Basement Waterproofing Toronto

Protection Against Water Seepage

Water seepage is one of the most common causes of basement flooding and wet basements, resulting in mold, mildew, and other problems for homeowners. A well-designed basement waterproofing system should provide reliable protection against water seepage while still allowing air to move freely through the space. This helps reduce humidity levels in your basement, improving indoor air quality.

Basement waterproofing helps keep water from entering by sealing off pores and cracks, making it difficult for liquids to pass through and penetrate the walls. Basement waterproofing systems often include a variety of materials such as membranes, coatings, gels, sealants and injection foams to create an effective barrier against moisture penetration. In tandem with properly installed drainage systems, we can help divert excess rainwater away from your home before it has a chance to enter your foundation walls or basement flooring. As professional basement waterproofers, we use a combination of tried and tested methods to create an effective system that keeps out water from even the wettest weather conditions.

A Wet Basement Can Lead To Mold!

Wet basements can be a major cause of mold growth. The presence of high levels of moisture in these areas creates an environment conducive to mold growth. Moisture can come from issues such as leaking pipes, poor drainage, or humid environments. Mold in basements can lead to dangerous health conditions, such as respiratory issues and other allergies. Basement waterproofing can help to prevent the issue of mold growth. One of the key reasons why homeowners should consider proper and professional waterproofing for their basement! Through basement waterproofing, you will be able to reduce the chances of moisture from entering and creating the perfect environment for mold growth.

Basement Foundation Cracks

Cracks in the basement foundation are a sign of a weakening structure, and most importantly, a risk for water penetration. If left unchecked, these cracks can cause extensive damage to your home and its contents as water enters through them. Basement waterproofing is the process of sealing off these cracks and creating an impermeable barrier between the outside world and your home’s interior. In addition to sealing off any existing cracks, it’s important to identify potential problem areas and remedy them before they become an issue. If ignored for too long, more drastic measures may need to be taken such as underpinning or replacing parts of the foundation. Keeping an eye out for warning signs of a damaged basement foundation and addressing them promptly is key to keeping your basement dry and healthy.

Here are some signs of a bad basement foundation:

• Cracks in the walls or floor
• Doors and windows jamming or sticking
• Unusual odors coming from the basement
• Visible mold or mildew growing on walls and floors
• Uneven floors/floors that slope in one direction
• Water leakage coming from the foundation, walls, or floor

The 2 Main Basement Waterproofing Methods

The two main methods of basement waterproofing are interior waterproofing and exterior waterproofing.

Interior Waterproofing: Interior waterproofing is done by applying a sealant or membrane to the walls and floor of the basement from the inside. This process essentially creates an impermeable barrier between the inside and outside of your home, preventing water from entering. To further enhance its effectiveness, a sump pump can be installed which will actively remove any standing water in the area before it has a chance to cause damage.

Exterior Waterproofing: Exterior waterproofing involves addressing any potential issues regarding your leaky basement on the outside of your home first. This typically involves excavating around your foundation, installing drains, and sealing off areas where water may leak in such as cracks or other weak points. As an added layer of protection, an external coating is applied which further prevents water from seeping through.

Drainage For Proper Basement Waterproofing

Drainage is an essential component of any basement waterproofing system. It works to divert water away from the house and into a drainage system that leads away from the property. Installations such as perimeter drains and subfloor drainage systems can be used to collect water from walls and floors, and direct it away from a building’s foundation. Additionally, sump pumps that are connected to these systems allow for pumping excess water outside of the home safely and quickly. Not sure what kind of drainage system you need for your home? We would be happy to do a free consultation to map out a plan for your basement! Don’t let a leaky basement ruin your day, with proper planning we can help you and your family feel safe against basement flooding.

Damp-proofing vs. Waterproofing Your Basement

Basements are a great bonus for many homes, providing additional living space and storage room, but basements tend to get wet and damp. This can lead to mold growth and unpleasant odors as well as an uncomfortable environment. To keep your basement dry in the long term, it’s important to think about damp proofing or waterproofing, depending on your needs and budget.

What is Damp-Proofing?

Damp-proofing involves installing a thin plastic sheet that acts as a barrier on the inside walls of your basement which prevents moisture from entering your home through the walls. This method helps to keep out moisture, but does not make your basement completely waterproof. It is best for addressing minor water seepage issues such as condensation and minor leaks.

What is Waterproofing?

Waterproofing is more comprehensive than damp-proofing and it involves physically sealing off any water entry points such as cracks in the foundation or around windows with a waterproof membrane or sealant product. This type of process requires more technical knowhow and labor investment but can be highly effective in preventing major flooding events in basements that are prone to seepage problems due to poor grading outside or other sources of water intrusion.

Which one should I choose?

The choice between damp-proofing vs waterproofing depends largely on the scope of your problem; if you only have occasional seepage issues such as condensation then damp proofing will likely be sufficient but if you’re dealing with more serious flooding episodes then it may be worth investing in a more thorough waterproof system for your basement.