Does Basement Waterproofing Increase Home Value?

A common question we get form homeowners in Toronto and The Bay Area is, “does basement waterproofing increase home values?”. The quick and simple answer is yes and we’ll try to explain how.

More Livable Square Footage

Basement waterproofing offers many benefits to homeowners with the most obvious being that it helps prevent water damage to your home, furnishings and irreplaceable personal possessions. Not only does waterproofing protect these things but it also provides you with peace of mind at the same time as it offers an improved quality of life.  With the price of real estate in Toronto and the smaller lot footprints most homes enjoy, having a basement that can be used as living space offers valuable livable square footage to a home.  Lisa Simpson, a senior real estate specialist in The Bay Area, says adding a finished basement adds value to the price of a home in The Bay Area due to the limitations of expanding a home horizontally due to limited lot sizes.

Avoid Costly Repairs & Potential Mold Issues

You don’t have to worry about cleaning up and replacing items after the next big storm hits as you’ll always have a dry basement to venture to. And if you should happen to suffer water damage it may not be covered by your insurance policy. This also means you’re living in a safer environment without the worry of mold and your indoor air quality won’t be a concern to you and your family. A dry basement means you can use the area to create extra living space.  No home buyer will want to pay top dollar for a home that is immediately going to require very costly waterproofing repairs in addition to hazardous mold cleanup.  A good home remodeling contractor is vital to stopping a basement leak as it is very difficult to fix.  When we renovated our basement, we hired a great remodeling contractor in Oakland that had experience with basement renos.

Adding Valuable Flex Space

This allows you to finish the basement and use it for whatever purpose you choose, such as an extra bedroom, an office, family/rec room, bar, games room or gym etc. With more usable living space in the home, the value of it will naturally increase. Many people are starting to work form home and would love a home office as well as a second family room or hobby room, a finished basement can be used for some or all of these flex spaces.  If the home isn’t waterproofed you’re always at risk of water damage in the basement.

In reality, it costs money to properly waterproof a home and it isn’t exactly inexpensive. However, the money you lay out on the process will almost certainly be recouped if you should decide to sell the house. In fact, you may even make a tidy profit as it’s an excellent selling point and one that potential homeowners are willing to pay a little extra for when buying a home. Most people would rather move into a home that’s already waterproofed than have to do it themselves.

On the other side of the coin, if the home isn’t waterproofed you may not get what you ask for when selling it since the buyer knows they’ll have to shell out the cost of having it done. This is especially true if you’ve suffered water damage in the structure in the past.

Get A Higher Selling Price For Your Home

It’s never to late to have your basement waterproofed and there are several ways of doing it. The basement doesn’t need to be leaking either to have the work done. You can look at a waterproofed basement as an insurance policy. You may pay the premiums not but you’ll cash in later.

If you do decide to professionally waterproof  your basement before selling your home be sure to work with a waterproofing company which offers a transferable warranty. This means the warranty will cover the new homeowners when they move in.  Be sure the waterproofing company has been around for a long time as many companies will offer extended warranties but will most likely not be in business after a few years.  Unfortunately, the basement waterproofing industry has many opportunists who offer waterproofing services for a short time before leaving the industry as it requires more work and expertise than people realize.

Basement waterproofing can also be considered a valuable home repair as well as it’s something that’s designed to last. The process helps protect your investment as a damp, wet basement will decrease both the value of your home and the interest in it from potential buyers.

At Nusite Contractors Ltd, our business includes professional basement waterproofing options for Toronto area and the GTA. Our team of waterproofing experts will be glad to discuss how we can help make your home more valuable by taking care of your basement.  Contact us here for a free estimate.

What is the Best Basement Waterproofing System?

When it comes to waterproofing your basement in Toronto, there are three common methods. These are exterior waterproofing, interior weeping tile, and crack injection.  Which one you use will depend on your home, any surrounding obstacles as well as your budget.  There are a variety of basement waterproofing methods that will work, though only one of them is actually considered waterproofing by definition.

