Retaining Wall Threatens Driveway and Lawn in Toronto, Ontario

Before	After

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and for a Toronto, Ontario, customer the saying couldn’t be more accurate.

A retaining wall separated his driveway from his front lawn, but over the years, the retaining wall had tipped. If the wall collapsed, it would cause damage to his front yard, possibly the vehicles in the driveway, and the repair cost would be into the thousands. Not to mention the stress of redoing his yard and driveway.

The customer contacted Clarke Basement Systems hoping for a solution that would protect his property and save him money. System Design Specialist Ron Monk met with the customer at his home and after inspecting the situation, developed a plan using our GeoLock™ Wall Anchor System to straighten and stabilize the retaining wall.

GeoLock™ wall anchors go deep into the ground and connect to a wall using a series of rods and plates. Foreman Don Clarke started by excavating the area surrounding the wall before installing the system. Anchor rods and earth anchors were installed next before wall plates were placed overtop of them. Once installed, the plates were tightened accordingly, to straighten and stabilize the wall. Finally, the area was backfilled, and our 25-year warranty ensures the wall will stay stable for many years to come.

Thanks to our system, the customer’s wall is stable, and his investments are protected. He was ecstatic that he didn’t need to replace the whole wall, or complete even more repairs if the wall had collapsed. A happy customer and a job well done by the Clarke Basement Systems team!

Leaking Walls Soak Garage Belongings in Toronto, Ontario

Before	After

Finding space in our homes can be tricky. We always think we have more room than we do, but when we go to use the extra space, we learn it isn’t always there. But what’s even worse is when you find the space you’re using has become soaking wet due to water seepage.

A customer in Toronto, Ontario, has a beautiful old home that was built in 1946. He uses his garage as a storage area but recently discovered his stored belongings were wet. He couldn’t figure out where the water was coming in but was becoming more and more frustrated with the situation. Looking for a fix, he reached out to Clarke Basement Systems. 

System Design Specialist Ron Monk travelled to the customer’s home and inspected his garage. He discovered water was coming in behind the drywall through the walls and floor joints. Ron designed a system to completely waterproof the garage and put the customer’s mind at ease.

Foreman Jose Martinez and Installation Specialist Trevor Bowman started by installing a full perimeter of WaterGuard® throughout the garage. WaterGuard® is less disruptive than other drains and doesn’t clog with mud and other debris. Basement To Beautiful™ panels were installed on the walls of the garage, providing insulation and sending water down to the drain. Basement To Beautiful™ walls also come predrilled with wire ways and come with integrated studs. 

The customer is delighted that his garage is dry. He can store his belongings again without worrying, and his garage is ready to be finished.

Solution to Ground Water Seepage in Toronto, ON

Before	After

A home in Toronto, Ontario, had a problem in the basement. Over the years there was groundwater leaking into the area. It was damaging the finished walls, floor, personal items. It was also causing odours, and the homeowner did not want it to affect the rest of the home. They were also unable to use the basement space.

The customer called Clarke Basement systems and spoke to Claude Mathieu, who explained the process. Lucio and the team came in and installed WaterGuard® Below-Floor Drain, Flangless WaterGuard®, ThermalDry® Wall Insulation and SuperSump® Premier Sump Pump System. This system ensures that any groundwater penetrating through the basement foundation walls or building up below the basement floor is captured and pump away from the foundation. These products were used around the full perimeter of the basement and across the middle, below the concrete floor, to ensure no more basement leaks.

The homeowner can now refinish basement and use the space with no concerns of groundwater leaking in.