Toronto homeowners face distinct challenges when it comes to keeping their basements dry. The Greater Toronto Area sits atop a complex network of underground waterways and streams that have been flowing since the last ice age. Many of these buried streams—like Garrison Creek, Taddle Creek, and Castle Frank Brook—continue to flow beneath our neighborhoods, creating naturally high water tables throughout the city.

This geological reality, combined with Toronto’s climate patterns, creates the perfect storm for basement moisture problems. With average annual precipitation exceeding 830mm (32 inches), including significant rainfall in spring and fall plus winter snowmelt, water constantly seeks the path of least resistance—often through your foundation walls and basement floor.

Toronto’s clay-rich soil compounds the problem. This dense soil doesn’t drain well, allowing hydrostatic pressure to build against foundation walls. When you consider that many Toronto homes were built 50+ years ago, before modern waterproofing techniques were standard, it’s no wonder that wet basements are a common complaint among homeowners throughout the GTA.

Understanding these regional factors is the first step toward effectively preventing and addressing basement moisture issues. Let’s explore both preventative measures and remediation options to keep your Toronto basement dry throughout the year.

Preventative Measures: Keeping Water Away from Your Foundation

Effective Gutter and Downspout Management

One of the most straightforward yet effective preventative measures starts at roof level. Your gutter system is your first line of defense against basement water infiltration:

1. Clean gutters regularly: Remove leaves and debris at least twice yearly—after fall leaf drop and spring pollen season. Toronto’s mature tree canopy makes this particularly important in established neighborhoods.
2. Install gutter guards: These systems help prevent clogging while allowing water to flow freely, reducing maintenance needs.
3. Extend downspouts: Ensure downspouts discharge water at least 6-10 feet (2-3 meters) away from your foundation. Disconnecting downspouts from the city sewer system (as required by Toronto bylaws in many areas) makes proper extensions even more critical.
4. Consider underground drainage: In tight urban lots common throughout Toronto, underground drainage pipes can channel roof water well away from your foundation while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

This simple maintenance can prevent thousands of liters of water from collecting against your foundation walls during Toronto’s rainy seasons.

Proper Grading and Landscaping

The terrain immediately surrounding your home significantly impacts basement moisture levels:

1. Ensure positive grading: The soil around your foundation should slope away at a minimum grade of 2% (about 1 inch per 4 feet). Many Toronto properties have settled over decades, creating negative grading that directs water toward the foundation.
2. Install swales where needed: These shallow, sloped channels help direct surface water away from your home, particularly useful in flat lots common in neighborhoods like East York and Scarborough.
3. Choose landscaping wisely: Keep moisture-loving plants at least 3 feet from foundation walls. Consider using river rock or gravel in planting beds adjacent to your home to improve drainage.
4. Install window well covers: Protect below-grade windows with proper covers that prevent water accumulation while still allowing emergency egress.
5. Maintain driveways and walkways: Repair cracks and ensure these hard surfaces slope away from your foundation, particularly important after winter freeze-thaw cycles have created new settlement.

These exterior approaches focus on keeping water away from your foundation—always the most effective first line of defense against basement moisture.

Foundation Maintenance and Repair

Protecting your foundation’s integrity prevents water infiltration:

1. Seal foundation cracks: Even hairline cracks can allow significant water entry. Professional polyurethane injection provides lasting seals for active cracks.
2. Maintain mortar joints: For older Toronto homes with stone or brick foundations, deteriorating mortar joints should be repointed to prevent water seepage.
3. Apply exterior waterproofing membranes: For new construction or major renovations, exterior waterproofing membranes provide the most effective moisture barrier.
4. Install proper window wells: Ensure window wells have adequate drainage and appropriate depth to prevent water from reaching window sills.
5. Address deteriorating parging: The cement coating on many Toronto foundation walls often deteriorates over time, allowing increased water absorption.

Catching and addressing these issues early prevents more extensive water damage and costly repairs later.