The Most Effective Basement Waterproofing Method

The most effective waterproofing method is exterior waterproofing as it’s the only method which fully waterproofs a home’s foundation. The exterior wall is sealed and a French drain system, also known as a curtain drain or footing drain is installed. If this method isn’t an option due to access to the exterior or your budget, then the interior weeping tile is recommended.  Interior waterproofing methods are usually used when the exterior is inaccessible like we have with cramped yards here in Toronto, or when cost is a factor.

The interior method utilizes drainage in the basement as a way to control the water by removing it with a sump pump. The crack injection is more of a temporary band-aid solution and is recommended for just small cracks. The water could still seep into the concrete behind the cracks with this method and the foundation may erode over time. The best way to find out which type of system you need is to contact a professional waterproofing company.

Basement waterproofing systems Toronto

Toronto Basement With Interior Weeping Tile System

Exterior Excavation
The best way to keep water out of a basement in the first place is via exterior excavation to the bottom of the home’s foundation and around the perimeter of the home. The proper type of drainage system is installed and the walls are treated to keep water at bay. Structural engineers believe this is the best option since it keeps water out rather than simply controlling it. A good waterproofing company will examine your crawl space or basement to get to the root of the problem and then suggest the best solution for your specific needs.

With exterior waterproofing, a waterproof membrane or coating is topped by drainage panels. The water flows freely down the panels to the exterior French drain system which sits at the bottom of the home’s foundation. The water is moved a safe distance away from the foundation via a sump pump or by gravity and it is removed through a storm drain, dry well, drainage ditch, or a low-lying area of the property. The French drain is basically a trench which is slightly sloped and filled with gravel and perforated piping to divert the water. The pipe is wrapped in a water-permeable material to keep debris out of it.

Interior Weeping Tile Systems
Water seeps into basements through porous cement-based floors and walls if there’s nowhere else for the liquid to go. If an exterior excavation isn’t possible the next best solution is the interior weeping tile method, which is basically an interior French drain system. Water applies powerful hydrostatic pressure against a basement floor and walls and if it can’t seep through them it will pool at the bottom of the walls and can gradually seep through the inside surface. An interior weeping tile system doesn’t technically waterproof a basement, but it effectively controls the water and channels it away.

A trench needs to be dug around the basement’s perimeter, approximately 18 inches from the walls and to below the footings. Weeping tile is installed and covered with gravel before the floor is re-poured. A sump pump is placed at the end of the weeping tile and removes the water. The weeping tiles attract the water since it gravitates to the lowest point. The water is then carried away before it can rise over the footings and the end result is a dry basement.

Crack Injection
Like the interior weeping tile system, crack injection is really a water-control system not a method of waterproofing. However, it’s a common and inexpensive way for homeowners to seal small cracks in a building’s foundation. This is more or less just a temporary or band-aid solution to keep water out of the basement though as you’re just sealing the cracks. The crack injection method doesn’t get to the root or cause of the problem as it just deals with the result of it. Water will continue to try to find a way to seep into the basement and it can eventually choose a different route.

For more information on wet and leaking basements and the proper solutions for them please feel free to contact us at Nusite Waterproofing. We are glad to provide our Toronto area customers with free home inspections and estimates and will work hand in hand with you to decide on the best option for your unique situation and budget.

About Nusite waterproofing

Nusite Waterproofing Contractors has been providing basement waterproofing in Toronto for over 30 years.  We are a family business and take pride in our level of customer service as well as our professional work.  You can contact us here to schedule a free consultation and written estimate.

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.

Can I Waterproof an Older Foundation?

Do you have an old foundation that is leaking water?  Due to the age of many Toronto homes, leaking basements are a common problem, especially in homes with older foundations.

Foundations really only become a waterproofing problem if there’s a basement concealed within them. If water leaks through the foundation and into the basement, the solution depends on the materials used to build it. In this article we discuss what to do if your foundation is an older stone, brick or cinder-block type. In some cases traditional methods may be inadvisable, especially if the foundation rests on a gravel bed.

Notwithstanding this restriction, there are a number of ways to improve the water-resistance of old foundations. It can be best to tackle the job in phases as the first step we recommend is simple, and may be sufficient to do the trick. If not, you can add other layers of protection until you solve the problem.

