Basement Waterproof Solutions: A Homeowner’s Guide

As an Ontario homeowner, the thought of water seeping into your basement can quickly turn from a mild concern into a sleep-stealing nightmare.

Ontario’s climate, with its melting snow in the spring and heavy rains throughout the year, poses a unique challenge to keeping basements dry and damage-free. Whether you’re in bustling Toronto or the suburbs of Hamilton or Oakville, water issues can plague any foundation, turning your valuable space into a damp, mouldy area.

That’s why it is important to take waterproofing measures and protect your home against water damage. In this guide, we’ll delve into the benefits of waterproofing your basement and the various solutions you can use to secure your Ontario home from water damage.

How Basement Waterproofing Works

Waterproofing a basement involves applying a range of preventative techniques to prevent a wet basement and water damage. These risks, typically caused by hydrostatic pressure, clogged drains, shifting soil, and plumbing leaks, could lead to mould and mildew growth, wood rot, and cracks in your foundation walls.

So, if you want to avoid hefty repair costs and cleanup fees, you need to waterproof your basement walls and floors.

Types of Basement Waterproofing: Exterior and Interior

Your basement may need interior or exterior waterproofing, depending on what and where the problem is. Exterior basement waterproofing involves excavating the ground around your house’s exterior walls to reduce hydrostatic pressure. It’s best done by a professional due to its labour-intensive process.

On the other hand, interior basement waterproofing involves sealing all possible entries like cracks, windows and door trims, pipes, etc. It includes using waterproofing paint on your foundation walls, finding water leak sources and sealing cracks with hydraulic cement.

Read more: Exterior vs Interior Waterproofing: Which Is Better?

Is Basement Waterproofing Worth It?

Absolutely!

Basement waterproof solutions are a wise investment for Ontario homeowners. It prevents costly structural damage, wards off health hazards, and enhances your property’s resale value. Moreover, it transforms your basement into a livable, functional space, increasing the overall utility and enjoyment of your home.

They may have a steep upfront price tag, but these long-lasting solutions provide major peace of mind and long-term financial benefits.

Image source: Canva

When you waterproof a basement, you choose a preventive measure that safeguards your property.

For instance, one of the benefits of waterproofing is lower energy bills. Humid basement air can negatively impact your HVAC system, making it work harder to keep your home’s temperature balanced. With a waterproofed basement, you’d naturally lower humidity levels, resulting in lower utility costs.

Common Basement Waterproof Solutions

In this section, we’ll explore popular basement waterproofing solutions that are effective for Ontario homes.

From interior sealants and drainage systems to exterior waterproofing and sump pumps, we’ll cover a variety of strategies to help you choose the best defence against basement moisture and water damage.

Read more: Why DIY Basement Waterproofing Is a Bad Idea

Dehumidifiers

When the air is too humid, water condenses on the basement wall and floor, causing moisture accumulation. Without proper waterproofing solutions in place, this moist environment will lead to mould growth, severely impacting your health. Humidity also weakens your home’s wooden beams, concrete floor and walls, as well as its other structures.

This is why a dehumidifier is used while waterproof coating and other materials are applied to your basement walls. It helps manage humidity and moisture levels, thus avoiding any serious health and safety hazards arising from the abovementioned factors.

Image source: Canva.

Sump Pumps

A sump pump system is typically needed for interior waterproofing solutions. However, depending on the home’s unique foundation, grading, and structure, a sump pump may be used in exterior waterproofing methods as well.

This equipment removes water from your basement and pumps it out and away from your property, preventing a flooded basement. Among waterproofing products, sump pumps are especially popular in flood-prone areas because they can remove any standing water on your basement floor.

Interior Drainage

Installing an interior drainage system can help control how much water enters your home. It works by capturing water from the concrete walls and preventing it from flooding towards the centre of the floor. This is one of the most effective interior basement waterproofing solutions.

Avoid Flooded Basements With PRO Waterproofers

While waterproofing a basement can be expensive upfront, it’s a worthy investment that always pays off, especially if you live in flood-prone areas in and around Hamilton. If you want to learn more about the benefits of waterproofing your basement, PRO Waterproofers is here to help!

For over a decade, we have been Hamilton’s reliable provider of basement waterproofing solutions. Trust us for all kinds of basement waterproofing services, and rest assured you’ll receive long-lasting solutions for your home.

Contact us today to get your basement waterproofed after a FREE in-home consultation!