basement waterproofing

Should I Waterproof my Basement from the Inside or Outside?

Basement waterproofing is big business in Toronto.  Between the age of the homes, the extreme weather between seasons, and the fact Toronto sits on top of underground waterways, most homes in Toronto experience water leaking into their basements at one time or another.

If you’re confused about the difference between interior and exterior waterproofing and when each method is appropriate, you’re not alone. The best way to decide which method would work best for your situation is to start by determining the source of the moisture and evaluating the severity of the leak. Below is a quick overview of the two methods:

What is Interior Waterproofing?

Interior “waterproofing” is not truly waterproofing – it’s actually water management as the problem is addressed after the water has already found it’s way through the foundation. This method continues to allow water to enter through the wall, and consequently, the property is not protected from frost or erosion. In a nutshell, this method diverts water away from the basement using a weeping tile system.

Interior weeping tile system in Toronto basement

Interior weeping tile system in Toronto basement

When Should the Interior Waterproofing Method be Used?

The interior basement waterproofing method is ideal for homeowners who are concerned about disturbing the outside appearance of their home, as it ensures that landscaping is not harmed in the process.   Best used on concrete or structurally sound walls, the interior waterproofing method is usually used to temporarily manage small leaks. It’s also a good solution when excavating is not possible because of factors like lack of accessibility or exterior utilities. Whenever possible, waterproofing from the outside is recommended since long term water entering your basement can lead to erosion of your foundation as well as chronic damp issues in your basement.  Plus, if your sump pump ever fails, especially on vacation, the results could be disastrous if you do not have a proper sump pump backup system installed.

 

What is Exterior Waterproofing?

The exterior basement waterproofing method involves excavating and exposing the foundation wall. The exterior wall is then cleaned and inspected for cracks. Once excavated, the walls are sealed with waterproofing membrane and new drainage (weeping tiles) are placed at the side of the footing. Exterior waterproofing structurally ensures the life of the foundation and the building it supports. Exterior waterproofing stops water from entering the home and protects the property from frost and foundation erosion. Rather than installing a membrane inside the basement to manage the flow of water, the exterior method allows large gaps and cracks to be repaired. Once proper waterproofing coatings are applied they stay flexible and move with the wall, preventing future leaks.  Exterior waterproofing is the most popular type of waterproofing we do here in Toronto, but sometimes the exterior of your home or budget excludes it as an option.

exterior waterproofing on Toronto home

exterior waterproofing on Toronto home

 

When Should the Exterior Waterproofing Method be Used?

Whenever possible, it’s best to work from the exterior to waterproof your foundation to ensure the wall does not erode and remains structurally sound. When your wall is made of cinder-block, stone, bricks or aging concrete the exterior method is also recommended. And of course if the leak in the foundation you’re experiencing is serious and cannot be properly managed with weeping tiles from the inside of the home, external waterproofing is the sensible option.  Exterior waterproofing is a permanent, final solution to your basement waterproofing problems and should be your option when budget and logistics allow for it.

 

Choose the basement waterproofing method that will work best for your Toronto home

In summary, the exterior waterproofing method structurally ensures the life of the wall and the building it supports. The interior waterproofing method, on the other hand, simply manages the flow of water with the use of weeping tiles. If the leak is serious and excavating the foundation wall is a viable option, the exterior method is highly recommended.

Do you have questions about which method will work best for your situation?  Feel free to contact us here with any questions.  Nusite waterproofing is a basement waterproofing company serving Toronto and the GTA.  We offer free in-home waterproofing inspections and estimates.

Is Basement Waterproofing Covered By Homeowners Insurance?

This is a common question we get about basement waterproofing here in Toronto.

What is Covered and What Is Not

Unfortunately, basement waterproofing systems aren’t typically covered by homeowners’ insurance policies. The actual cleanup of a flooded basement may be covered but the process of waterproofing the room isn’t. Of course, if you suffer through a flooded basement for one reason or another the insurance company will want to know the reason why and then recommend you tend to the source of the problem so it doesn’t happen again. The company may cover you for the first instance of a flooded basement but certainly won’t want to dish out again.  Water leaks that result form inside the home are usually covered, like a broken pipe or faulty appliance, but external water leaks into your basement usually are not.