Phase 1 – Get Rid of Surface Water

The water has to come from somewhere and there’s a good chance it comes from rain that’s making its way into the ground around your foundation. The main culprit is most likely to be the roof, because the gutters discharge in such concentrated places. However it can also flow across the ground if the yard slops towards the house. Solving this is simple and usually well within the scope of a fit homeowner.

  • Create a natural fall from the house so rainwater can’t get trapped and pool before it soaks into the foundations

 

  • Build a concrete or grouted brick path around the house that extends a few feet beyond the eaves. Grade this gently to encourage water to flow away from your foundation.

 

  • Check that the gutters are in good condition and discharge smoothly. Lay open drains from the bottom of the gutter down pipes to a point six feet away from your foundation.

With these strategies in place it’s possible that you have removed the causes of your problem and that your basement cellar will dry out naturally next summer.

Old stone foundation in Toronto home

Phase 2 – Tackle the Groundwater Next

If your damp problem continues, (although it should be considerably less by now) then the source of the remaining damp may be flowing through the ground. Unfortunately your foundation wall may not be sufficiently robust to expose it, in which case you may need to dig a trench around the inside perimeter of your foundation, lay a french drain system (also called a Weeping Tile System)along the bottom and top it up with coarse gravel.

This should hold the groundwater in the trench where you can pump it out (or lead it naturally away if the land allows for this). With a little bit of luck this, and the surface water strategy mentioned previously will completely solve the problem, because there is no water left to seep into your cellar.  The only thing to know is that when you install an interior French Drain/Weeping Tile system, the water is still coming in through your foundation, it is just being managed when it comes in and diverted away from your basement.  Over the long term you can still see foundation erosion issues due to this ongoing water issue with your foundation.  An exterior French Drain/Weeping Tile system as catch the water before it hits your foundation and divert the water away and saving your foundation.

brick foundation in toronto home

Phase 3 – Tackle the Problem from the Outside

If none of these remedies work then your last option is to waterproof your foundation from the outside.  This would consist of an exterior French Drain/Weeping Tile system along with digging around the outside of your foundation and applying a waterproofing membrane to the exterior of your foundation.

While exterior waterproofing is the most expensive option it is also the only 100% way to full waterproof your basement and protect the integrity of your foundation over the long term.

Do you live in Toronto and have an older foundation?  Not sure what’s the best method to stop water leaking through it?  Give us a call at 416-622-7000, we provide a free in-home inspection and estimate.  Contact us today to schedule a free estimate.

What To Do When Your Basement Floods During a Rainstorm

One thing that every homeowner dreads is a flooded basement. During the spring in Toronto, along with rainy periods in the summer, we receive hundreds of calls a month for basement water leaks after it rains.  The homes in Toronto are old, many have aging foundations that have cracks in them along with drainage systems that no longer work properly.  If not installed properly, drainage systems can get clogged over time and stop functioning the way they were intended.

There are numerous reasons a basement can flood during a rainstorm and cause water leaks in your basement.  If a basement water leak happens to you these are some tips on how to stay calm during the incident. But before you get started, be sure to contact your insurance company to report the incident and clarify your coverage.

Cut the power
The first thing you should do if you notice the basement has flooded is to turn off the electrical power and gas to the home. If you’re not sure how to do this be sure to contact a qualified electrician or contractor for assistance. If the basement is flooding during a rainstorm, it’s recommended that you wait until the storm has passed before cleaning things up. If the water is coming from a burst pipe be sure to turn the water supply off.

Protective clothing
You should wear rubber gloves and boots for your own protection when dealing with a flooded basement. In fact, chest or hip waders aren’t a bad idea either if you have any. Be careful when moving around as the area may be quite slippery.

Check the drain
If there’s a floor drain in the basement be sure to check and see if it’s obstructed.

Removing water
The best way to remove the water will depend on how much of it is present. If there are a few inches of it you’ll need to use a sump pump or pool pump to get rid of it. If there isn’t too much water you may simply be able to use a mop and pail or a wet vacuum. For any remaining water you can use a sponge or towels to soak it up.

basement with carpet flooded in Toronto

Dry out the furniture
If any of your belongings or furniture has been damaged you should move it to a dry and well-ventilated area if possible to let it air out. Unfortunately, some items may need to be discarded if they become moldy or simply won’t dry out. When it comes to electrical appliances such as lamps, televisions and stereos etc, it’s best to leave them where they are even though the power has been turned off. There’s always a danger of an electrical shock and these items should dry where they are or have an electrician remove them.

