Effectively waterproofing basement walls from inside involves a series of interior waterproofing solutions designed to keep your basement dry. Our expertise in basement sealing and other waterproofing solutions solidifies us as the go-to basement waterproofing experts in Toronto. In addition to interior measures, our team is skilled at waterproofing basement walls from the outside. We know exactly what we’re doing and have the right solution for your needs. 

Basement lowering

Basement lowering is one of our most requested services. It allows our clients to maximize their basement space and strengthen the foundation of your homes. Basement lowering is also an effective external waterproofing approach through an extensive process that safeguards your basement against moisture. The process involves removing soil beneath an existing concrete slab and padding and creating new concrete support. This reinforces the foundation and can extend the depth of your flooring.

Harmony Basements is proud to offer superior basement lowering services at a competitive rate.

Foundation repairs

The integrity of your home’s foundation can become compromised over time due to moisture or some other cause. This is usually evidenced by a crack or basement leak that may start out small and balloon into a much larger problem. It can be difficult to tell how extensive the problem is and whether there is a deeper issue at hand.

Any time your foundation is compromised, there is a safety concern. Having your foundation assessed by a professional contractor like Harmony Basements is critical. Our team is fully equipped to identify signs of weakness in your home’s foundation early on. We’ll get to the root of the problem and provide quick and lasting foundation repairs.

Sump pump installation

Your sump pump plays a large role in waterproofing your basement. Its function is to reduce the chances of water damage to the foundation of the home. This is particularly important for homes that are prone to flooding and need additional protection from water.

It’s important that your sump pump is installed properly to function well. Harmony Basements are the experts you need for correct sump pump installation. We are happy to conduct an inspection to assess your existing sump pump and replace it if necessary.

Basement drains

The pipes in your home transport countless liters of water to and from your home each day. Many people don’t think twice about their drainage system until something goes wrong. Clogged drains are often the result of buildup and can create a blockage that does not allow waste water to flow away from your home. 

Basement drains, in particular, require special skill to ensure they are working well. If you’re experiencing issues with your basement drains, our team will help you handle the problem. Many homeowners try to unclog drains themselves and often fail to get to the root of the issue. Using advanced technology, we are able to resolve drain issues and provide extensive drain cleaning services.

Window well and french drain services

Window well installation is one of the key services we provide for basements. Adding a window requires the installation of drain caps to allow water to drain away from the window. If this is not done properly, you can end up with water seeping into your basement and creating damage. 

French drain installation is also effective in keeping water out of your basement. Eliminate standing water from your yard so you never have to worry about drainage issues. The Harmony Basements team is happy to help solve any drainage concerns you have.

Basement waterproofing cost

There are a number of variables that affect how much basement waterproofing will cost you. One of the large determining factors is whether exterior or interior waterproofing work is needed. These are two different processes with varying costs. The condition of your soil and the depth also play a key role in determining what your cost will be.

In the GTA, sands are either sandy or hard clay mixed with a rock. The type of soil sound your house has a bearing on how difficult it will be to excavate the soil. In general, interior waterproofing costs anywhere between $80-$240 per linear foot while exterior waterproofing costs between $100-$350 per linear foot.

Why choose us?

Harmony Basements uses a combination of external and internal waterproofing techniques to provide robust waterproofing you can count on.

We take pride in being the recipient of several notable awards for providing excellent basement renovation services. Voted “Best Basement Renovation Contractor of the Year” twice by HomeStars, Harmony Basements has proven to be a premier provider of exceptional basement renovation services in Toronto and beyond. We use a combination of high-quality material and matchless skill, dedication and drive. We care about our clients and they can tell the difference.

Get in touch with us today and experience the excellence Harmony Basements is known for. 

FAQs

What is the best basement waterproofing method?

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.

Is it better to waterproof the basement from inside or outside?

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.

Can you waterproof basement walls from the inside?

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.

What is the best way to waterproof a basement concrete floor?

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.

How often should you waterproof your basement?

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.

How long does basement waterproofing last?

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.

How long will it take to finish basement waterproofing?

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.

When is the best time to do water waterproofing?

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.