Lets’ compare it to an auto accident which was caused by the blowout of an old tire. The insurer may cover the damages but you’ll definitely be on the hook for buying a new set of tires to cut down on the chances of it happening again. Many homeowners’ policies will cover the contents and cleanup of a flooded basement but you need to make sure it’s included in the policy or take out a separate endorsement or rider for water damage. This usually covers broken water pipes, sewers and sump pumps etc but often doesn’t include damage caused by a flooded river/lake and storms etc. However, it’s very important to know exactly what your policy does and doesn’t cover and ask the insurance salesperson if you’d like something specific included.

External Water leaks

Most policies exclude coverage for water seepage and flooding which occurs externally, at ground level or below it. But even if flood insurance is added to your policy it usually won’t cover damage caused by groundwater since it’s really caused by lack of home maintenance such as cracks in the foundation or walls, poor lot grading, leaky pipes and inadequate drainage systems etc. The onus to take care of one’s basement and properly maintain it basically falls on the homeowner. And the best way to try and keep it dry is to waterproof it as a matter of preventative maintenance.

It’s recommended that you have a new cast-iron sump pump which is able to operate on batteries when the power to the home goes out. In addition, any cracks in your basement or foundation walls should be repaired if necessary. In some cases, you may be able to repair and waterproof your own home but if the job is too big you may need professional help. There are numerous waterproofing contractors available which will be able to waterproof your home from the inside out outside depending on the unique situation.

Flooded basements may be covered if the source of the water damage came from inside the house but not from outside of it. This includes appliances that break down and broken or frozen pipes since these are considered to be sudden and accidental problems. But even in these instances you may need to prove the damage wasn’t caused due to a lack of preventative maintenance. For example, if you leave home for two weeks in the winter and turn off the heat you may be the cause of a frozen water pipe. If you turn the heat off make sure you also turn the water off.

Therefore, it’s also important to keep an eye on your pipes and appliances and keep them in good operating condition. When it comes to external water sources, you should realize that over the years most foundations will eventually deteriorate as they settle and crack. This is basically natural wear and tear on the foundation and it may require expert help from an experienced contractor to rectify. Drain tiles and excavating may be needed but it’s often the best and sometimes the only way to properly waterproof your basement.

Contact Nusite Waterproofing

For more information on certified basement waterproofing please feel free to contact us at Nusite Waterproofing. Our team of technicians is experienced in diagnosing potential danger spots and recommend the best method of keeping your basement dry from groundwater.  We are a basement waterproofing company in Toronto and service the GTA.

What Is a False Water Table?

False water table in Toronto basementFalse water tables can spell trouble for your basement or crawl space, even when these areas are waterproofed. As a homeowner, it can be frustrating when water keeps seeping into these areas when you thought you were protected.  Here in Toronto, almost all homes have basements and with the weather conditions and underground waterways running through Toronto, water seeping into the basement is a constant issue for Toronto homeowners.

Sometimes homeowners think their home is sitting on a high water table, when in fact their house sits over a false water table created by loose back fill.

How False Water Tables Form

A false water table forms because of the process used to excavate for your home. A hole is dug in hard-packed soil for the foundation. After the foundation is built, soil is “back filled” around the perimeter. This fill is not as compacted as the undisturbed soil beyond the foundation area. As a result, water penetrates where it can enter easily; around your home. When it rains, or when snow melts, the water follows the path of least resistance and flows away from the hard-packed, undisturbed soil towards the looser, more porous back fill.

Diagram image of a false water table in Toronto basement

Water that has accumulated will continue to rise if water is coming in too quickly, or the real water table is full and cannot handle any more water. As water always seeks to level itself out, it presses into all the voids in the soil, under the foundation and in the foundation walls. The water will continue to climb as long as there is more water pouring in and this creates what is known as a false water table. This can happen even if your home is built on high ground as the soil around the foundation collects moisture before it has a chance to run off. In the meantime all this water exerts an incredible pressure on your foundation.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Once the false water table fills up and becomes higher than the floor, your trouble really starts. Hydrostatic pressure is 63.4 pounds per cubic foot and the water presses in all directions to find its own level. Most homeowners are not even aware this is happening until there is a heavy rainfall or large amounts of snow are melting. The area under the foundation may store up to 2500 gallons of water, but when this fills the water has to find a place to go. If your foundation has any cracks or weak areas, the water will find it and enter the lower level of your home.

