Basement waterproofing Toronto can be quite expensive, as such waterproofing done on a regular basis isn’t something most homeowners can do themselves. But that’s not what most homeowners would likely do anyway. Once waterproofing is done, most homeowners then turn their attention towards the other, less important things around their home and forget about the basement until some more water gets soaked through and again leads to growth of mold which causes all kinds of respiratory problems to household members. Waterproofing can also benefit the environment as well and help stop flooding.
Foundation walls and basement floors need some sealing every once in a while. Usually, foundation walls and basement floors get wet because of leaky pipes, leaky roofs, or just because of natural drainage from surrounding areas. Even when these areas are not leaking, wetness can accumulate underneath them and form mold if it remains there for too long without being removed. Luckily, basement waterproofing Toronto comes in many forms to address various situations and needs, so here are the most common ones:
Gutters and Downspouts – When there’s a lot of rain or very heavy rainfall, often the gutters and downspouts of a home won’t be covered at all, which means rainwater will get inside the foundation and start to erode the floor. This will lead to damage to the walls of the home, the ceiling above, and a whole host of other things. By sealing and covering the gutters and downspouts with a basement waterproofing material, you’re essentially waterproofing your home against future problems caused by water getting inside the foundation walls.
Sump Pump and External Waterproofing – Similar to gutters and downspouts, sump pumps can also become damaged and clogged with dirt and debris, leading to excess moisture causing problems within the house. Excessive amounts of moisture cause condensation, which in turn can contribute to a plethora of health issues and structural damage to the house. Most basement waterproofing materials come with a built-in sump pump, meaning that all you have to do is simply locate the area where your main water supply pipe is located and insert a PVC pipe into it, running from the hole to the outside of the home. You should then either run off this into the sump pit or install an external waterproofing system, like a window well.
Drip Irrigation System – For those who want to use their basement as a sauna, but don’t have a built-in sump pump, there is a simple solution called drip irrigation. Essentially, what you do is install special irrigation fittings which shoot out water at a distance, directly onto the foundation walls. This will dampen the air, removing much of the humidity and helping your basement waterproofing Toronto work more effectively.
Waterproofing Basement Walls – There are other areas in your basement that may not be visible from the outside. In these instances, it’s important to seal these areas from the outside using basement waterproofing products. There are several effective products available which will prevent water from leaking out onto basement walls. Simply put, some forms of basement waterproofing Toronto work by stopping leaks from getting to the exterior. While others provide protection from leaks that are caused by soil expansion at the foundation level.