Interior Solutions: Managing Water that Enters

Waterproofing Systems for Toronto Homes

When exterior measures aren’t sufficient to keep water out—common in many Toronto neighborhoods with high water tables and aging infrastructure—interior systems effectively manage moisture:

1. Interior drainage systems: Installing perimeter drainage channels at the joint between the floor and walls captures water before it reaches finished spaces.
2. Sump pump installation: A properly installed sump pump system with battery backup is essential in areas with consistently high water tables, such as properties near the Don and Humber river valleys or ravine systems.
3. Interior waterproofing membranes: These systems direct water down to drainage channels, keeping finished walls dry even when moisture penetrates the foundation.
4. Floor crack repairs: Injection systems seal floor cracks that allow water to seep up through the concrete slab, a common issue in areas with high groundwater pressure.
5. Proper vapor barriers: For Toronto’s humid summer months, vapor barriers prevent condensation on cool basement surfaces.

These internal systems acknowledge the reality that in some situations, water management is more practical than complete water prevention.

Humidity Control and Ventilation

Even without obvious leaks, Toronto’s seasonal humidity can create basement moisture issues:

1. Dehumidification: During humid summer months, maintaining basement humidity below 50% prevents condensation and mold growth.
2. Proper ventilation: Ensuring adequate air exchange reduces moisture accumulation, particularly important in finished basement spaces.
3. Air circulation: Using fans to maintain air movement prevents stagnant, humid conditions where mold thrives.
4. Address cold surfaces: Insulating cold water pipes and foundation walls prevents condensation when warm, humid air contacts these cool surfaces.
5. Monitor humidity levels: Installing a humidity monitor helps identify periods when additional dehumidification is needed.

These approaches are particularly relevant during Toronto’s humid summer months when even dry basements can experience condensation issues.

Professional Waterproofing: Comprehensive Solutions

Exterior Waterproofing

For homes with persistent moisture issues, professional exterior waterproofing provides the most complete solution:

1. Foundation excavation: Exposing foundation walls allows for thorough assessment and repair of the moisture barrier at its source.
2. Comprehensive crack repair: Professional-grade materials provide lasting seals for all foundation breaches.
3. Waterproof membrane application: Modern membranes create an impenetrable barrier against moisture infiltration.
4. Weeping tile installation/repair: Proper drainage at the foundation footings relieves hydrostatic pressure.
5. Connection to proper drainage: Ensuring water is channeled away from the foundation through appropriate drainage systems.

This approach addresses the root cause of basement moisture rather than just managing symptoms, though it represents a significant investment.

Interior Waterproofing Systems

When exterior waterproofing isn’t practical—often the case in dense urban Toronto neighborhoods with limited access—comprehensive interior systems effectively manage water:

1. Full perimeter drainage: Channel systems around the entire basement perimeter capture water before it reaches finished spaces.
2. Sump pump systems: Primary and backup pump systems with appropriate capacity for your home’s specific conditions.
3. Vapor barrier wall systems: Complete wall systems manage moisture while providing the foundation for finished spaces.
4. Floor treatments: Epoxy or similar treatments prevent vapor transmission through concrete floors.
5. Integrated dehumidification: Built-in systems maintain optimal humidity levels year-round.

These systems are often more affordable than exterior approaches while still providing effective moisture management.

Toronto Building Codes and Waterproofing Requirements

When addressing basement moisture issues, it’s important to understand relevant Toronto and Ontario building code requirements:

• The Ontario Building Code (Section 9.13) specifies foundation drainage and dampproofing/waterproofing requirements
• Finished basement spaces must meet specific requirements for moisture control, ceiling heights, and egress
• Permits may be required for significant waterproofing work, particularly when it involves structural components
• Drainage modifications must comply with Toronto’s Sewers Bylaw, which regulates where water can be discharged
• Electrical components of waterproofing systems (like sump pumps) must meet ESA requirements

Working with licensed contractors familiar with local regulations ensures that your waterproofing solution not only solves your moisture issues but also complies with all applicable codes and standards.

A Dry Basement is Possible Even in Toronto’s Challenging Environment

Despite Toronto’s high water tables, abundant precipitation, and clay soils, maintaining a dry basement is entirely possible with the right approach. By implementing appropriate preventative measures, addressing existing issues promptly, and understanding the unique water challenges of your specific neighborhood, you can protect your home from costly water damage.

For many Toronto homeowners, the most effective strategy combines multiple approaches—improved exterior drainage, foundation maintenance, and interior moisture management—tailored to their home’s specific conditions. This comprehensive approach acknowledges the reality of Toronto’s geological and climate conditions while providing practical, lasting protection.

