Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program

Basement Flooding Protection Toronto Subsidy Program

Basement flooding in Toronto is common problem for home owners. Due to the increasingly severe weather these past few years FloodMasters has helped hundreds of clients in Toronto and the GTA with flooded basement cleanup and restoration. FloodMasters can also help you take advantage of the city of Toronto subsidy to protect your basement from flooding.

But there are some proactive steps that a homeowner can take to protect their property from basement flooding and the city of Toronto wants to help! The city of Toronto offers up to $3,400 per property to install flood protection devices including a backwater valve, a sump pump, and pipe severance and capping of the home’s storm sewer or external weeping tile connection. This is great news for home owners in Toronto and FloodMasters can help!

To qualify for this subsidy it is important to choose the right contractor. FloodMasters qualifies and is licensed to perform the different types of eligible work. We hold a valid City of Toronto business license.

For your subsidy application to be eligible you need to meet the subsidy conditions. Read about them here: Subsidy Conditions

You can download the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program application form here.

Work that is eligible:

Backwater valve – Available subsidy = 80% of the invoiced cost up to a maximum of $1,250 regardless of the number of devices installed at the property, including eligible labour, materials, permit and taxes.

Sump pump – Available subsidy = 80% of the invoiced cost up to a maximum of $1,750 regardless of the number of devices installed at the property, including eligible labour, materials, permit and taxes.

Foundation drain (weeping tile) pipe severance and capping – Available subsidy = 80% of the invoiced cost up to a maximum of $400 including eligible labour, materials and taxes.

To apply for the subsidy you need to first obtain a permit from the City of Toronto Building Division. After you complete the installation you need to request an inspection by the city for the completed work. Your third step is to complete the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program application form and mail the application in. City staff will review your application to determine if you are eligible.

sophia

Water Damage Restoration
08.06.2017
basement flood, basement flooding, flooded basement, gta, restoration companies toronto, safety, toronto, water damage restoration

Flooded Basement: Safety first!

What to do and not do when experiencing a flooded basement.

A flooded basement is a stressful situation for any homeowner. Basement floods can be the result of burst pipes, heavy rains and storms, spring snowmelts, leaking roofs, sewer backups, sump pump failures and many more. When you are experiencing a basement flood you need to first address yours and your home’s safety.

Flood Dangers

Even small floods can be dangerous, your main concern should be if water levels reach electrical components, outlets or electric box. The risk of being shocked or electrocuted is high if you enter any of the flooded areas. Your first step is to turn off the main power supply if it is safe to do so. DO NOT switch the electricity off with wet hands or while standing in water! You also need to be aware of slippery areas to avoid any slips and falls.

There are steps you can take even before the restoration company arrives that can reduce and complications and additional damage.

Steps to take:

First stop the water source. A plumber can assist with broken pipes, malfunctioning sump pumps, plugged toilets and sinks and more.
Make sure that your HVAC is set to moderate temperatures to avoid spreading any contaminants.
Switch your HVAC blower into the “continuous on” position.
Promote air circulation by turning any fans on or other equipment available in your home, like exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathrooms. This allows moisture and humidity to be sucked out of the affected areas.
Open windows and curtains to allow air and sun to enter the rooms. You are trying to create ventilation and increase air flow to the area.
Unplug any electrical appliances and devices that are in the affected areas.
You can also start moving small furniture and other items so you can speed up the restoration process when the restoration crew arrives.
Pull up any curtains and draperies to avoid water marks.
Remove household belongings from floors to avoid floor stains on carpets.
Wash your hands thoroughly after handling wet items.

What to NOT to Do:

Don’t use and type of home vacuum to remove water, this runs a risk for electrical shocks.
Do not use newspaper to cover the floor or any traffic area path, you are risking to get ink stains.
Try to stay off the carpets to minimize additional damage

Removing water as fast as possible from the affected areas will halt any further damage. FloodMasters offers 24/7 lighting fast emergency water damage restoration response and our first priority is to minimize damage and reduce the need for renovations. We understand how stressful this situation is for the home owner and we are there to assist you with not only the water restoration process but also your insurance claim.

Call us now at 416-422-2022.

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Water damage restoration should be done by certified professionals

Experiencing water damage in your home is quite stressful and the amount of damage water can cause is usually underestimated by homeowners. Water can seep into floors, moldings, drywall and other building materials and if not properly dried the moisture will create future issues that can result in renovations costs that could have been avoided. Water damage incidents are among the most expensive problems a homeowner can face. Besides the structural problems water can create, it is usually contaminated and can leave serious biological threats behind if not properly dried and removed.

Sewage backflows, floods and other sources of contaminated fluid will usually cause the worst damage. Dirty water carries pathogens, microbes, parasites and other harmful substances. Bacteria, viruses and fungi can be left behind as trapped moisture in organic material like wood, drywall and carpets. This can result in severe health risks like hepatitis, salmonella and black mold. Mold can start growing within 48 hours and materials that have been soaked through will usually have to be destroyed.