Remove carpeting
if the basement is carpeted you’ll probably want to remove the carpeting so the floor beneath it can properly dry. In some cases, the carpeting may dry out and can be saved. If the carpeting remains in place it can become moldy and become a home for mildew.

Ventilate the area
The basement should be ventilated as much as possible to help it dry out. You should open the windows and doors when possible and use fans to circulate the air. A dehumidifier will also help speed up the process.

basement windows Toronto

Wash walls and floor
You should wash the basement walls and floor to remove any dirt from the incident. If any drywall or insulation has been damaged it may need to be replaced before mold and mildew move in.

Ask for assistance
You should call a professional contractor to find out exactly why the basement flooded and how to stop it from happening again. An experienced contractor will also know how to detect any possible unseen damage and to inspect the home for any structural problems or weakness. There may be more damage than the eye can detect and you don’t want to be hit with a huge repair job down the road. It’s always better to deal with the problem as soon as possible to make sure your family’s living space is as safe and healthy as can be.

Other tips
If possible, move all of the electrical outlets to a higher level in the basement. In addition, you may not want to store your valuables down there. Be sure the ground next to the home’s foundation slopes away from the structure and the downspouts and gutters are free of obstruction and discharge rainwater as far away from the home as possible.

 

How Do You Waterproof a Basement From The Inside?

Homes in Toronto will have water problems in their basement at one time or another.  Due to the age of the homes in Toronto and the extreme weather conditions, water leaking into the basement is a fact of life for many Toronto home owners.

When water does leak into the basement, the questions that come up are, “where is the leak coming from?” and “How does it get fixed?”

Exterior vs Interior Basement Waterproofing

Although you can attempt to waterproof a basement from the inside the only true way to achieve success is to do it from the outside using exterior waterproofing solutions. If you try the concrete crack injection or repair method you’re not really achieving much other than temporarily plugging the leak. It’s also usually a more temporary solution as water is still fighting to get into your basement and will eventually either defeat the epoxy you injected or find another way into your basement.  Water will find the path of least resistance.   A crack in the concrete can result in water damage to the interior of your home and it can also corrode steel reinforcements and erode the concrete over time.

Crack Injection

Epoxy injection is sometimes used to help restore the integrity and strength of cracked concrete. The cracks are filled with adhesive epoxy from the inside but it’s a relatively ineffective method of waterproofing since water can often seep through the substance. This is basically a hit and miss waterproofing method and it’s difficult for it to be 100 per cent effective since the epoxy can also eventually crack.  This could be a solution or situations where you have very light and occasional leaks, but would not be suggested if you have a finished basement.

Waterproofing Paints and Coatings

There are also several types of waterproof paints and coatings on the market but many of them quickly blister and flake off the basement walls. All leaks should be properly repaired before you apply any type of waterproof paint, tar or other coating to them. Most waterproofing paints are just a covering and they aren’t able to penetrate deep enough to be effective and are just temporary solutions which typically last between six months to two years at the most.

Interior Weeping Tile Systems

If an exterior waterproofing solution can’t be used (Due to cost, exterior access, etc) then an interior weeping tile system is the best option but it doesn’t technically waterproof a basement. Instead, it will effectively channel away water which enters the basement. A drainage system made of plastic pipe with holes punched in it is installed outside the bottom of your basement walls. Dirt is kept out as the pipe is wrapped by a water-permeable sock or sheet. However, the tiles may eventually become clogged and water may still find its way into the basement and will need to be continuously pumped out so it’s important to have a backup sumo pump system installed.

The Preferred Basement Waterproofing Solution

The best solution for waterproofing a basement is to install an exterior weeping tile system on the outside of the building’s foundation along with applying a waterproofing membrane to the exterior of your foundation walls. This method will remove water buildup from the outside of the structure and safely carry it away before it can cause damage. The exterior weeping tile method is somewhat similar to the interior weeping tile system but the water is carried away before is seeps into the foundation walls. An exterior weeping tile system is a pretty big task since the building’s foundation needs to be dug out.

