Basement Waterproofing Toronto & GTA

The best basement waterproofing method depends on the effect you’re looking for. We offer different internal and external methods, and they all play an important role in protecting your basement from moisture. The internal methods are foundation repairs and a sump pump. The external ones are basement lowering, window wells, and French drains. Basement drains are both an internal and external method of waterproofing.

The foundation of a house can gradually shift over time, which compromises its safety and raises the chances that water seeping into your basement will be an issue. Foundation repairs get to the root cause to give you a stronger foundation and more robust waterproofing. Installing a sump pump ensures that water that does threaten to get in through the basement walls or floor is redirected into the drainage system.

There are also a few external waterproofing methods. Through lowering the basement, you will be able to protect the basement against moisture by adding more concrete support. If your basement has windows, it is important that you install window wells so that water doesn’t seep in through the windows. French drains get rid of standing water around your yard to protect your basement.

Proper drainage systems work both inside and outside your basement by directing water away. They need to be regularly maintained and any issues need to be promptly addressed. All these internal and external methods work together to protect your basement against water. The right option for you depends on your basement use, your budget, excavation limits, and other factors.

It depends. When you waterproof from the outside, you are preventing water from entering the basement to begin with. It is typically more costly, and both installation and repairs are more difficult to undertake without excavation. However, external waterproofing is the better option if you’re using the basement as a bedroom, office, living room, or any other long-term use. It is less invasive since more of the work is done from the outside.

It also requires less maintenance than internal waterproofing methods. So although the upfront cost is higher for external waterproofing, its low maintenance could save you money in the long run.

Interior methods redirect rather than prevent. Incoming water is channeled away into the drainage system. It is usually quicker, less expensive, and easier to access for maintenance. Since the installation occurs within the basement, for the few days that installation is taking place you cannot use your basement. It also requires more regular maintenance.

So at the end of the day, deciding what to opt for is a matter of your budget and basement use.

Yes, waterproofing basement walls from the inside is a way to protect your basement from moisture damage. It can be a final step for good measure but should not be the standalone method you’re using.

Waterproofing the basement walls from the inside can be done through waterproof membranes, sealants, paint, and coatings. These may be temporary solution but it’s best to contact our team to fully waterproof your basement to address the root of the moisture problem. For example, if the foundation is faulty, water will still seep in through the soil. Eventually, these solutions will wear out and you’ll still have to seek a more preventative or redirective measure.

The best way to waterproof a basement concrete floor is to first take care of the foundation. It is your first defense against flooding issues. You can start by lowering the basement so that there is additional concrete support. You also need to inspect the foundation to see whether it needs repairs.

Once your foundation is taken care of, you need to have a professional regularly check for any cracks or faults. If there are any, these need to be repaired promptly. Sometimes a sealant is all that is needed. You can then add a waterproof coating.

Addressing small issues early is preferable to dealing with larger problems that may develop over time. We recommend an annual inspection of your basement for leaks, cracks, and other potential concerns. It’s also advisable to perform yearly checks on your sump pump.

We also recommend to check your gutters, downspouts, and other drainage systems because they play an important role in directing water away from the basement. By checking your gutters and clearing it at least twice a year in spring and in fall, will be a big step in diverting water away from your house.

Proper basement waterproofing can last from five to ten years, depending on what is done and your environment. If you don’t remember the last time you checked your basement for moisture or experienced a recent basement flood, give our team a call. We’ll determine the best solutions for you.

The durability of your waterproofing also depends on how well you’ve maintained it throughout the years. This means taking care of smaller issues like cracks in the floor and walls and getting regular inspections of the sump pump.

This depends on the type of work being done, but on average basement waterproofing can take anywhere from 3 to 7 days. There are different factors that will impact how long it takes for waterproofing to be done including the foundation type and depth, soil type, accessibility of the areas needing waterproofing, and the extent of any damage that needs repairing.

Summertime. First, if you require any excavation to be done as part of the waterproofing, it’s easier to do it during the summer. Secondly, due to the heat, the necessary sealants and coatings dry faster in the summer.

It is still possible to waterproof your basement in other seasons. You can make minor repairs even during the winter, but for major waterproofing projects, you might need to wait for the summer. Just keep in mind that services might cost more during the winter.

Also, it’s important to note that the high humidity levels in the summer can increase the risk of mold and mildew in your basement. So, we recommend contacting our team to identify and address these issues early on.