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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Window Well Installation Services
by GJ MacRae
“Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time
– Marian Wright Edelman
Basement Window Leaking Problem: What Are Window Wells?
Homeowners install a window in their basement for the purpose of ventilation for light and air. But everything goes wrong when there is rain. Due to improper grading and no waterproofing, the rain water starts to collect around the walls and water starts to leak through the joints of the window glasses. And in no time, your basement starts to flood. And we all know the horrors of a leaky basement. The same old mould and mildew problem, flooded basement, losing valuable items in the flooded basement and practically unable to use the basement for anything due to the water. These windows do more damage than they provide benefits to you.
The Solution: WINDOW WELLS. Window wells are the solution to your leaky window problems. Having a properly installed window well allows you to install larger windows, deep into your basement walls which provides better ventilation. Window wells are a recess in the ground that is dug around your basement walls that helps you to install larger sized windows. But the window wells alone cannot solve the problem of a leaky window. Window wells when combined with a proper drainage system and window well cover, is the solution to a leaky basement window. A weeping tile drainage system needs to be installed at the base of the window wells which allows the drainage of the water that is collected in the well. The window well cover is used to prevent leaves and other debris from accumulating in the window wells that hinder the drainage process.
Window Well Installation Experts In Toronto!
GJ MacRae Foundation Repair is one of the best basement waterproofing companies in Toronto. We provide a complete basement waterproofing solution which includes Window well installation and window well drainage installation services. You should not compromise when it comes to having proper natural lighting in your basement and window wells allow for installation of larger sized windows which provides excess natural light to your basement. GJ MacRae has been providing window well installation in Toronto for over 48 years. We provide the complete window well package that includes window well installation, window well drainage installation and window well covers.
Having window wells around your basement windows is extremely important to prevent leakage and we are here to help. If you are ever in need of installing window wells and window well drainage in your basement, remember GJ MacRae, the best window well installation contractor in Toronto. We have served over 10,000+ customers in the last five decades and will love to provide you with your basement waterproofing solutions.
Benefits of Window Wells with Drainage:
Natural Lighting
The most important benefit of installing a window well is that they provide natural lighting into your basement. Most basements are below the normal surface and receive minimum lighting. But these window wells allow you to install larger windows around your basement to get enough natural lighting inside your basement. They also reduce your energy bills by doing so.
Proper Air Circulation
Most basements are musty and have a very damp smell due to the walls being constantly wet. Having larger windows allows proper air circulation that helps to reduce the moisture and also prevent your basement from smelling musty and damp.
Emergency Exit
These window wells also serve as an emergency exit for dangerous situations like fire or burglary. Having window wells give you enough space to exit through and reach a safe place during these events.
Compliance with Law
Most provinces now require homeowners to compulsorily install window wells for below grade windows. County building codes and insurance policies have now made it compulsory for residential buildings with basements to install window wells for safety purposes.
The Gj Macrae Window Well Installation Process
Step 1
The first step in the window well installation process is excavation. We hand excavate the soil for required dimensions until we reach the weeping tile. We check the weeping tile and replace it if necessary.
Step 2
We repair any cracks on the exposed wall and apply necessary waterproofing methods. We first apply a layer of primer to the exposed walls after thoroughly cleaning it with a wire brush. We then apply rubberized membrane and a layer of fiberglass mesh and then again another layer of rubberized membrane.
Step 3
A layer of thick plastic is applied which is followed by a Platon drainage board installation over the plastic layer. This helps to reduce hydrostatic pressure and provide support during backfilling of water.
Step 4
The next step is to install a fresh 4” inch vertical drain from the weeping tile to the bottom ledge of the window well opening (At grade level). This vertical drain plays an important role to drain away water from the well.
Step 5
We then proceed to install the window well in the pit and fasten it with the foundation walls. The window well is properly installed and tightly screwed around the foundation walls.
Step 6
We then put around 8″ inches of ¾” clear gravel on top of the 4” vertical drain. The exterior of the window wells are backfilled with the native soil. It is power tamped to ensure the natural grading is recovered.
Step 7
Lastly, we can install a window well cover of appropriate size for further protection. This acts as a shield against leaves and other dirt from accumulating in the window well and blocking the drainage. After this, the window well and window well drainage installation process is complete.
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.
Mold development, musty smells, moist walls or flooring, water stains, and mold are all indicators of a wet basement. If you see any of these symptoms, your basement may require waterproofing.
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.
Depending on the contractor, different waterproofing services may come with a warranty or guarantee. When choosing a contractor, it’s crucial to inquire about warranties or guarantees and to check the fine print before signing any contracts.
Yes, by preventing possible water damage and mold development, which may be expensive to fix, basement waterproofing can raise the value of your property.
Why Choose us?
GJ MacRae is a complete basement waterproofing contractor and is one of the best when it comes to window well installation in Toronto. We have served over 10,000+ customers to date and always delivered quality workmanship and we leave no stones unturned when it comes to quality service. We only use products of the highest quality as we are keen to deliver a service that lasts for years to come.
We have been featured on top sites like Homestars, HGTV and Google Guaranteed. Our services come along with a transferable 15-year warranty. We also provide basement foundation crack repair services, structural foundation repair, French drain installation, weeping tile system installation, sump pump installation, underpinning, and a complete structural foundation repair service. We have been serving the Greater Toronto Area, Hamilton, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Toronto, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Georgetown, and surrounding areas.
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.
Get More Light, No Leakage
Get a window well with a drain installed today and transform your basement. Enjoy abundant sunlight, proper air circulation and no more leakage with a properly installed window well.
Need window wells with drainage installed? Contact GJ MacRae, the finest window well installation contractors in Toronto. Give us a call or fill out the form below and our team will inspect your basement situation and provide the ideal window well installation solutions for your basement windows. 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.
Mold development, musty smells, moist walls or flooring, water stains, and mold are all indicators of a wet basement. If you see any of these symptoms, your basement may require waterproofing.
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.
Depending on the contractor, different waterproofing services may come with a warranty or guarantee. When choosing a contractor, it’s crucial to inquire about warranties or guarantees and to check the fine print before signing any contracts.
Yes, by preventing possible water damage and mold development, which may be expensive to fix, basement waterproofing can raise the value of your property.
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