The “weeping tile” is actually 4” diameter plastic pipe with holes punched into it. The water finds its way into the pipe through these holes and is discharged naturally through the graded system or pumped away with a sump pump. When properly installed, exterior weeping tile systems generally work effectively for several years.

About Nusite Waterproofing

Nusite Waterproofing has been providing basement waterproofing services in Toronto and the GTA for over 35 years.  We are a family owned business and provide free in-home estimates and consultations for basement waterproofing and foundation repairs.  Contact us today for a free estimate.

 

How to Tell When Your Sump Pump May be Ready to Fail

If you have a basement that get leaks and gets wet when it rains, chances are you have a sump pump to help keep the water out as well as mold and mildew from starting to grow. Your sump pump isn’t something that you think about on a daily basis; it’s something you know is there and you expect it to start working when it is needed to keep your basement dry and protected.

Unfortunately, like every other system in your home, your sump pump will need maintenance and eventually will need to be replaced. You will want to know the signs that your sump pump may be ready to fail so you aren’t caught off guard with a flooded basement.

Here in Toronto, between the weather and the fact that we site on a high water table, water entering the basement is a part of life for many of us.  And for many, the only thing keeping the basement from becoming a wet and moldy room is the sump pump.  A sump pump is a critical piece of equipment you need to have ready to work at all times if you want to keep your basement dry.

We highly recommend having a backup sump pump system installed, just imagine being on vacation when your sump pump decides to quit on you, but you should also be aware of signs that your sump pump may be ready to fail on you.

Sump Pump Installation Drwaing of Toronto Home

Sump Pump Installation Toronto

 

Signs Your Sump Pump May Be Ready to Fail

Cycling on and off – When you hear your sump pump constantly kicking on and off, this is a good sign that your sump pump either needs maintenance or to be replaced. This can be an indicator that your sump pump basin is too small for the amount of water that it is holding. The faster the water fills up the more frequently your sump pump needs to run. If your pump is turning on and off constantly to try to keep up with the water depth you might experience the motor burning out prematurely, which results in your purchasing a new sump pump.

 

Long run time – When your sump pump kicks on and stays running for longer than normal it is an indicator of a few possibilities: your pump is having to work too hard based either on the amount of water or the distance that it is required to move the water. Either way, you are going to want to make some changes. A motor that is having to work too hard can result in a failed sump pump and possibly a flooded basement.

Toronto Sump Pump Installation

Sump pump installed in Toronto home

 

Making a lot of noise – Your sump pump should make a low hum sound, anything more than this is a warning sign of a problem. If your sump pump is loud or making grinding or clanking noises, there is a problem that needs to be addressed. A noisy sump pump can mean a broken bearing or jammed impeller (that’s the fan that is used to suck the water up into the pump), both of these mean you are on your way to a new sump pump.

 

Not turning on when needed – This is one of the easier symptoms to diagnose. If your sump pump is not turning on when needed, you know you have a problem. However, don’t jump right to buying a new sump pump. Your first step if your sump pump isn’t turning on should be to check the float switch. Many times a stuck float switch is the cause of a malfunctioning sump pump. If you check and find this is not the cause of the problem, you need to quickly start considering a new sump pump.

 

Pedal-style pump – These pumps are typically made of plastic and while they were commonly used in the past, do not offer the same quality as newer pumps. Pedal-style pumps are louder and tend to be more unstable then current options. It is best to replace a pedal-style pump and upgrade to a submerged pump. While these were once the go-to pump, we have come a long way over the years and there are more efficient options for your home needs.

 

Damage from a Failed Sump Pump

A failed sump pump can lead to not only a flooded basement, but mold, mildew and damage to your property. The best way to avoid a potential problem is to make sure you are not neglecting your sump pump. Maintain it if needed and don’t brush off those noises and changes that you notice. The best time to replace your sump pump is before the old one quits working altogether, leaving you in a bind.

 

If you think that you might be in need of a new sump pump, or have questions about your existing pump, give Nusite Waterproofing a call or contact us here. As a Toronto-based, locally owned business with over 50 years of combined experience, Nusite Waterproofing can help you with all your weatherproofing needs.  We are experts in basement waterproofing and sump pump installations, we serve Toronto and the surrounding GTA.

