a taller, livable basement and more robust foundation support at a faction of the cost.
The Process of Bench Footing
Step 1
The first step is to contact an architect and engineer to come to your home for a design drawing. They will draw a design according to your basement structure. It's then submitted to the local government for stamping and building permits before our process begins.
Step 2
The next step is to prepare the site. Clearing everything out of the basement is the next step. After everything is cleared out, the excavation process starts. We dig a pit in the ground according to desired dimensions and depth of the bench footing. The trench should be wide enough to accommodate the bench's width and deep enough to provide stability. We ensure not to make the trench too broad as it will only eliminate livable space from your basement.
Step 3
We then install reinforcement bars within the trench and create a formwork. The size and spacing should be according to your desired bench footing size.
Step 4
After everything is set, we pour the concrete into the form. Then the surface is levelled to create a smooth bench. The concrete structure is then left to cure.
Step 5
Now, a new drainage system is installed on the newly dug floor. The weeping tile system is installed. This will help to properly function the drainage system and keep your basement waterproofed.
Step 6
After everything is in place, a new concrete floor is then poured and the new floor is a few feet below the original floor. When the new concrete floor cures, you will get a taller basement and a new floor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Waterproofing a basement is the technique of preventing water from entering a building or home’s basement or crawl space. It is crucial because structural issues, mold development, and health risks can result from water damage.
Heavy rain or snow, poor grading, blocked gutters or downspouts, foundation fractures, and plumbing leaks are some of the typical causes of basement water damage.
French drain installation, interior waterproofing, and external waterproofing are a few techniques that may be used to waterproof a basement. Exterior waterproofing entails placing a waterproof membrane on the outside of the foundation walls, and interior waterproofing entails building a drainage system and sump pump inside the basement. In order to move water away from the home, French drain installation entails constructing a perforated pipe around the foundation perimeter.
Despite the fact that there are some DIY basement waterproofing kits on the market, it is often advised that you employ a professional to make sure the job is done correctly and to prevent any potential mistakes that might lead to more water damage.
The basement’s size, condition, and waterproofing technique can all affect how long and how much it will cost to waterproof a basement. If you want a more precise estimate, it is advisable to contact with a specialist.
Why Choose us?
GJ MacRae is a complete basement waterproofing and foundation repair company in Toronto. We provide a wide range of services, including bench footing and basement underpinning services. We are an entirely family-run, local business, providing basement waterproofing and other foundation repair services since 1976. Having almost five decades of experience, we have served over 10,000+ customers to date. Quality service and customer satisfaction is always our top priority.
Our skilled staff has all the experience to deliver the best service for your basement bench footing requirements. Our attention to detail and use of high-quality materials helps us to deliver perfection. We provide services in and around the Greater Toronto Area, including Hamilton, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Toronto, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Georgetown. All our services are backed by a 15-year transferable warranty. We have been featured on websites like HGTV, Homestars and Google Guaranteed for outstanding service.
A Word from Our Customers
Excellent service from beginning to end. We would highly recommend this company. Dean assessed the problem (water leaking into our furnace room as a result of a window well that another company had incorrectly installed previously) and provided a thorough estimate detailing every aspect of the project. He then scheduled the job to be done before the big winter storm that had been forecast. The crew arrived exactly on time and completed the job, to the very best professional standard, in less than a day. We are so glad we chose G.J. MacRae. Thank you very much.
Amazing Service! GJ MacRae Foundation repair provided timely and superior quality service. Everything went exactly as planned from our initial consult and quote. Workers were on time, the quote was accurate and the work was high quality. We have a perfectionist contractor and he was incredibly impressed with Gavin and the team and he noted that the work was exceptional Inside and out on the project. The site was was clean and looked perfect when completed. Would highly recommend this service to our friends and family and others looking for this type of work! We can’t say enough good things and are so thankful!
Our second time utilising GJ MacRae Foundation; separate issues. Their professionalism and respect for their clients is highly commendable. Office team, sales and on-site crew all compliment each other.Highly recommend GJ MacRae Foundation company!
My fiancé and I can not say enough amazing things about GJ Mcrae. As first time home owners with water damage in our basement, GJ mcrae took care of everything so quickly and we’re extremely professional, reducing any worries we had. Would recommend this company over and over again. Dean was so easy with work with and continued to support us throughout the process. Thanks so much for the amazing job.
We had GJ Macrae underpin our 1890s house in Leslieville over the summer. The team showed up on time every day, the project moved so smoothly. I wish I had another basement for them to underpin.Highly recommend GJ Macrae for any basement or underpinning work. The final result looks fantastic, we have a beautiful basement, with nice tall ceilings!The whole team was a pleasure to work with! 5 stars!
