Troubleshooting & Problems
Diagnosing and fixing common construction and renovation issues
My new build basement in auburn bay has minor concrete cracks after one winter is that normal?
Minor concrete cracks in a new basement after one winter are very common in Calgary, especially in Auburn Bay where expansive clay soils and extreme f...
My furnace keeps shutting off when it hits minus 25 degrees Celsius outside. What should I check first?
Your furnace is likely shutting down due to a blocked air intake or exhaust vent, which is extremely common during Calgary's brutal cold snaps when te...
My basement stays at 15 degrees in winter even with the new furnace running. Is this an issue with the insulation or airflow?
A basement that stays at 15°C in winter typically indicates both insulation and airflow issues, with inadequate heating distribution being the most co...
Our roof was damaged in the 2020 hail storm — can we still file an insurance claim for shingle replacement now?
Unfortunately, it's very unlikely you can still file a new insurance claim for hail damage from the 2020 storm, as most insurance policies require cla...
Cracked concrete patio after one winter in Sage Hill - is this normal settling or did they pour it wrong on clay?
A new concrete patio cracking after just one Calgary winter is concerning and likely indicates installation issues rather than normal settling. While...
Our sewer backed up during chinook melt — does insurance cover clay pipe replacement under the driveway?
Most standard homeowner insurance policies do NOT cover sewer line replacement, even when the backup causes interior damage. However, the interior wat...
We just bought a 1970s side split in Marda Loop, and the basement smells musty after rain. Is this normal?
A musty smell in your basement after rain is NOT normal and indicates a moisture problem that needs addressing — this is especially common in Calgary'...
We bought a flood-damaged bungalow in Bowness. Is the foundation salvageable or should we rebuild from scratch?
The foundation may be salvageable depending on the flood severity and foundation type, but you'll need a structural engineer's assessment before makin...
My furnace makes a banging noise during chinooks when the temperature swings 20 degrees overnight. Is this normal or a problem?
Banging noises during chinooks are extremely common in Calgary furnaces, but they shouldn't be ignored. The rapid temperature swings that Calgary is f...
How to fix foundation cracks in a 1980s walkout basement in Deer Run? Are they structural or just cosmetic from settling?
Foundation cracks in 1980s Calgary homes are extremely common due to our expansive clay soils and freeze-thaw cycles, but determining whether they're...
My new build basement in Auburn Bay has minor concrete cracks after one winter. Is that normal?
Minor concrete cracks in a new basement after one Calgary winter are extremely common and usually not a structural concern. Calgary's expansive clay s...
Can chinooks actually damage asphalt shingles, or is that just an excuse contractors use for early wear?
Chinooks absolutely do damage asphalt shingles in Calgary — it's not contractor spin, it's legitimate climate science. The rapid temperature swings th...
What's covered under the Alberta New Home Warranty Program if we find foundation cracks in year 8 in our Okotoks build?
Foundation cracks discovered in year 8 of your Okotoks home would fall under the 10-year major structural defects coverage of your Alberta New Home Wa...
My 1960s bungalow in Bridgeland has foundation cracks on the south side after this winter. Should I be worried?
Foundation cracks on a 1960s Calgary home after winter are common due to our extreme freeze-thaw cycles and expansive clay soils, but the type and siz...
Our 1950s war-time bungalow basement walls are bowing inward after last winter. How urgent is this?
This is very urgent and potentially dangerous — bowing basement walls indicate serious structural failure that requires immediate professional assessm...