When basement moisture issues exceed DIY solutions, Nusite Group brings over 30 years of specialized experience in Toronto basement waterproofing. Our understanding of the region’s unique water challenges allows us to provide targeted, effective solutions for even the most challenging situations. From simple crack injections to comprehensive exterior waterproofing systems, we deliver lasting results that protect your home and your investment.

Contact Nusite Group for a professional assessment of your basement moisture issues and a customized waterproofing plan tailored to your specific needs. With our expertise serving the Greater Toronto Area for three decades, we understand the local challenges and how to address them effectively.

Summer in Toronto are great, it provides a nice relief after a long and cold winter.  When it comes to your basement, a dry summer can give you relief from the spring rains that wrecked havoc on your basement.

While the weather is still nice, it’s a good opportunity to take some time to do a perimeter inspection around you house to see if there are potential water leak problems just waiting to happen.  The last thing you want is for heavy rains in the fall start creating water leaks in your basement.  The summer is a great time to look around and see if you can be proactive in solving your basement water problems before they happen.

Your Gutters

One of the most common causes of basement leaks is excess moisture accumulating around your foundation—and your gutters play a significant role in either preventing or contributing to this issue. If your gutters are clogged, damaged, or improperly installed, rainwater can overflow and saturate the soil around your home, increasing the risk of leaks through even the smallest cracks in your foundation.

How Clogged Gutters Lead to Basement Leaks

When gutters are filled with leaves, dirt, and debris, they can’t effectively channel rainwater away from your home. Instead, water spills over the edges and pools around the perimeter, putting excessive pressure on your foundation walls. Over time, this constant exposure to moisture can lead to cracking, shifting, and even structural damage.

Check and Maintain Your Gutters Regularly

To keep your basement dry, inspect your gutters at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. Here’s what to look for:
✅ Clear out debris – Remove leaves, twigs, and dirt that may be clogging your gutters.
✅ Check for sagging or damage – Ensure gutters are securely fastened and properly sloped for water flow.
✅ Inspect downspouts – Make sure they are intact and direct water at least 10 feet away from your foundation.
✅ Look for leaks or rust – Small holes or cracks in gutters can lead to drips that saturate the ground near your home.

Consider Gutter Upgrades for Extra Protection

If your home is prone to water issues, consider installing gutter guards to minimize debris buildup or upgrading to a larger-capacity gutter system that can handle heavy rainfall more effectively. Extending your downspouts further away from your home or installing a French drain system can also provide an extra layer of protection.

Test Your Gutters During Rainfall

One of the best ways to ensure your gutters are working properly is to observe them during a rainstorm. Check if water is flowing smoothly through the downspouts and away from your home. If you notice overflow, pooling, or leaks, address the problem immediately before it leads to costly basement repairs.

By keeping your gutters clean, well-maintained, and directing water away from your foundation, you can significantly reduce the risk of basement leaks and protect your home from long-term water damage.

Landscaping

Your home’s landscaping plays a critical role in preventing water from seeping into your basement. If the ground around your foundation is not properly sloped, rainwater and melting snow can flow toward your home instead of away, increasing the risk of foundation leaks and basement flooding.

How Improper Grading Causes Basement Leaks

If your yard is sloped incorrectly, water pools near your foundation and slowly seeps into the soil. Over time, this constant moisture creates hydrostatic pressure against your foundation walls, forcing water through tiny cracks and weak points. Even if your gutters and downspouts are working correctly, poor grading can trap water against your home, leading to dampness, mold growth, and even structural damage.

How to Check Your Yard’s Slope

You don’t need to be a professional to check if your landscaping is contributing to water issues. Here’s a simple test:
✔ Walk around your home after heavy rainfall – Are there puddles forming near your foundation?
✔ Measure the slope – The ground should slope downward at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet from your foundation.
✔ Look for signs of erosion – Bare soil, exposed roots, and washed-out mulch can indicate improper water drainage.

