Wet and damp basements are an ongoing issue in Toronto.  Between the weather and average age of the foundations of most homes in Toronto, a leaking basement usually happens to everyone at some point in time.  Add to the fact that Toronto sits on top of underground waterways, then you can understand why most homes have water issues in their basement.

Waterproofing a basement can be expensive if a full exterior waterproofing solution is needed.  So homeowners will obviously look at cheaper alternatives first and one of these alternatives is using waterproofing paint on their basement walls.

Does Waterproofing Paint Really Work?

When it comes to solving the problem of a leaky basement you’ll find there are numerous types of waterproof coatings and paints on the market today. But in reality, these products typically blister quite quickly and then flake off the walls of the basement. They can create quite a mess and once waterproof paint has been applied it’s not that easy to remove. If you have a persistent leak in the basement it should be properly fixed before applying any type of waterproof coating to it as it will not stop an active water leak from permeating your foundation.

If you’re not sure what waterproof paint is, it’s an inexpensive latex or oil-based product that can simply and easily be applied to the surface of a wall. It’s designed to create a barrier which is meant to fight off moisture and water. Most of the products come with a written warranty, but the fact is they’re not very dependable. Instead, you should be looking for a permanent solution to a damp basement instead of the minimal and temporary protection offered by a waterproofing paint.

When you suffer with a leaky basement you’ll often notice a flaky white substance on the walls and floor which is a mineral salt and is known as efflorescence. Moisture can seep through concrete since it is a porous, textured substance which actually contains numerous cracks and voids. Water can even leak through concrete walls which have been waterproofed on the outside with tar as the tar will break down eventually over time. Moisture can enter the home as water vapour and can result in musty odours, rot, mold, and humidity.

When the vapour penetrates the basement it contains minerals from the earth and when they crystallize it leaves a white substance on the floor and walls. Waterproof paints and coatings can’t prevent this though and you’ll likely still be faced with a mold and/or efflorescence problem. Some waterproof paints may be able to work their way into the concrete pores, they’re basically just a covering and can’t penetrate deep enough to keep moisture at bay. Basically, waterproof paint is just a temporary, band-aid solution which may last from just six months to a couple of years at most.

One of the most popular solutions for a wet basement these days is to mechanically attach wall panels with plastic pegs. This system can be used on a variety of surfaces including dirt and stone walls and can often be completed in a day or two. If you’re dealing with a leaky, humid basement in the Greater Toronto Area and would like some advice on how to fix it permanently please feel free to contact us at the Nusite Group for a free on-site inspection and estimate.

Nusite Group has been providing high-quality basement waterproofing solutions in Toronto for over 3o years.  We provide homeowners with free quotes and would be glad to pay you a visit. We’ll perform an on-site inspection of your basement and answer any questions you have concerning your problem. Once we’ve completed a thorough inspection of the basement we’ll be able to offer you our professional advice on the best solutions for your unique situation.