Toronto Seasonal Foundation Inspection Checklist

Your Foundation’s Year-Round Protection Plan

Toronto’s extreme weather—from -30°C winters to +35°C summers with 100+ freeze-thaw cycles—demands vigilant foundation maintenance. This comprehensive checklist helps you catch problems early, potentially saving tens of thousands in repairs.

Quick Monthly Inspection (15 Minutes)

Every Month, Check:

• Basement walls for new cracks or moisture
• Sump pump operation (pour bucket of water)
• Basement humidity levels (should be 30-50%)
• Floor drains for blockages
• Windows wells for water accumulation

Spring Inspection (March - May)

Critical Spring Tasks

March - Thaw Season Begins

• Monitor for frost heave

  • Check foundation walls for new cracks
  • Look for doors/windows that stick
  • Note any floor unevenness

• Inspect exterior grading

  • Should slope away 6” in first 10’
  • Look for settled areas near foundation
  • Check for ponding water

• Test sump pump system

  • Pour 20L water to activate
  • Check discharge location
  • Inspect backup power source
  • Clean pump intake screen

April - Peak Water Season

• Examine foundation exterior

  • Walk perimeter looking for cracks
  • Check parging condition
  • Note any efflorescence (white powder)
  • Photograph any changes

• Gutter and downspout audit

  • Clean all debris
  • Ensure proper attachment
  • Verify 6-10’ extensions working
  • Check for ice damage

• Basement moisture check

  • Use moisture meter on walls
  • Check for musty odors
  • Look for condensation
  • Test dehumidifier operation

May - Repair Window

• Document and plan repairs
  • Measure all cracks (width/length)
  • Schedule professional assessment
  • Order materials for DIY fixes
  • Book contractors early

Spring Warning Signs

🚨 Immediate Action Required:

• Water entering basement
• Cracks wider than 5mm
• Sudden door/window misalignment
• Sump pump running constantly

⚠️ Monitor Closely:

• Hairline cracks appearing
• Minor efflorescence
• Slight grade settlement
• Occasional sump pump activation

Summer Inspection (June - August)

Hot Weather Foundation Care

June - Dry Season Prep

• Soil moisture management

  • Water foundation perimeter during drought
  • Maintain consistent moisture levels
  • Prevent clay soil shrinkage
  • Install soaker hoses if needed

• Crack monitoring

  • Mark crack ends with pencil
  • Date all marks
  • Measure monthly changes
  • Photo document progress

July - Peak Heat

• AC condensate check

  • Ensure drains away from foundation
  • Clean condensate lines
  • Check for pipe deterioration
  • Redirect if necessary

• Vegetation inspection

  • Trees should be 15’+ from foundation
  • Remove roots near walls
  • Trim overhanging branches
  • Control invasive plants

August - Late Summer

• Window well maintenance

  • Clean debris
  • Check drainage stones
  • Inspect well attachments
  • Replace damaged covers

• Interior inspection

  • Run dehumidifier continuously
  • Check for summer condensation
  • Monitor basement temperature
  • Inspect vapor barriers

Summer Projects Timeline

Task	Best Month	Duration
Exterior waterproofing	June-July	3-5 days
Crack injection	June-Aug	1-2 days
Grading work	July-Aug	2-3 days
Drainage install	June-July	3-4 days

Fall Inspection (September - November)

Winter Preparation Critical

September - Early Fall

• Drainage system service

  • Snake weeping tiles if accessible
  • Flush downspout connections
  • Clear foundation drains
  • Test backup systems

• Seal exterior cracks

  • Use polyurethane caulk
  • Fill before freeze
  • Allow proper cure time
  • Don’t seal weep holes

October - Pre-Winter

• Winterize exterior

  • Disconnect garden hoses
  • Shut interior valves
  • Insulate hose bibs
  • Check basement windows sealed

• Grade adjustment

  • Add soil where settled
  • Compact properly
  • Re-establish slopes
  • Install splash blocks

November - Final Prep

• Storm preparation

  • Clear all drains
  • Stock emergency supplies
  • Test backup power
  • Review insurance coverage

• Interior winterization

  • Seal drafts
  • Check heating system
  • Insulate pipes
  • Set humidity controls

Fall Emergency Kit

• Portable sump pump
• Wet/dry vacuum
• Hydraulic cement
• Plastic sheeting
• Emergency contacts list
• Battery backup system