How To Keep Your Basement From Flooding During a Power Outage

While widespread power outages are rare in Toronto, you do see smaller power outages affecting various neighborhoods from time to time.  If you have a leaky basement and rely on an interior waterproofing system and sump pump to keep water out, then a power outage could create additional challenges for you.

Unfortunately, flooded basements and power outages often go hand in hand. Nobody wants to see their rec-room, wet bar or home office swamped with dirty water following a rainstorm or flash flood and this is why you should always be prepared for the worst-case scenario during a rainstorm.  There’s not really any way of stopping Mother Nature from taking its course, but you can definitely be ready for her and keep the water damage to a minimum.

Taking preemptive action is your best course when it comes to protecting your home from flooding in your basement, nobody wants to ruin their finished basement due to a pump failure, especially when it could have been preventing by ensuring you had backup measures in place.

Sump pumps

It’s highly recommended that you have a sump pump installed and ready to go just in case water starts to seep into your basement for whatever reason. If you are on the receiving end of a flooded basement a sump pump will be an essential piece of equipment. Without one, your basement could quickly resemble a swimming pool. A backup sump pump is designed to supplement a primary pump, especially if it ceases to work during a power failure, excessive use, or mechanical failure. A battery-powered backup pump will provide you with a few more hours of power and can help keep water out of your basement during the critical hours needed to get power restored.

Toronto-sump-pump-drawing

Sump pump installed in Toronto home

There are two types of battery-powered sump pumps, which are AC/DC and DC. If the AC power or the pump itself fails then the pump will automatically switch over to the DC battery power. The best pumps operate directly with AC power since they won’t deplete the battery whereas a DC-only pump can operate on battery power only. There are also a couple of types of batteries to choose from. You’ll find there are acid batteries which need water as well as maintenance-free deep-cycle marine models. Of course, if your basement’s in bad shape, you should consider operating both a sump pump and primary pump simultaneously.

Backup Generators

One of the most common problems when using a primary pump is the loss power in your home and a battery-powered sump pump works for just a limited amount of time. This means you may not be able to pump all of the water out of your dwelling unless you have some type of emergency backup generator for your sump pump. After you’ve used up the power in a backup pump you’re basically back to square one with a flooded cellar and no electricity. There’s no doubt that a battery-powered sump pump is better than no backup at all, but the best way to get rid of the water is with a more reliable power source.

liberty-sump-pump-diagram

Liberty backup sump pump diagram

A portable generator will enable you to operate your primary and/or backup pumps for several days if you’ve suffered a power outage. A generator will also let you keep some of your other necessary appliances running, such as the furnace and refrigerator/freezer. A standby generator is generally the best option when you’ve lost power. These may cost a few dollars more than standard generators, but they’re capable of automatically powering up several appliances at a time.

Backup emergency generators are available in several sizes which are categorized by the amount of watts they can put out. A medium-sized generator of about 5,000 watts is often large and strong enough to provide power to several appliances at once.  However, if you feel you need more power, you’ll be able to find portable generators that can serve up about 17,500 watts and are capable of restoring power to several rooms as well as your central air conditioning unit.

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Liberty backup sump pump protection system.

Water Monitoring Devices

Modern technology can also help you out if your basement’s starting to flood as sophisticated home monitoring devices are designed to alert you if your home is starting to flood. Some sump-pump accessories can actually email or text home owners if there’s an emergency and they’re usually well worth the extra cost. These battery-operated models typically monitor temperature, water level, and power failures and are able to contact you via your home telephone land line. They’ll also send out an audio alarm which you’ll be able to hear if you’re at home.

Be prepared

Purchasing a sump pump after your basement has flooded is similar to buying insurance after you’ve crashed your car. It’s a little too late, but it could still help you out in the future. But speaking of insurance, you may want to consider purchasing a policy that specifically protects you from flood damage. This will offer you some peace of mind should your home be hit with water damage.

Do you live in Toronto or the surrounding GTA?  Nusite Waterproofing offers a free in-home inspection and estimate in Toronto and the surrounding GTA.  We provide basement waterproofing services and can also install a fail proof backup sump pump system for your home.  Contact us today to learn more.

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.