Basement waterproofing in Toronto diagram of basement leaks

Clearly, leaks caused by a false water table cannot be solved with a commercial patch kit. The force is too strong. Excavation alone will not solve the problem either. You will need a system designed specifically for a false water table. This involves both water control and a method of relieving the enormous pressure that builds up against the foundation. This is definitely one problem that you will want expert help with. Failure to attend to a false water table may result in the erosion of your house’s foundation, leading to additional cracks, more damage and additional costs.

Toronto Waterproofing Experts

Contact the experts at Nusite Group for a free inspection and estimate. We use cutting edge technology to find the true source of the basement water leak, which could save you both time and money. We are industry waterproofing experts and service the entire Greater Toronto Area.

How Much Does It Cost to Waterproof My Basement?

How much does it cost to waterproof my basement?  This is a very popular question and a legitimate one as the costs of waterproofing your basement in Toronto can vary widely depending on the type of waterproofing job involved as well as the size and type of foundation of your home.

Here in Toronto, most homes will have water problems with their foundation at one time or another due to the age of the homes in Toronto as well as the sometimes extreme weather.  Toronto also sits on top of hundreds of underground waterways which does not help.  Many times the homeowner calls in a professional waterproofing company after they have tried to remedy the situation themselves to no avail.

I’m going to assume that you’ve already tried diverting rainwater from your garden, checked your downspouts, adjusted the gradient away from your foundation and identified that your damp problem is not the result of interior humidity. This leaves three options open:

  • Do nothing (unlikely because you’re looking for solutions). This option is also going to become very costly in the long term.
  • Waterproof your home’s foundation from the inside by either fixing the foundation cracks and sealing it or installing an interior weeping tile system to divert water away from your basement. Fixing cracks and using waterproofing paint or sealant is usually a temporary fix as hydrostatic pressure from the exterior will eventually push its way back into the foundation.  Interior waterproofing is not actually waterproofing, it’s water management as you are not stopping the actual water leak source, just diverting the water from your basement.
  • Do it properly by appointing professionals to waterproof the outside of the foundation wall with exterior waterproofing. This is actual waterproofing as you are sealing the basement from the outside, creating an impenetrable water barrier around your foundation. This is the most expensive but most permanent solution.  Pay for quality. Fix the problem.

To help you reach the right decision, here are the average material costs of several common interior waterproofing options you may be able to apply yourself. You’ll need to factor in the cost of labour, and check how to prepare the walls first.  These are very rough estimates and every job can have unforeseen challenges that add to the overall cost.

Before You Start

Water is a persistent thing and finds its way past most things. The Grand Canyon, Ayers Rock, the White Cliffs of Dover and the Rocky Mountains are proof of this. To succeed, you must first fix all the obvious trouble spots first. Use polyurethane caulk @$5.00 / 10oz tube for cracks / gaps under 1/8” wide, and epoxy filler @ $35 / 9oz tube for the rest.

Silicon Concrete Sealer

This penetrating product soaks through the exterior of concrete and brick to create a waterproof surface. You can’t put it over paint because it won’t soak in. Use a sprayer, brush or roller. You can usually paint over it afterwards (check the label) because there’s little risk of cracking and peeling.

Average Cost: 1 gallon costs $45 and covers 200 square feet. You’ll need 2 coats.

Concrete Waterproofing Coat

This is a cement based product with special additives that sticks permanently to raw brick and concrete when fully dry. It stands to reason it won’t dry on wet surfaces without degrading, and it is unsuitable for previously painted surfaces. Apply it with a tampico brush. If you’re an artist, swirl it around to create patterns.

Average Cost: 5 gallons of dry powder will cost $45 and cover 100 square feet.

Waterproof Paint

This is not the most robust option but the simplest for the average homeowner. It’s basically acrylic wall paint except a whole lot thicker. Being paint it sticks to paint and takes over-painting too. Apply it with brush, roller and sprayer just like any other paint.

Average Cost: $35 per gallon which covers only 75 square feet (because it’s thick).

Plastic Sheets / Panels

The sheets and panels cover the walls, and channel the moisture into internal drains from where an electric pump disposes of it. This won’t stop the water from imperceptively degrading the building, but it will conceal the obvious and protect basement contents.

Average Cost: $4,000 for a 400 square foot room of average height.

