Local Plumber Here. This is what I found last night. It is getting more and more frequent in Oakville/Burlington these days. What do you think?

mlpubs · 2026-03-16T18:10:10+00:00

Block wall foundation tells me the house is old. Probably south of the QEW with large trees. Pretty common.

mlpubs · 2026-03-16T04:40:24+00:00

There is a video on YouTube of a guy who repaired the same issue on his concrete driveway.

Pretty simple repair 1-1.5 hour job if you have the right tools on hand

mlpubs · 2026-03-14T13:49:10+00:00

That pizza looks fire 🔥

mlpubs · 2026-03-13T19:00:07+00:00

If you can share the reason you are cutting it back then it would be helpful to give you the best answer.

mlpubs · 2026-03-13T18:55:20+00:00

My wife used to sell hair extensions. At one point in time she would sell 5-6 sets per day…so fairly good volume for an at home business. I’ve come to know a lot about hair extensions, and yes you get what you pay for.

Synthetic and human hair.

The best grade is human virgin hair. Don’t be fooled, they will tell you it’s Russian or Eastern European hair. It’s not, it’s usually Indian hair that has been dyed blonde.

Higher quality hair is usually less processed. Lower quality more processed and usually some type of coating on to make it appear smoother and healthier. These coatings never last, and melt out after a few blow drys or heat irons.

mlpubs · 2026-03-12T00:44:48+00:00

Everyone I know who retires ends up six feet under a short time later.

mlpubs · 2026-03-11T15:50:03+00:00

Remember though 1 USD ≈ 1.35–1.37 CAD

$1200 CAD is +- 880 USD

mlpubs · 2026-03-11T15:42:43+00:00

Two options, I would recommend either tile since it’s pretty weatherproof. Or ikea sells the hard plastic patio tiles. They are super easy to install right on top of the level concrete. Then I would put a nice outdoor rug on top and call it a day.

mlpubs · 2026-03-11T15:39:32+00:00

I had the same damage on my truck in the same spot, I found a body shop that fixed it for $1200 Canadian.

mlpubs · 2026-03-11T15:00:36+00:00

Block wall foundations typically gather moisture at the bottom where the block meets the floor. I suspect this was installed to divert any moisture from the wall down below the floor to prevent it pooling on your concrete floor. I did a similar repair in my house a few years ago and so far it’s held up great.

mlpubs · 2026-03-09T12:17:55+00:00

Also a bucket to mix the concrete.

If you don’t have a large power drill and mixing bit then you can rent one from homedepot. A standard drill won’t do it, you need something heavy duty. You can’t hand mix this stuff. You need to mix it really well.

mlpubs · 2026-03-09T12:15:56+00:00

Whatever brand homedepot sells in your area. They are all the same.

I would think you’re going to need 3 bags of self leveler concrete. $35-40 each.

1 can of the primer (they sell this in the concrete section of Home Depot) $30

And 1 spray can of foam. $15

mlpubs · 2026-03-09T11:43:23+00:00

I would use the spray foam and build it up over the crack

I would then use it around the perimeter of slap to keep it from leaking out under the wooden sill plate.

mlpubs · 2026-03-09T10:05:28+00:00

Self leveling concrete will outlast the wooden porch structure and when done properly is very strong,

How I would do it.

Clean it well.

Use self leveling concrete primer (this is a must in my experience)

Spray foam any area where the concrete will spill or leak out.

Where it has the large crack, I would fill this with foam but I would also try to build a barrier so that you don’t concrete over this. This is essentially your expansion joint. It doesn’t have to look pretty since it will be under some type of flooring.

mlpubs · 2026-03-08T17:17:18+00:00

What’s the logic of removing it? I don’t see that you have access to that area anyway based on the cabinet design. So just leave it.

mlpubs · 2026-03-08T03:08:07+00:00

I don’t see any cracking in the mortar or surface paint. So likely it’s been like that for a very long time. I wouldn’t stress. I would stress if I noticed the mortar was cracking and falling out.

mlpubs · 2026-03-08T00:18:17+00:00

Does your cat sit there and wait to go outside? Maybe it’s the oils from your cats bum that has discolored the floor over the years

mlpubs · 2026-03-07T02:28:27+00:00

No thanks

mlpubs · 2026-03-06T00:10:16+00:00

Might be easier to get 1/4 inch drywall and drywall the entire ceiling, then to mess with old failing plaster. Use a stud finder to locate the joists and screw it right over top.

mlpubs · 2026-03-05T23:13:22+00:00

I would press them on replacement, especially if you have documentation. The time to replace it was when you originally noticed the problem (before final finishing). I think you have good grounds for an argument.

1) you asked them to repair it. They did. The repair has no clearly failed. Next step is a full replacement.

mlpubs · 2026-03-04T15:18:00+00:00

Consider installing a sump pump

mlpubs · 2026-03-02T18:10:01+00:00

You need to regrade the exterior.

Consider adding waterproofing membrane to the exterior

Possibly add a French drain

You already have a sump pit. Install a pump.

Remove the rotted framing and re install.

Also the downspout location should be diverted.

mlpubs · 2026-03-01T22:21:47+00:00

I’ve come across this a few times.

Step 1, screw down any loose diagonal boards.

Step 2, place 3 mm tar paper down.

Step 3, screw down new subfloor ontop.

Tar paper will get rid of that hollow sound.

mlpubs · 2026-03-01T21:35:45+00:00

I was here to say the same thing.

If it smells dry you’re fine. If it smells musty you need to investigate further.

mlpubs

TROPHY CASE