Is your basement a focal room in your home? Do you want to protect it from flooding and other weather damage? Internal waterproofing will help prevent many issues, but for extra peace of mind and added protection, homeowners in Toronto should also do exterior basement waterproofing as an extra precaution.
Whether your basement is a storage area, laundry room, workout room, or additional living space, such as a great room, craft room, playroom, or media room, basement waterproofing can prevent water damage and protect your home. In the following article, we will provide you with some solutions for exterior waterproofing for your basement.
Exterior Basement Waterproofing: 5 Best Solutions
Repairing Any Existing Structural Damage
One of the best methods of waterproofing Toronto, especially when it comes to basements, is repairing any cracks or structural damage to the exterior of your property. You should take care to repair any inconsistencies in the foundation, especially the walls. Repair any damage to the foundation of the basement before you install any exterior drainage systems or reseal the foundation.
Correcting Ground Slopes Outside of the Basement Walls
In order to prevent flooding or other damage, you could correct the slope of the ground surrounding the basement walls. For the best protection, the ground slope should be a distance of five feet from the exterior of the basement walls and at an angle of at least ten degrees. This should lower the chance of water pooling. Pooled water will eventually enter the basement walls as it seeps into the ground.
Installing Gutters and Downspouts
The roof of your home is an essential part of exterior basement waterproofing. It protects both the exterior and interior of your home, as directing water away from your home is one of the best defenses against flooding or water damage.
Be sure to properly install gutters and downspouts, as the correct drainage to the external drainage system will keep it from entering the basement of your home. If you already have a drainage system on your roof, make sure to thoroughly inspect for blockages or any other damages. As your gutters tend to get backed up with dirt, leaves, and other debris, cleaning them regularly can help prevent any issues. In addition, it is recommended to install gutter cover for added protection.
Installing External Drainage Systems
To install an exterior drainage system, you must dig into the soil located next to the walls of your basement and install drainage pipes and boards against those walls. This will redirect the water away from the basement walls. Keep in mind that this method can be a bit costly, but it is most effective for those basements in which the exterior walls are below the ground level.
Sealing the Foundation Walls
Another method of exterior basement waterproofing is to seal the foundation of your home with the proper waterproofing materials. You should inspect this waterproofing regularly to see if there are any areas that are damaged and need to be repaired or replaced. This exterior waterproofing is one of the best ways to keep water from entering your basement.
These methods of exterior basement waterproofing along with regular internal waterproofing should protect your basement from any damage from flooding or other weather conditions.
Contact DrainCom if you have any further questions regarding either internal or external basement waterproofing. Our expert staff can advise you as to which method is the best for your Toronto area home. Call us today for any waterproofing or plumbing issues you may have.
