Waterproofing
Waterproofing protects your property from water and dampness. Pests, mould and health problems can be attributed to water and dampness in your basement. Common leaks present themselves after large rainfalls and can sometimes be due to the exterior grading, or failed eavestroughs. Uncommon and more concerning leaks come from groundwater seeping up from underneath the basement floor, usually due to the home being at the bottom of a hill. One of the worst cases we've seen had the natural water level directly below the floor, harbouring a colony of salamanders!
There are two main methods to waterproofing your home; from inside the basement, and from the outside. Waterproofing on the outside is a slightly more effective method, but the cost is higher. It involves first excavating and exposing the foundation and weeping tile. Then we repair the foundation and replace the weeping tile to prepare for the waterproof material. We apply an oil based tar, then install the waterproof membrane. Finally, we backfill what was excavated while compacting the earth as much as possible.
To waterproof from the inside is the same result but the process is a little different. To start with, there is minimal excavation and therefore the cost is lower. In order to consider this method, we first must be able to access the bare foundation wall. Either the basement is not finished, or we remove the damaged drywall material to expose the foundation. First, we install a weeping tile under the floor, along the foundation being waterproofed. Then we repair the foundation and install the waterproof membrane. Finally we repair the floor to seal up to the membrane.
When waterproofing on the inside, there are some extras worth considering. This would be a good time to install a backflow preventer, which prevents sewage pipes from backing up into your basement. It is also recommended to have a sump pump installed which helps get rid of water collected by the weeper system.
