Normally a Canadian spring means flooding, and although this year we haven’t had a lot of snow, other factors can play a role in causing rising water. How do you deal with basement waterproofing in Toronto, both before it happens and after it does? What are the best and most affordable methods to waterproof your basement and home? It’s not always easy navigating the surprisingly large sea of available information when you’re under pressure, so we’ve broken it down for you into three primary types of waterproofing:
Interior Waterproofing
There a range of different causes of water leaks, and the most common is through the concrete foundation of your home. Cracks are easy to seal off from the inside using any of a range of quality special sealants. These sealants are injected into the opening from the interior, and they seep through to the exterior to seal off the path for moisture and leaks. The effect usually lasts a long time, and while these are good for preventing leaks and humidity they won’t work against hydrostatic pressure on the foundation. Types of sealant-based interior basement waterproofing in Toronto include:
- Concrete waterproofing coatings: These are thick, cement-like coatings that adhere permanently to the concrete and masonry wall. These can’t be applied to previously painted surfaces, and the price for do-it-yourselfers typically runs at around $30-$40 a gallon which covers 100 sq. ft.
- Silicate-based concrete sealants (aka Denifiers): These sealants are good for using on walls that haven’t been painted or sealed at all. They work by soaking in and chemically reacting with the ingredients in concrete or brick, creating a hard, waterproof surface. They don’t flake or peel and you can paint over them (but make sure you check the labels of the paint you use!) These run for $40-$50 a gallon and covers about 200 sq. ft. You should plan to do at least 2 coats.
A reality of interior waterproofing though is that even though it is a good idea, it can’t fix any major leaks and exterior or drainage measures might need to be taken regardless.
Exterior Waterproofing
This kind of waterproofing can help prevent water from entering your home altogether. This is a good thing because it will prevent damage to the foundation as well as the inside of your basement. Exterior waterproofing is done by completely excavating the surrounding earth of your home all the way to the bottom of the foundation. The foundation walls then have a waterproof coating applied and direct the water down to a drain system you decide on. It is the best basement waterproofing in Toronto that you can get—but it is also the most expensive. Typically, a full excavation costs $15,000-$30,000 including the waterproof coating and drainage panels.
Interior and Exterior Drainage
Another great way to waterproof your basement is by installing a proper drainage system. The most common and easiest option is the Sump Pump. This collects water from inside your house and then pumps it out and away from your home. The downside is that it requires water to enter your basement, which can still cause damage. A sump pump is still effective, however, and if used in combination with some exterior methods you will be well protected.
Water can cause a lot of damage and the only real weapon against it is preparation. Keep your gutters clean to prevent water overflowing and pooling around your foundation. Seal up any cracks in window frames or walls. Then take a look at what you need, what your wallet can handle and talk to your plumber about the best options for basement waterproofing in Toronto.