How to Fix Landscaping Drainage Issues

If you notice poor grading around your home, consider these solutions:
✅ Regrade the soil – Add compacted soil around your foundation to create a gentle slope that directs water away.
✅ Install a French drain – This underground drainage system collects and redirects water away from your foundation.
✅ Use gravel or river rocks – These materials help improve drainage and prevent soil erosion.
✅ Add water-loving plants – Strategic landscaping with deep-rooted plants can absorb excess moisture and reduce pooling.

Preventative Landscaping Tips for a Dry Basement

• Avoid planting shrubs too close to your foundation, as their roots can hold moisture against your home.
• Direct downspouts away from garden beds, ensuring water isn’t collecting near your basement walls.
• Check for settling soil every season, as it can shift over time and create new drainage problems.

By maintaining proper grading and ensuring water is channeled away from your home, you can significantly reduce the risk of basement leaks and keep your foundation strong for years to come.

Your Swimming Pool and Sprinkler System

If you have a swimming pool or an underground sprinkler system, they could be unknowingly contributing to basement leaks. Even a small, slow leak from a pool pump, underground piping, or sprinkler head can saturate the soil around your home, creating excess moisture that puts pressure on your foundation. Over time, this can lead to water intrusion, cracks, and even foundation damage.

How Pool and Sprinkler Leaks Affect Your Foundation

Water leaks from these systems don’t always appear as obvious puddles. Instead, they gradually seep into the surrounding soil, leading to:

• Saturated ground near your foundation, increasing the risk of water seepage into your basement.
• Soil erosion, which can shift the ground and cause foundation settling or cracking.
• Hidden underground water movement, which may also affect your neighbor’s property if homes are close together.

Signs of a Pool or Sprinkler Leak

To detect potential issues, look for these warning signs:
✔ Unexplained increase in your water bill – A sudden spike could indicate an underground leak.
✔ Wet or soggy patches in your yard – Standing water or persistently damp soil near your home can be a red flag.
✔ Decreasing pool water levels – If you’re adding water to your pool more often than usual, check for leaks.
✔ Mushy landscaping or dying plants – Overwatering from a leak can suffocate plant roots or cause unexpected growth in one area.

How to Prevent and Fix Pool or Sprinkler Leaks

✅ Inspect your pool equipment – Regularly check your pump, hoses, and filter system for leaks or cracks.
✅ Check sprinkler heads and underground pipes – Ensure all sprinkler heads are functioning correctly and there are no breaks in the system.
✅ Monitor soil moisture levels – If the ground near your home is constantly damp despite dry weather, there may be a hidden leak.
✅ Hire a professional leak detection service – If you suspect a leak but can’t find the source, a professional can use pressure testing and thermal imaging to locate underground water issues.

Be Proactive to Protect Your Basement

• Avoid overwatering your lawn, especially near your home’s foundation.
• Ensure your pool’s backwash drain is directed away from your house to prevent unnecessary water buildup.
• Winterize your sprinkler system properly to prevent pipe damage that could lead to leaks in the spring.

By routinely inspecting your pool and sprinkler system for leaks, you can prevent soil saturation, foundation damage, and costly basement repairs, keeping your home safe and dry all year long.

Window Wells

Basement windows are one of the most vulnerable spots for water infiltration, especially if they have window wells that aren’t properly maintained. Cracks, worn caulking, and settling around the window frame can create easy entry points for moisture, leading to leaks, mold growth, and structural damage. If your window well isn’t draining properly, rainwater can pool against your foundation, increasing the risk of basement flooding.

How Window Wells Contribute to Basement Leaks

A window well is designed to protect basement windows and allow natural light into lower-level spaces, but if it’s not properly installed or maintained, it can become a water trap. Some common causes of window well flooding include:

• Clogged or missing drainage systems – Without proper drainage, rainwater collects in the well and seeps through window frames.
• Debris buildup – Leaves, dirt, and other debris can block water from draining, leading to standing water.
• Improper grading – If the ground around the window well is sloped toward your home, water naturally flows into the well instead of away from it.

How to Inspect and Maintain Your Window Wells

Regular maintenance can prevent window well-related basement leaks. Here’s what you should do:
✔ Check for pooling water after rainfall – If water remains in the well, the drainage system may not be working properly.
✔ Clear out debris – Remove leaves, twigs, and dirt that could clog the well’s drainage system.
✔ Inspect window caulking and seals – Look for cracks or worn-out seals around the window and reapply caulk if necessary.
✔ Test the drainage system – Pour water into the well and see if it drains properly. If it doesn’t, the drainage pipe may be clogged or missing.

