Can You Waterproof a Finished Basement?

Here in Toronto, water in the basement is an ongoing issue for most homeowners.  The weather, age of homes, as well as underground waterways can cause havoc on a basement.  But due to the price and scarcity of land in Toronto, many homeowners want to finish their basement to create additional living space for their family.

The problem arises when a homeowner finished their basement but failed to waterproof their basement before finishing it.

A finished basement can add a lot of extra living space and luxury to a home. However, if you’ve gone to the time, trouble and expense sprucing the area up you’ll probably want to know if a you can waterproof a finished basement.

 

Can You Waterproof a Finished Basement?

Yes, you can.  If you’ve already finished your basement it can still be waterproofed to keep moisture and water out of the room. This is important as you’ll want to protect your furnishings, electronics, lighting, carpets and other goods etc. In addition, it can be waterproofed in most cases without having to tear the basement apart. However, it’s always better to waterproof the basement before you start renovating it. That may not be possible though if you bought the home with a finished basement that hasn’t been waterproofed.

Non-structural cracks in the wall cause most water-related problems in concrete basements and these are usually repaired permanently from the outside of the home or temporarily from the inside. Most outside waterproofing repairs involve excavation and are costlier than indoor methods. These outdoor repairs can include the installation of waterproof membranes after the wall has been  excavated to the footings. Asphalt-modified polyurethane can then be applied to the walls to form a water barrier.

The membrane method is different than “damp-proofing,” as that consists of spraying a thin coating on the foundation while under construction to help prevent moisture and condensation. If the surrounding groundwater around the foundation is unusually high an exterior weeping tile system can be used with the membrane.

The drain system features perforated pipes which are buried in washed gravel next to the home’s footings. The drain tile is designed to relieve pressure from saturated soil by carrying the ground water away to a sump pump which then disposes it. Strong drainage board is typically installed on the structure’s walls to help protect the membrane while carrying water to the drain tile. Also, an exterior membrane may be utilized when moisture invades a finished basement over the top of a foundation wall or via porous concrete.

 

Practice Good Water Management

Most homeowners can also practice good water management habits throughout the year by keeping the liquid a good distance from the house to begin with. This can be done by keeping keeping rain gutters cleared from debris and leaves and make sure your downspouts are extended a minimum of 10 feet from the structure. You may even consider having underground downspout extensions installed.

Another way to waterproof a finished basement is from the exterior with sodium bentonite clay. This is done by digging a small hole next to the foundation where a crack is present. The hole goes down to the footings and can be filled in with granular clay as it absorbs water from the soil and then hardens to form a permanent water barrier.

 

About Nusite Waterproofing

Nusite Waterproofing is a waterproofing company in Toronto.  WE service Toronto and the surrounding GTA for basement waterproofing and structural repairs.  For more information on waterproofing finished basements it’s recommended that you seek the advice of an experienced waterproofing contractor.  To find out which method is the best for your home please feel free to contact us at Nusite Waterproofing for a consultation with one of our professionals.

Does Interior Basement Waterproofing Work?

When it comes to waterproofing your basement there are two ways to go which are interior and exterior methods. Interior waterproofing works, particularly the weeping tile method but exterior waterproofing is still the best option available as water won’t be able to permeate the structure’s foundation walls and is the only solution that protects your foundation from water permeation.

Interior waterproofing is really more of a water or moisture control system. The interior system utilizes drainage as a way to control any water which makes its way into your basement and directs it away, usually via a sump pump. In reality, water is entering the building and is being pumped out.

However with exterior waterproofing, the outside is excavated to the bottom of the home’s foundation and a drainage system is installed to help stop water from entering it in the first place. Naturally, waterproofing is a sounder option when compared to water control and also naturally it will cost more to have done.

Interior water control systems are easier to install and don’t require as much time, labour, materials and equipment which keeps the costs lower. That being said, interior waterproofing may be the best solution for some homes. Here in Toronto, some homes may not allow proper access to dig out the exterior of the foundation so an interior waterproofing solution is required.   The only way to find out is to have your home inspected by a professional waterproofing company to discover the root of your problem.

 

Exterior Waterproofing

This is basically your home’s first defense against invading water. Even things such as downspouts and gutters can be considered part of the exterior method since they collect water and help lead it away from your house. You can have a waterproof and sealing membrane installed around your home’s foundation to keep moisture at bay and you can also install an exterior drainage system such as a French drain or weeping tiles. To install a drainage system it means the home must be excavated to a certain level.

Drain tiles are then installed into a trench which has been dug around the structure. It’s surrounded with gravel and covered by soil. The tiles are designed to transport water away from the home’s foundation which means it’s chances of getting into the basement are almost non-existent. This method costs more than interior waterproofing since it requires more materials, time and labour. It keeps the foundation dry though and keeps it from weakening and becoming damaged or cracked.

Exterior waterproofing Toronto

Exterior Waterproofing Toronto

Interior Waterproofing

This method takes away water from the basement and the home. An interior drainage system such as weeping tile can be used with drains and pipes and pump it out from a pit or basin in the basement. A sump pump can be made to automatically start when the water in the basin or pit reaches a specific level. It’s a good idea to have a back-up battery with the sump pump in case of a power failure.

Another interior waterproofing system consists of vapour barriers made of foil or plastic sheets. These are installed along the basement walls to help keep moisture out. Interior methods try to seal leaks and cracks to keep your basement dry. It can be an ideal temporary solution and is often the best choice when it’s not possible to excavate. However, exterior waterproofing is certainly a more effective answer since it’s a permanent solution.

Interior waterproofing Toronto

Interior basement waterproofing Toronto

About Nusite waterproofing

Nusite Contractors is a Toronto waterproofing company that has been providing waterproofing and foundation repairs in Toronto for over 30 years.

If you have any questions or would like more information regarding the various interior and exterior waterproofing methods available please feel free to contact our professional team of experts at Nusite Contractors.