Looking For Basement Flooding Solutions In Toronto? Then, Here Is A Guide On All You Need To Know About What Waterproofing Companies Do
Basement flooding is one of the biggest problems any property owner can face as it can happen to anyone at any time. Although flooding mostly occurs during times of excessive rainfall or when there is rapid snow melting, it can also happen during dry weather. This is why Toronto is especially prone to basement flooding since it rains and snows for long periods of the year.
In most cases, basement flooding is caused by water seeping into a building’s foundation or walls from surface sources or sewer backup. This is especially common in areas in Toronto where the ground water level is above the basement floor. Another major cause of basement flooding is water from storm and sanitary sewer systems which can seep into basements if the sewer is built above the basement level. This mostly occurs with sanitary sewers which have lateral pipes that allow water to flow backward from the sewer to the basement. Flooding can also be caused by water leaking in through window frames.
Types of Waterproofing Options Available
All contractors in the greater Toronto area offer several basement repair solutions, so it is important for you to know what waterproofing companies do, and which solution is best for your specific situation. One of the best methods used is external excavation and waterproofing which stops water from seeping in through poured concrete foundations. The main reason why people opt for this method is to waterproof basements that have finished walls where the leaks cannot be accessed from the inside. This method is however not commonly used today since it is considered to be expensive, archaic and destructive because it requires excavation around the foundation. A cheap alternative to external excavation is foundation crack repair. This technique is used to fix cracks in situations where homeowner do not want their finished walls opened. Typically, a pressurized resin is used to fill in the cracks.
Window well and drain installation is also another waterproofing repair method that waterproofing companies do, used to stop basement flooding through window frames. The window wells are installed to lower the gradient in front of your basement’s window preventing water from seeping in, while in cases where water accumulates in the window well, drains are installed to carry the excess water away.
Another common basement waterproofing technique used is the installation of interior weeping tiles or perimeter drainage systems. Interior tiles are popular with many Toronto homeowners since they are cheap and are extremely effective in dealing with flooding. In this method, the tiles are installed on the inside of a basement’s wall preventing water from leaking in. On the other hand, perimeter drainage systems are installed on the outside walls of a building’s foundation to prevent water from pooling next to the walls. Alternatively, drainage pipes can also be installed on the inside walls of a basement meaning that external digging can be avoided.
Sump pump installation is also a great alternative for dealing with basement flooding in Toronto since the pump can be used to drain off water from the basement floor. Sump pumps are often used together with interior perimeter drain systems to deal with excessive flooding. This method is especially effective in dealing with flooding caused by a high water table as the pump can deal with water that standard drains cannot handle. Last but not least, crack injection is also a great waterproofing option to deal with flooding caused by cracks in a foundation’s walls. In this method, a polyurethane resin is used to fill in cracks all the way through the entire thickness of a wall effectively filling the hole completely. Crack injection is also used as a precautionary step to prevent cracks from leaking in water in the future.
What to Look for in Waterproofing Contractor?
Choosing the right waterproofing contractor is extremely important because the process is expensive hence, you do not want to have to redo it again. Making the right decision is even more daunting because of all the available waterproofing contractors who claim to offer top notch services. This is why you need to consider the following aspects before settling on a contractor.
Firstly, you should consider whether a contractor offers a full range of wet basement solutions. This is important because a contractor who offers all repair solutions is more likely to recommend a waterproofing technique that will save you money. You should also ask if the contractor you’re considering only offers proprietary solutions since this type of company will only recommend a solution that they have available. Therefore, this might result in you spending considerably more on a repair method that is not optimal for your problem.
Another aspect you should consider before hiring a contractor is their experience. This is because the longer a contractor has been operational, the better their skills and expertise. Lastly, you should ask if the company has an office or ask for it references because this is a good indicator of how successful or professional they are as a waterproofing contractor.
Conclusion
Waterproofing your basement is a large investment in your home. Therefore, you ought to have it done right. This is why you should only hire a reputable contractor who will help you choose the right repair solution, and who also has the expertise to do the work well. So if you’re in the market for a waterproofing contractor in the Toronto area, don’t hesitate to give us a call at DrainCom 416 989 5757
