In Ontario , Canada we are very lucky to enjoy the four seasons of the year. The
cold and snowy winters that some people prefer because they enjoy doing winter
sports. The beautiful spring when the trees flower ,and come back with foliage, then
summer which is many people’s favorite because of all the things to enjoy outdoors and
the days seem longer ,and lastly autumn with all its beauty.
In Ontario the rainy season lasts from April until December and some years are wetter
than others. What this means for homeowners is that rains could result in basements to
leak and cause damage to valuable properties.
Water leaks are the most common cause of damages in homes ,accounting for 50% of
property insurance claims. Water damage is covered if it is accidental or from an
unexpected event ,such as a flood ,etc.
If a home is neglected and the owner fails to keep up with repairs ,then such a claim
could be denied and the owner would have to pay unexpectedly for expensive
basement leak repairs.
A foundation crack is the most common cause of leaky basements ,and falls in the
category of maintenance and won’t be covered by most policies. This is why
homeowners are advised to be diligent when they notice any type of crack in the
foundation walls.
Example of foundations cracks are :
● horizontal cracks are the most common ones ,this are more serious ones and is
often caused by hydrostatic water pressure (most common cause of leaks) ,
● Hairline cracks are most seen in new constructions,
● Stair- steps cracks; these types of cracks typically occur along mortar joints
posing a threat to the integrity of the basement foundation,
● Vertical cracks in the foundation wall are less serious than the horizontal cracks.
● Structural foundation cracks ,these should be taken seriously because they pose
a risk to the structural foundation of the home or building; they are usually
caused by movement of the soil or temperature shifts.
When dealing with basement foundations repairs homeowners should seek professional
opinion from fully licensed and insured waterproofing companies that provide basement
waterproofing services. So they can get advice on what is the best waterproofing
method for their unique home’s foundation situation.

The following are the best waterproofing methods
we use at Canada waterproofers

Exterior waterproofing:

More than 50 percent of the homes we waterproof are with the exterior waterproofing
method. Fixing home foundations this way ensures that basements are leak free for
many years to come ,hence the lifetime warranty we issue once the job is completed.
Exterior waterproofing is the best way to protect the basement walls from water leaks
from floods or heavy rains ,etc. Is better to make sure you get the job done by
waterproofing professionals that know how to do the job properly and have extensive
experience in the industry. Sometimes we encounter people that have had their
basement waterproofed improperly ,and they have been put in a position where they
have had to get the work done again.
Our method consists of several steps that ensures that when we finish the work ,the
basement is dry, leak -free and mildew free as well.
1. The concrete is cut and removed on the area that is going to be waterproofed.
2. Excavation of the wall to expose the footings and weeping tiles is done.
3. The wall is thoroughly cleaned.
4. After ,the cracks are opened and repaired with hydraulic cement.
5. The old weeping tile is removed.
6. Aqua bloc is applied.
7. Yellow jacket is installed to provide reinforcements for the aqua bloc.
8. Another layer of plastic is then installed for more protection.
9. After that a dimpled membrane is fitted.
10. A new weeping tile is installed and gravel is placed on top.
11. Then we finish molding the membrane with tap guns.
12.We backfill the area and compact the soil every 2 feet.
13.Caulking of the molding is done.
14.Working area is cleaned ,and a gravel finish is installed.
As previously mentioned the method we use is very successful at keeping the
basements dry for many years to come. Giving peace of mind to our customers. We
also like to share advice on other remedies to help prevent water entering the
basements in heavy rains and to prevent floods from happening. In our opinion exterior
waterproofing is the best method to fix wet basements.

Interior waterproofing:

Interior waterproofing is the best choice for homes that need repaired ,but they are in
close proximity to another dwelling in which case the lack of space would make it
impossible for exterior waterproofing to be done. This method is also more economical
than waterproofing from the outside the foundation walls ,because no excavation is
needed.
The way the interior waterproofing works is by redirecting the water that enters the
basement wall into the weeping tile and sends it away from the foundation wall.
When fixing basement walls from the inside this is the way we do it at Canada
Waterproofers:
1. We start by protecting the working areas.
2. Concrete is broken up and removed from along the walls.
3. Holes are drilled at the bottom of the blocks( if foundation is cinder blocks).
4. Weeping tiles are installed
5. Delta membrane is fitted to the wall from floor to ceiling, directing the water to the
weeping tiles.
6. Window openings are cut out.
7. Gravel is poured over the new weeping tiles to allow for drainage.
8. Concrete is poured and troweled finished.
9. Work areas are then cleaned and inspected.
When we have consultations with homeowners we usually advise while waterproofing
from inside ,to also install a sump pump to help manage the water leaks in the
basements when doing interior basement waterproofing.
Sump pumps are catch basins that collect water from drain pipes ,then the collected
water is directed away from the basement foundation walls.
In some parts of the GTA there are subsidies available ,they vary from region to region,
to homeowners that install sump pumps and back water valves and that also disconnect
the old weeping tile from the sewer system. These subsidies cover 100% of the cost of
installation up to a maximum of $6000 and are aimed at reducing the risk of flooding
and loss of material properties etc.
There are other ways to keep the water away from your basement wall , having a good
gutter system to deliver roof water away from the house when heavy rain occurs and
also when the snow melts. To maintain the gutter working properly all the time a strainer
cap or gutter guard mesh can be installed to keep debris from clogging them.
Additionally a splash block can be added to the downspout to prevent soil erosion and
will send the water away from the basement walls. Landscaping grading is very
important because by correcting the slope of the land adjoining the house the water will
flow away from the foundation walls. The most important part of the lot to be graded is
the lawn that is within 3 meters of the basement walls. Another method to divert water
around the house is via a slight depression called swale. The swale is dug so that it is
parallel to the basement wall ,and 10 feet away from it. Curving along the sides of the
house thus diverting the water toward the front of the house. Another way of dealing
with standing water in the garden close to foundation walls is by installing French drains.
The perforated plastic pipes will collect water from the rains or melted snow and will
direct it towards the street or the storm sewer.
These are some of the methods we use and advice to homeowners to implement when
dealing with moisture basement problems and to prevent leaky basements. As the
saying goes “The foundation of the house is what supports it and keeps it standing”. So
it is very important to look after the foundation walls to prevent and catch on time any
possible leak