What’s Involved in Exterior Basement Waterproofing?

I don’t have to tell you about how often we have bad weather. Homeowners and businesses in Toronto and the GTA often face significant challenges with basement flooding, especially during heavy rainfall. Basement flooding can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and costly repairs. Wet basement repair is expensive and if your basement is already flooded, you are probably facing the loss of items stored in your basement. Not to mention the problems that mold can cause, especially to your health and the health of your family. We all know that basement flooding is a problem that can’t be ignored. Exterior Basement Waterproofing is essential to stopping your basement from having these issues. In this post, I’m going to cover what can be done around the exterior of your home to prevent basement flooding.

Why Waterproofing the Exterior of Your Basement Matters

Waterproofing the exterior of your basement helps maintain the integrity of your home’s foundation. By addressing potential water entry points from the outside, you can prevent leaks and water damage before they reach the interior of your basement. This proactive approach not only safeguards your property but also ensures a healthier living environment by reducing the risk of mold and mildew. The advantage of basement waterproofing done from the outside is that it protects the walls from contact with water or moisture.

Exterior basement waterproofing steps…

1. Excavation: It all starts with the digging. You have to dig along the foundation all the way down to the footing.
2. Cleaning and Inspection: Now you have to clean the foundation so you inspect the foundation for cracks or damage.
3. Inspect your foundation drain: When you dig down to the footer, you will expose your foundation drain. It’s a good time to replace that too.
4. Repairing Cracks: Hydraulic cement should be used to seal any cracks or holes you find.
5. Applying Foundation Sealer: After sealing the cracks and letting that dry, apply a high-quality foundation sealer to create a moisture-resistant barrier.
6. Installing Waterproofing Membrane: Next, after the sealant is dry, install a waterproofing membrane over the foundation wall for another layer of protection.
7. Installing Weeping Tiles: The next step involves installing weeping tiles (or drainage tiles) to direct water away from the foundation.

Professional vs. DIY: When to Call the Experts

While some steps in exterior basement waterproofing can be handled by you, certain tasks are best left to professionals to ensure effectiveness and durability. For instance; the landscaping around your foundation may have to be altered to ensure water is running off away from your home, digging all the way down to the footer may be too difficult for you, or maybe you just aren’t sure you can tackle this project alone.

Exterior Basement Waterproofing DIY Tasks

• Perform Regular Inspections: You should inspect the exterior foundation for any visible cracks or signs of water damage. Mark it on your calendar.
• Perform Minor Crack Repairs: If you spot small cracks you can likely repair them yourself, using hydraulic cement that is available at most hardware stores. Remember though, small cracks become bigger cracks if they are ignored and they could be indicative of larger problems.

Having a professional inspect your basement once per year is a good idea because they use technology and tools you don’t likely have and they know how to spot problems before they cause damage. Draincom is a fully licensed, fully insured basement water proofing company in Toronto that offers a 25 year warranty on repairs. I included it in this post because their basement flood prevention inspection is free. It also includes inspecting the interior, your sump pump and more.

Choosing the Right Basement Waterproofing Professional

When hiring a professional for exterior basement waterproofing, ensure they are experienced, licensed, and insured. Look for the following qualities:

• Years of Experience: A well-established company with a proven track record. Draincom has more than 20 years of experience with basement floor prevention, wet basement repair, installing and maintaining sump pumps, installing backwater valves and more.
• Proper Licensing: They should be licensed to operate in your city. Draincom is fully licensed in Toronto and the GTA.
• Full Insurance: This protects you in case of any accidents or damage during the project. Draincom is fully insured.
• Warranty: A reputable company will offer a warranty on their services, giving you peace of mind that the work will stand the test of time. Draincom offers a 25-year warranty.

At DrainCom, we specialize in exterior basement waterproofing and interior basement waterproofing. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you safeguard your basement. Contact Us | Call us at 905-238-6800.