Waterproof Your Toronto Basement

One of the many dilemmas faced by many Toronto homeowners is how they can secure their basement through waterproofing. Aside from the idea that they really need to have their basement waterproofed, they are also bombarded by the question of how they should go about the whole task. Hiring a Toronto plumbing and drain professional might prove to be costly, but without any knowledge about the project, doing it yourself may be difficult. If you are planning to waterproof your basement on your own or with the help of family and friends, you should eventually learn about the basic and important basement waterproofing information. Since waterproofing a basement can be considered more demanding and different than when you waterproof other parts of your house, it is essential that you know everything about it.

Why Do You Need to Waterproof Your Basement?

Basically, if water seeps through the cracks in the walls and floor of your basement, it can cause significant damage — not only to the basement, but also to the whole infrastructure itself. The basement serves as the main support and foundation of your Toronto home or establishment. Water damage can ruin the whole property, as well as its interior furnishings. Furthermore, repairing the damage brought on by leaks is difficult and very costly. It is best to prevent the problem before it affects you and your property. Moreover, since the basement is normally not exposed to direct sunlight, it makes for an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew, especially if there is enough moisture present. Aside from foul odors, fungus can also cause allergies and other health problems in your Toronto household.

It would be best to have your basement waterproofed at the same time it is being built. If you fail to do so, you can always waterproof your basement at a later time, especially if your house is found to have a faulty plumbing system and a significant humidity level, among other issues.

The Different Types of Basement Waterproofing Systems

Depending on various factors such as structural condition, seepage, and environmental specifics, you may choose a particular waterproofing system from the options described below:

• Cavity Drainage System – This waterproofing system involves the use of a honeycomb coating on the basement’s floors, ceiling, and walls. The sloping or ridged surface then helps re-route seepage onto a drainage system, preventing moisture from standing too long. A cavity drainage system makes use of electric pumps, making it a less popular choice because power interruptions and electrical problems can create future issues.
• Tanking – In this process, a water-resistant coating is applied to the exterior walls of the basement. However, this system should be done during the first construction phases of the basement. Since it is applied to the outer walls, it is intended to work well for most types of seepage in general.
• Exterior Foundation Drain – This is a customized drainage system installed in the outer basement walls. It is designed to re-direct groundwater away from the basement walls.