For exterior waterproofing projects, we use Hydraulic Cement for sealing the leaking cracks, Rubberized Membrane and a Reinforcement Mesh for complete waterproofing your foundation walls from further leaks, an exterior drainage membrane to redirect excess water and moisture down to the drainage tile system that is installed next and lastly a layer of 3/4 crushed gravel for more water drainage capability.
For interior waterproofing projects, we install a dimpled drainage membrane similar to the exterior one that will also prevent water and moisture from building up on your basement wall, interior drainage pipes to redirect water to your basement drain or existing sump pump, and then we add 3/4 crushed gravel beside the drainage pipe and cover it all with a layer of cement.
Exterior Waterproofing jobs will often take 1 or 2 days depending on how many linear feet of foundation waterproofing needs to be done. Most jobs will last a single day if the weather conditions are perfect. In waterproofing jobs where there are multiple basement foundation walls to waterproof, the waterproofing team will open up a few sections of trenches at a time to make sure that a sudden weather change does not expose your foundation walls to rain causing further basement leaks. In the odd scenario, a job could be delayed a few days if there are powerlines or important gas pipes running in the ground and a professional needs to be dispatched to assist us. Bad weather could also delay the waterproofing job by a couple of days when rain prevents our team from continuing their work.
Weather issues are not applicable for most interior waterproofing jobs which can be done in 1 to 2 days. Delays for this type of waterproofing job occur when there is a plumbing or electrical issue that prevents us from continuing our work. The construction methods of homes, especially older houses, sometimes surprise us with plumbing, electrical or structural oddities that we find out during the interior waterproofing process. This may delay the interior waterproofing for a couple of days while the issue gets resolved.
As opposed to exterior waterproofing jobs which last a few days at most, Underpinning jobs take a few months to complete and have many phases to its completion. A proper Underpinning job will include getting structural drawings, building permits, inspections from licensed electricians and plumbers and this is even before we start digging. Our own Leaky Basement team’s work will include digging down to the footings of the foundation, benching structurally securing the basement foundation, and removing all of the excess earth that has been dug up. Overall, Underpinning is a multiple-month project that is aided or hindered by the accessibility of the basement and its current state.
The benefits of Underpinning are worth the time and money investment though as the basement foundation repair will significantly increase the amount of living space you have in your basement. The value of your home will significantly increase as well thanks to your basement having high ceilings and more overall living space.
Most likely you will find out about basement leaks after a rainstorm has just occurred. Be sure to give Leaky Basement a call or contact us online when you find out about your basement leaks. As well, makes sure you document the leaks and areas you found them in using pictures or video. It is not only helpful for us but also good to have for insurance purposes.
Clean up will include removing any surrounding items that could be damaged by water including carpets, items made of MDF or particle materials, and other items of importance. Be VERY careful while removing electronics that are in contact or submerged in water to avoid electrical shocks which include appliances, power bars with plugs in them, or any other electronic item sitting on the floor. In the case of mass-scale floods, it is recommended to call in a water restoration team to take care of the immediate clean-up to avoid health risks from the water that has come into your home.
Even after the water has been removed, it is extra important to disinfect the spaces where the water has touched as this water could pose a health risk. After any type of foundation repairs have been done including our own exterior or interior waterproofing services, it’s important that any affected drywall be replaced to avoid the growth of mould spores and other harmful bacterias affecting your health.
Sump Pumps are very important for ensuring that you never experience a flood in your basement ever again. Basement drains have the chance to back up if certain conditions are met and a water basin could potentially fill up and result in a flood if the excess water does not properly drain. A sump pump will pump the excess water out through a pipe that leads to your drainage tile system outside of the house. Sump pumps are mechanical so when the water level reaches the critical level, the sump pump will detect this and start working to remove the water, preventing a flood from occurring in your basement.
Although Sump Pumps need to be checked to make sure they remain in working order, Sump Pumps are the most efficient way to ensure you remain flood-free. Many Sump Pumps feature a backup system that ensures that your Sump Pump will even work during a power outage so that you have complete coverage.
Window Wells are important for allowing proper drainage down to your drainage pipe systems at the foot of your foundation. Windows are one of the weak spots where water could find its way through your foundation wall and into your basement so a window well will collect the water and allow it to drain properly down to a place where it won’t be harmful to the health of your basement foundation walls.
Window wells contain a vertical drainage pipe connected to your drainage tile below and 3/4 crushed gravel to further assist with proper drainage into the ground. The basement window is surrounded by a steel well secured to your foundation and it is often recommended that you also add a window well cover for windows you do not actively open or use as a means to bring natural light into your home.
