Foundation repair is essential for maintaining a home’s condition. When it degrades underneath a structure, the entire house can become unlivable.
That’s why basement waterproofing in Toronto is an essential service if you’ve experienced seepage. If this issue isn’t addressed correctly, you could be looking at an extensive repair.
Here’s what you can expect if you’ve invested in basement waterproofing for your home.
Steps to Follow for Basement Waterproofing in Toronto
Once you’ve decided on the basement waterproofing contractor you want to use, the following steps provide a general overview of what to expect with your service agreement. Every situation is slightly different, so you might see slight variations in this process.
Step #1: Dig Out the Basement
The best way to protect your basement from water is to dig around the house’s perimeter until you reach the foundation’s base. You must have the correct moisture-resistant product installed on the walls to protect your home.
Once the walls are exposed, a drainage system might be necessary. Perforated pipe, crushed stone or gravel drains, drainage tiles, and other approved systems through Ontario’s building codes can protect against future water damage.
Step #2: Inspect for Cracks
After exposing the basement wall, it is crucial to inspect it for any cracks or areas that could let water seep into the house.
If this issue is detected during this step, a coat of hydraulic cement gets applied to the basement walls. This product expands as it cures, filling the various voids and cracks to reduce the chances that future leakage occurs.
Step #3: Apply an Appropriate Sealant
At this stage, the exterior walls are ready to have a coat of cement-based sealant applied to them. This product is easy to use, covering any masonry or concrete surfaces to make them more resilient to water exposure.
That outcome happens because the sealant penetrates the porous concrete before hardening. This activity closes the pores and hairline cracks that aren’t detected when applying hydraulic cement.
Step #4: Install a Waterproof Membrane
Once the home’s walls are better protected from moisture penetration, it’s time to install a waterproof membrane. This product is an asphalt-modified polyurethane material that gets sprayed or troweled onto the exterior wall to stop water from causing problems.
Some membranes are a self-adhering product that comes in a roll.
This surface has more flexibility than other products, which means it can adapt to the concrete structure if a new crack occurs.
It’s essential to ask your preferred basement waterproofing contractor if they’re using a membrane or a damp-proofer product. The latter is more likely to fail, which means you could find yourself at the start of this project another time.
Step #5: Install the Drainage Mat
Drainage mats have molded dimples that create air gaps between them and the wall. That makes it easier for moisture to travel within the drainage structure.
A drainage mat works best when cut to the exact depth of a home’s foundation.
When installed correctly, this investment can help ease some of the lateral pressure that exists against a home’s foundation.
Step #6: Complete the French Drain
At this point in the basement waterproofing process, a home is ready to have a French drain installed. Some contractors might recommend using weeping tile. It’s a good practice to have a cleanout included with the design to provide easier access to maintain this system.
Once the drain is installed, it must be backfilled with gravel to complete the work.
What to Avoid with Basement Waterproofing in Toronto?
When you need basement waterproofing work done on your home, there are some ideas to avoid to ensure that you have a positive experience.
The first issue involves limestone. Although it might be tempting to use it for your French drain backfill, this product reduces the overall drainage capabilities of the system. It can even clog the newly installed structures. Gravel is your best choice.
When waterproofing the basement walls, don’t use plastic products to complete the job. Although it works well at first, the material eventually peels away. That outcome allows moisture to make its way inside, forcing you to repair your home another time.
Some basement waterproofing in Toronto used tar to create a moisture-resistant surface in the past. This technique is effective at first, but it becomes brittle when exposed to our changing seasons. It will eventually crack if not maintained.
Although foundation repair can seem scary, it’s usually a straightforward project. Every home should be inspected at least once per year to ensure that basement waterproofing services aren’t needed.
