Waterproofing & Underpinning

Toronto, ON and surrounding areas

Waterproofing & Underpinning

Greater Toronto Area

Basement waterproofing involves techniques and materials used to prevent water from penetrating the basement of a house or a building. Waterproofing a basement that is below ground level can require the application of sealant materials, the installation of drains and sump pumps, and more

Purpose

Waterproofing is usually required by building codes for structures that are built at or below ground level. Waterproofing and drainage considerations are especially important in cases where ground water is likely to build up in the soil or where there is a high water table.

Water in the soil causes hydrostatic pressure to be exerted underneath basement floors and walls. This hydrostatic pressure can force water in through cracks, which can cause major structural damage as well as mold, decay, and other moisture-related problems.

Methods

Several measures exist to prevent water from penetrating a basement foundation or to divert water that has penetrated a foundation:

Interior wall and floor sealers
Interior water drainage
Exterior drainage
Exterior waterproofing coatings
Box type waterproofing
Foundation crack injections

Causes of water seepage and leaks

Water seepage in basement and crawl spaces usually occurs over long periods of time and can be caused by numerous factors.

Concrete is one of the most commonly used materials in home construction. When pockets of air are not removed, or the mixture is not allowed to cure properly, the concrete can crack, which allows water to force its way through the wall.
Foundations (footings) are horizontal pads that define the perimeter of foundation walls. When footings are too narrow or are not laid deep enough, they are susceptible to movement caused by soil erosion.

Gutters and downspouts are used to catch rain water as it falls and to discharge it away from houses and buildings. When gutters are clogged or downspouts are broken, rainwater is absorbed by the soil near the foundation, increasing hydrostatic pressure.

Reliable Staff

Dependability is important to us. We’ll always be on time and ready to start cleaning.

Exceptional service

You can expect the best cleaning services from our company. We never cut corners or rush our work.

Attentive customer care

If you’re ever dissatisfied with our work, just let us know and we’ll fix the problem.

Weeping tile is a porous plastic drain pipe installed around the perimeter of the house. The main purpose of external weeping tile is preventing water from getting into a basement. However, these pipes can become clogged or damaged, which causes excess water to put pressure on internal walls and basement floors.

Water build up inside window wells, after heavy rain or snow, can lead to leaks through basement window seams. Window well covers can be used to prevent water from accumulating in the window well.
Ground saturation is another common form of basement leaks. When the footing drain fails the ground around the basement can contain too much water and when the saturation point is met flooding can occur.

Foundation crack injections

Foundation crack injections are used when poured concrete foundations crack, either from settlement or the expansion and contraction of the concrete. Epoxy crack injections are typically used for structural purposes while hydrophobic or hydrophilic polyurethane injections are used to seal cracks to prevent penetration of moisture or water. Concrete is both strong and inexpensive, making it an ideal product in construction. However, concrete is not waterproof.

Contact us today if you are looking to make changes to or completely remodel your home’s basement. Our experienced team members will complete a job with professionalism and within a timely manner.