Winter Inspection (December - February)

Cold Weather Monitoring

December - Early Winter

• Ice dam prevention

  • Check attic insulation
  • Ensure proper ventilation
  • Clear snow from roof edges
  • Monitor for icicles

• Foundation freeze protection

  • Keep basement above 15°C
  • Run water during cold snaps
  • Check for drafts
  • Monitor frost depth

January - Deep Winter

• Snow management

  • Keep snow 3’ from foundation
  • Clear window wells
  • Prevent ice buildup
  • Direct melt away from house

• Interior monitoring

  • Check for frozen pipes
  • Monitor humidity (30-40%)
  • Look for frost on walls
  • Test heating efficiency

February - Late Winter

• Pre-thaw preparation
  • Clear ice from downspouts
  • Check sump pump
  • Prepare for spring melt
  • Schedule spring repairs

Winter Warning Signs

• Frost on interior walls
• Excessive condensation
• New cracks appearing
• Doors/windows freezing shut
• Ice forming in basement

Professional Inspection Schedule

Annual Professional Review

Recommended Frequency:

• New homes: Every 2 years
• 10-25 years old: Annually
• 25+ years old: Twice yearly
• Problem history: Quarterly

Professional Should Check:

• Structural integrity
• Drainage effectiveness
• Waterproofing condition
• Crack progression
• Settlement patterns

DIY Inspection Tools

Basic Tool Kit

• Flashlight (high-powered LED)
• Moisture meter ($30-60)
• 6’ level
• Measuring tape
• Crack gauge ruler
• Digital camera
• Inspection mirror
• Screwdriver (probe soft spots)

Advanced Tools

• Thermal camera ($200+)
• Borescope camera
• Laser level
• Humidity meter
• Water pressure gauge

Documentation System

Record Keeping Method

1. Create foundation file

   • Floor plan with problem areas marked
   • Photo folder by date
   • Measurement log
   • Repair history
   • Warranty documents

2. Monthly log entries

   • Date and weather
   • Observations
   • Measurements
   • Actions taken
   • Next steps

3. Annual summary

   • Trend analysis
   • Cost tracking
   • Contractor notes
   • Insurance updates

Cost Prevention Analysis

Early Detection Savings

Problem	Early Fix Cost	Delayed Fix Cost	Savings
Hairline crack	$500-800	$3,000-5,000	$2,500+
Minor leak	$1,000-2,000	$10,000-20,000	$9,000+
Grade issue	$500-1,500	$5,000-10,000	$4,500+
Drainage	$2,000-4,000	$15,000-30,000	$13,000+

Emergency Response Plan

Water Intrusion Protocol

1. Immediate Actions

   • Shut off electricity if needed
   • Remove valuables
   • Document with photos
   • Call insurance
   • Start water removal

2. Within 24 Hours

   • Set up drying equipment
   • Remove wet materials
   • Apply antimicrobial
   • Begin repairs
   • Monitor moisture

3. Follow-up

   • Complete repairs
   • Address root cause
   • Update prevention plan
   • Review insurance
   • Schedule inspection

Seasonal Maintenance Calendar

Year-Round Schedule

January: Monitor heating, check for frost February: Prepare for thaw, clear ice March: Major spring inspection April: Clean gutters, test pumps May: Repair cracks, improve drainage June: Start summer watering routine July: Monitor soil moisture August: Vegetation control September: Winterize exterior October: Final grade adjustments November: Complete winter prep December: Monitor snow/ice

Red Flags Requiring Immediate Professional Help

Call Within 24 Hours For:

• Active water entry
• Cracks over 1/4” wide
• Sudden floor movement
• Wall bowing/bulging
• Sewer gas odors
• Electrical issues from moisture
• Structural movement

Schedule Consultation For:

• Multiple hairline cracks
• Persistent moisture
• Efficiency concerns
• Chronic sump pump operation
• Planning renovations
• Insurance claims
• Second opinions

Conclusion

Regular foundation inspections are your best defense against Toronto’s challenging climate. By following this seasonal checklist, you’ll catch problems early, save money, and protect your home’s value. Remember: 15 minutes monthly can prevent $15,000 repairs.

Print this checklist and keep it handy. Your foundation—and wallet—will thank you.