That is why an emergency restoration company will not only survey your home for structural problems but will also dry and apply antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents to all the surfaces that had contact with contaminated water. Certified restoration professionals have specialized equipment for water extraction, drying and dehumidifying and have continued training and education of water damage restoration protocols. Most home insurances cover the cost of certified restoration services.

If you experience water damage call FloodMasters immediately, we offer 24/7 services and service Toronto, the GTA and surrounding areas.

Call now: 416 422 2022

sophia

Water Damage Restoration
29.03.2017
flood restoration, flooded basement, FloodMasters, gta, spring floods, toronto, water damage

Spring house floods and how to prevent them

Good news. Spring is here! If you are a Canadian then you are happy that warmer weather is on its way. Higher temperatures may lift your spirits but if you are a homeowner then you might have to deal with a basement flood due to run-off water from melting snow, spring rains and the thawing of frozen water within the ground. During spring FloodMasters is often called to mitigate and restore flood and water damage that resulted from spring water run-off.

If you home is prone to flooding then going through a checklist of potential risk areas that can contribute to flooding is important. Water damage from spring floods or spring rains can be costly to repair so better be safe than sorry!

Here is a list of things that could cause a flood in your home:

Blocked drains and poor drainage
Foundation cracks to basement walls and floors
Sewer system blockage
Sump pump failure

Here is what you should do to avoid a flood and water damage:

Remove all snow from around the foundation walls of your house making sure that you create channels through the melting snow to allow water to escape, preferable towards a downhill.
Remove all snow, ice and debris from your gutters, drains and downspouts, make sure that they are not blocked.
Downspouts should extend at least two meters away from the house foundation.
If you have dealt with a chronic wet basement issue then the installation of a sump pump would be a good investment.
If a sump pump is already installed then make sure that it is working properly.
If water is leaking through cracks on your basement walls then investing in a basement waterproofing solution is recommended.
Remove all dead plant materials from around your home to avoid pooling of water close to your foundation walls.
And finally, make sure the grading of the soil around your house slopes away from your foundation ensuring that water runs off away from your foundation.

If you do experience basement flooding or a sewer backup then give FloodMasters a call at 416-422-2022 to prevent further water damage. We specialize in water damage and flood restoration, structural drying and sewer backup cleanup.

sophia

How to choose the right Restoration Company

When a restoration emergency occurs there is never enough time to research and find the correct restoration company for the job. What the majority of people do not know, is that following the proper water damage procedures and protocols is very important to avoid further damage to property, contents and structure.

When a restoration company arrives at your property you should have a project manager assigned to you. At FloodMasters a project manager is assigned to you upon arrival and he is a one point of contact for you and the restoration crew. We provide a quote and a description of the work performed so you can avoid surprises and additional costs added through the process. A professional restoration company will provide a very detailed list of all steps needed and will need to honour that contract.

Here are some steps to hiring a professional restoration company:

Get everything in writing. What the procedure is, the steps and cost for the job. A contract should outline all services and procedures that will be served.
Hire a professional restoration company. FloodMasters is BBB accredited, IICRC certified, licensed and carries Workers Comp insurance.
A quick response with the right restoration equipment is important to expedite mitigation efforts and minimize damage.

Keep in mind that when a restoration company doesn’t follow proper procedures they can actually increase the need for renovations and could also result in future mold growth. Trust your instict, look out for red flags and fraudsters and call FloodMasters for a second opinion. We offer 24/7 rapid emergency response and serve Toronto, the GTA and surrounding areas.

Call Now: 416-422-2022

sophia

Water Damage Restoration
25.01.2017
dehumidifying, flood, flood damage, gta, mold, mold in basement, structural drying, toronto, water damae, water extraction

Floods and flood damage: Steps to take

Getting a flood at your home, business or property is quite common. Whether it is a broken pipe, storm water run-off or a sewer backup, a flood can quickly damage your property.

When experiencing a flood your first step should be to call a restoration company, like FloodMasters Inc. Water damage restoration is almost always covered by your home or property insurance so this is not an out of pocket expense. Calling a professional restoration company will not only clean up the water and address the flood cause but will also prevent additional damage. The longer the water stays behind drywall, under flooring, baseboards and joists the more damage it will do, including increasing the chances for future mold.

A restoration company will not only remove water from your rooms or basement but will also perform water extraction, structural drying and dehumidifying to remove all moisture from building materials.

Here are the steps you can take before the restoration company arrives:

First step, if possible, should be to stop the source of water so to contain the flood.
Before you enter a flooded room make sure no electrical cables are exposed and turn of the electricity.
If your flood is due to a plumbing issue turn off the watermain also.
If possible remove pieces of furniture and household items to stop any additional damage to them.
Clear a pathway from the entrance to the flooded area so the restoration crew can easily access the area with their equipment.
Call your insurance company to file a claim. Inform them that a restoration company has been called.
Find your insurance documents so you can supply the details to the restoration company, we will guide you through the claim process.

FloodMasters Inc. offers 24/7 emergency restoration services and will quickly mitigate your water damage emergency. Call us now at: 416-422-2022

sophia

Tag : toronto