Industry-leading GJ MacRae Waterproofing Services
GJ MacRae Foundation Repair provides customers with top-notch services in foundation repair in Toronto. There are various Waterproofing Services available such as Basement Waterproofing, Interior/Exterior Weeping Tile Systems, Sump Pumps Installation, Crack repair, etc. Over 48 years of experience and 10,000+ satisfied customers from Toronto, our licensed specialists are completely confident that we can guarantee the best results with the most reasonable price and warranty for each type of project request.
Basement Waterproofing Toronto
We specialize in basement waterproofing services for below grade concrete block, poured concrete, field stone, and rubble stone foundation walls. With over 48 years of service in the GTA and backed by the most reliable warranty in the business, see what the GJ MacRae difference is all about.
Foundation Crack Repair Toronto
Is there a crack in your poured, block, or rubble stone foundation wall, and is this crack allowing water to leak into your basement? Why do interior crack repair methods simply not work? Trust the experts and see why GJ MacRae Foundation Repair carries the most reliable crack repair warranty in the business.
Weeping Tile Systems Toronto
A century-old technology, reborn! Our services also include interior and exterior weeping tile systems coupled with deep insights and experience relating to all things drainage. Ask us about the difference between interior and exterior drainage methods and enjoy the benefit of our expertise!
Sump Pumps Toronto
Sump pumps and sump basins are an integral part of all below grade drainage strategies due to their simplicity, reliability, low cost and proven effectiveness. Ensure your sump pump, basin and battery backup system are well maintained and ready for the next big rain or thaw.
Structural Wall Repairs Toronto
Is the structure of your home moving and is this movement accelerating as the years pass? The sooner the integrity of your foundation is restored, the better. We have a full line of time-tested, certified structural foundation repair solutions tailored to your scope and budget.
Crumbling Foundations Toronto
Are your foundation walls spalling, eroding or fragmenting? Is this damage accelerating through the years? Stopping moisture penetration through your above grade concrete structure is imperative. We offer brush parging, s-type, adhesive, mesh, fiber and thermal-slurry solutions for a lasting barrier.
Basement Underpinning Toronto
GJ MacRae are pioneers of the overflow underpinning method in the Greater Toronto Area. Our underpinning process allows for safe, reliable vertical increases in basement ceiling height that can turn crawl spaces into full living quarters; and all for less than a standard second story addition.
Structural Carbon Fiber Toronto
When your foundation walls begin to show signs of cracking or bowing it is generally an indication of severe exterior lateral pressure from tree roots, hydrostatics or poorly draining soil. Click here to find out more about our full line of carbon fiber foundation reinforcement applications.
Window Wells Toronto
Basement windows are a great source of natural light and can also act as a designated fire escape, but what happens when window wells begin to deteriorate, clog and leak? Our hand excavated exterior window well repair solutions are permanent and allow for unimpeded drainage all year long, guaranteed.
Increase Your Basement Height with Bench Footing: Quick, Budget Friendly and Highly Effective
There are many methods of increasing your basement height. Still, if you want something quick, budget-friendly and highly effective simultaneously, Bench footing is the way to go. Bench footing can be carried out without hindering the existing footing, and adding the new bench enhances the structural integrity of your foundations. Also, it is very cost-effective and can be done very quickly.
So, if you have a basement with way too little height or weak footing and cracked foundation walls, contact GJ MacRae, the finest bench footing contractor in Toronto. We provide the best bench footing service in Toronto, basement waterproofing, and other foundation repair services. Give us a call or fill out the form below and our team will inspect your basement and provide an ideal solution. Feel free to contact us at (905) 824-2557 or fill out the form below.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Waterproofing a basement is the technique of preventing water from entering a building or home’s basement or crawl space. It is crucial because structural issues, mold development, and health risks can result from water damage.
Heavy rain or snow, poor grading, blocked gutters or downspouts, foundation fractures, and plumbing leaks are some of the typical causes of basement water damage.
French drain installation, interior waterproofing, and external waterproofing are a few techniques that may be used to waterproof a basement. Exterior waterproofing entails placing a waterproof membrane on the outside of the foundation walls, and interior waterproofing entails building a drainage system and sump pump inside the basement. In order to move water away from the home, French drain installation entails constructing a perforated pipe around the foundation perimeter.
Despite the fact that there are some DIY basement waterproofing kits on the market, it is often advised that you employ a professional to make sure the job is done correctly and to prevent any potential mistakes that might lead to more water damage.
The basement’s size, condition, and waterproofing technique can all affect how long and how much it will cost to waterproof a basement. If you want a more precise estimate, it is advisable to contact with a specialist.
Schedule A Visit With Us Now!
After you fill out the form below, we will contact you as soon as possible for A FREE ESTIMATE. If you still have any questions, feel free to contact us anytime.
- Phone : (905) 824-2557
- Email: hello@wetbasements.com
- Address: GJ MacRae Foundation Repair 470 Winston Churchill Blvd Oakville, Ontario L6J-7X2