Exterior Waterproofing – The Sure Fire Solution

None of the above will permanently solve damp basement problems, although silicone and concrete waterproofing may for some time if the crack/leak is very minor. There is only one solution that I’ll put my name to, and that’s an exterior waterproofing solution by excavating around the basement, membraning the walls, and installing outside soak-aways to lead the water away to pumps if necessary.

Average Cost: $15,000 to $30,000 depending on size and complexity.

This is expensive but then quality does come with a price tag. The tragedy is that it shouldn’t be necessary if the builder got it right first time. Don’t make a second mistake by throwing good money after bad. Find somebody with experience to get your basement waterproofing right.

 

About Nusite Waterproofing

Nusite waterproofing is a basement waterproofing company in Toronto.  We are a family owned business and have been serving Toronto and the surrounding GTA for over 30 years.  We offer professional work with great customer service.  Contact us today to schedule a free in-home estimate and inspection of your water leak.

 

How To Waterproof Your Basement Walls

Water leaking into basements is a common problem here in Toronto.  Due to the weather, aging structures and lots of ground water under Toronto, most homes will have water issues at some point in time.  Also, most older homes were never properly waterproofed during the construction process.

If your basement is is constantly wet or damp you may be able to solve the problem by waterproofing your basement walls. One way to tell if the moisture is originating from the outside or inside of the basement is to attach a square-foot piece of aluminum/tin foil to the inside of one of the walls and leave it for 24 hours. If condensation builds on the outside of foil then it means the moisture is being formed on the inside of the basement due to high humidity. The best solution for this is to install a dehumidifier in the room.

However, if there is condensation on the inside section of the foil facing the wall then you may want to consider waterproofing the walls since the moisture is coming from the outside. This could be the result of poor drainage of the soil or damp soil because the water table is high. In some instances you may be able to solve the issue by waterproofing the interior walls but it’s more effective to waterproof the exterior walls although it’s a costlier solution.

Options For Waterproofing Basement Walls

One way to waterproof the walls is to apply a thick concrete coating. This is a hydraulic cement-like coating which can be used on masonry and concrete walls. The coating is made by adding water to a dry mix and is simply applied with a brush. However, it can’t be applied to painted walls.

You can also apply a silicate-based sealant which are often referred to as densifier. These are also used on walls which haven’t previously been sealed or painted. The sealant soaks into the walls and reacts chemically with the brick or concrete, which in turn creates a firm waterproof surface.

Use foil to find source of leak basement toronto

Since these sealants penetrate into the walls they won’t peel or flake off and in most cases you’ll be able to paint over top of them. These silicate-based sealants can be applied relatively easy with a brush, sprayer or roller but it’s recommended to apply a minimum of two coats.

Another option is to apply waterproofing paint. This is made with an acrylic formula and it’s generally thicker than ordinary paint. You can apply it on painted walls and also paint over it when the walls have dried if you like.

Please be aware that you need to seal any gaps and cracks in the basement walls before applying sealants to them. In general, if a crack is 1/8 of an inch wide or smaller you should be able to seal it with polyurethane caulking which is designed for made for masonry. If the cracks are larger than 1/8 of an inch you should seal them with an epoxy filler. These putty-like sealants can be r\pressed in the cracks with your fingers or a putty knife.

The Best Options For Waterproofing Your Basement Walls

If you’re looking for the most effective way of waterproofing your basement the best bet is to seal your basement walls from the exterior with waterproofing membrane along with a perforated drain system, also known as a weeping tile system. This will mean the area around the house will be excavated down to the foundation walls. Waterproofing membrane or coating is then installed along the outside of the walls with drainage panels. These panels will carry the water down to a French drain located at the bottom of the foundation. The water is then removed with a sump pump or by gravity away from the home’s foundation or removed through a storm drain.

An interior weeping tile drainage system or internal perimeter system could be the best solution in some instances as there’s no excavating involved. This consists of installing a drainage channel under the floor on the inside of the basement. This system is somewhat similar to the exterior drainage method except it’s installed on the inside. Once the drain is installed new walls are constructed on the inside of it making the original walls invisible to the eye. When the system has been inserted you’ll have new walls and any water which seeps through the original walls ends up in the drainage channel and can then be removed by a pump.

Waterproof Your Basement Walls Today

Nusite Waterproofing has been providing advanced waterproofing systems in Toronto for over 30 years.  We are a family run business focused on customer service and excellent work.  We serve Toronto the GTA.  Contact us today for a free on-site estimate.