Preventative Solutions for Window Well Flooding

If you’re experiencing persistent water issues with your window wells, consider these solutions:
✅ Install a window well drain – This helps direct excess water away from your foundation. If one isn’t in place, have a professional install it.
✅ Use a window well cover – A clear, durable cover prevents rainwater and debris from accumulating while still allowing light into your basement.
✅ Regrade the surrounding area – Ensure the ground around the window well slopes away from your home to prevent water from flowing toward it.
✅ Upgrade to gravel-filled wells – Adding a 6-8 inch layer of gravel at the bottom of the well improves drainage and reduces standing water.

Protect Your Basement with Regular Window Well Maintenance

A well-maintained window well is a simple but crucial defense against basement leaks. By ensuring proper drainage, sealing cracks, and keeping the well free of debris, you can prevent costly water damage and keep your basement dry year-round.

Your Neighbours

In densely packed neighborhoods, especially in Toronto and the GTA, homes are often built close together, leaving little room for water to drain properly. Even if you’ve taken all the right steps to protect your foundation, your neighbor’s water management (or lack thereof) could still put your home at risk.

How Your Neighbor’s Property Can Cause Your Basement to Leak

Water moves through soil based on gravity and saturation levels, meaning that excess water on a neighboring property can seep into your foundation. Some common ways your neighbor’s water issues might affect your home include:

• Leaking swimming pool pumps – A malfunctioning pool pump or broken hose can saturate the soil, creating constant moisture buildup near your foundation.
• Improperly directed downspouts – If your neighbor’s downspouts empty too close to your shared property line, water can accumulate near your home, leading to leaks.
• Overwatering gardens or lawns – Excessive irrigation can create soggy soil, increasing hydrostatic pressure against your basement walls.
• Poorly maintained landscaping – If their property is graded toward your home, rainwater will naturally flow toward your foundation rather than away from it.

How to Identify If Your Neighbor’s Water Is Affecting Your Home

Here are a few signs that your basement issues may be caused by nearby properties:
✔ Pooled water between houses – After rainfall, check if water is collecting between your home and your neighbor’s.
✔ Damp soil near your foundation even in dry weather – If the soil is consistently wet, it may be coming from an external source.
✔ New leaks after changes to a neighbor’s yard – If they recently installed a pool, added sprinklers, or regraded their lawn, their modifications may be affecting drainage.
✔ Unexplained moisture or mold growth – If one side of your basement has persistent moisture issues, nearby water sources could be the cause.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Home

✅ Have a friendly conversation – If you notice potential water issues coming from a neighbor’s property, politely bring it to their attention. They may not be aware of the problem.
✅ Install a barrier or trench drain – If water runoff is an issue, consider adding a gravel-filled trench or French drain to redirect excess moisture.
✅ Extend your downspouts – Even if the issue isn’t on your property, ensuring your downspouts extend at least 10 feet away can help prevent additional pooling.
✅ Check your foundation regularly – Since you can’t control everything your neighbors do, routine foundation inspections can help you catch and address small leaks early.

Work Together for a Dry Basement

In crowded neighborhoods, cooperation is key to preventing water issues. By communicating with your neighbors and addressing drainage concerns proactively, you can reduce the risk of leaks, protect your foundation, and maintain a dry, healthy basement for years to come.

Be proactive!

Taking just one hour to inspect your home’s exterior can save you from major headaches when the fall rains and winter snow arrive. Most basement leaks can be prevented with regular maintenance and proactive waterproofing measures.

By ensuring your gutters are clear, your grading is correct, your window wells drain properly, and nearby water sources aren’t affecting your foundation, you can significantly reduce the risk of water damage in your basement.

Need Help? Contact Professional Waterproofing Contractors in the GTA

If you’ve noticed signs of a basement leak, don’t wait until it gets worse. Whether it’s a leaking window well, foundation cracks, or excess moisture, professional waterproofing contractors in Toronto and the GTA can provide expert solutions to keep your basement dry.

Contact us today for a free in-home inspection and estimate. Let’s make sure your home stays safe, dry, and protected from water damage year-round!

 

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.

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.