Basement Waterproofing Barrie

Internal Basement Waterproofing

Although interior water drainage is not technically waterproofing, it is a working technique in mitigating basement water. This technique involves removing a section of the basement concrete floor, usually about a foot wide, along the foundation wall. Then a trench is dug out where weeping tile is placed and drainage membrane is installed on the foundation wall.

After that was done, the trench is backfilled with 3/4 grovel and new concrete is poured over it. Interior water drainage functions by draining underground water from underneath the basement floor and alongside the foundation footers. It then channels the water with a weeping tile pipe to a sump pump system, which will then pump the water from the basement outside. Wall conduits such as dimple boards or other membranes are fastened to the foundation wall and extended over the new drainage to guide any moisture down into the system.
 

• Cleaning the Walls - We power wash the walls and then dry them up using a propane torch. After that foundation walls are inspected for cracks, holes openings and are fixed with hydraulic cement. Cleaning the walls is a very important step; it is impossible to pinpoint all defects without it, also foundation sealant that is used after won’t stick properly and as a result the entire waterproofing system will eventually fail.

   

External Basement Waterproofing - How it Works

As mentioned above the materials and methodology will depend on many factors. Herein is described a process of basement waterproofing for a house with poured concrete foundation.
This process consists of well-defined series of steps. 
 

• Site Preparation - plants are removed to plastic containers with topsoil while the waterproofing process takes place. The job area is protected with sheets of plywood, plastic tarps and “caution” signs. 
   

• Excavation - The process requires excavating soil along the foundation wall 4” below the top of the footing. Why exactly 4” you may ask? That is because the diameter of weeping tile that will be later placed along the footing is 4”. Once excavation is done and old weeping tiles are out, we start treating the foundation walls.
   

• Cleaning the Walls - we power wash the walls and then dry them up using a propane torch. After that foundation walls are inspected for cracks, holes, and openings and are fixed with hydraulic cement. Cleaning the walls is a very important step; it is impossible to pinpoint all defects without it, also foundation sealant that is used after won’t stick properly and as a result, the entire waterproofing system will eventually fail.
   

• Sealing - We now begin the sealing process that is exclusive to Aquamaster Drain Plumbing & Waterproofing Inc. Our first layer of protection is a cement based sealant. This material strengthens and hardens concrete walls by closing its pores. Then we apply a coating of elastomeric waterproofing membrane (polymer-modified asphalt).
  
  In contrary to the black tar this rubberized asphalt membrane is formulated to stay pliable. The great advantage of it is that even if new cracks occur – the elastomeric membrane will simply stretch and will continue to perform. Black tar has no flexibility at all and will crack with any foundation movement. Also, black tar is rated as a damp-proofing not a waterproofing, it will slow down the penetration of water while elastomeric will prevent the penetration completely. Unfortunately, most home builders are still damp-proofing rather than waterproofing their foundations.
  
  For our final layer of protection, we install a heavy gauge polyethylene dimpled drainage mat to the foundation wall using specially designed fasteners. This material does not tear providing reliable protection for the elastomeric membrane. The dimples create an air gap, so if moisture gets behind it, it quickly channels to the drain tile.
   

• New Footing Tile Installation - We install the new perforated weeping tile with the “SOCK” filter on it. Cleanouts are installed to provide access to the weeping tile pipe. Then we disconnect downspout pipes which will ensure that leaves and stones from the roof will not block the weeping tile, reducing the risk of flooding in the basement. You may also be eligible for rebates from the city of Toronto for doing that.
   

• Backfill - Then we cover weeping tile with 3/4 gravel 16” on top. Many companies will use plywood to cut the trench in half. They will gravel on the house side of the wood and fill the other side with the excavated dirt. We fill the entire trench with river-washed gravel as opposed to the less expensive limestone that most waterproofing contractors use. Limestone compacts limit drainage. After that had been done we start backfilling with previously excavated soil, constantly tamping it down during this process, as the result – minimum soil settling.
   

• Landscaping -  Finally, the landscaping is restored. We use premium topsoil when replanting previously removed plants. Aquamaster Drain Plumbing & Waterproofing Inc takes great effort in protecting your yard and landscaping during the process. All equipment is run on plywood, so damage is minimal. Often times it is hard to tell that we were ever on your property.
  
  The work is complete now and you have a piece of mind that it was done properly the best possible way. Proper waterproofing is a complex process. Few companies accomplish this in a timely manner, with minimal damage to the property, and little or no inconvenience to their customers. A superior attitude produces superior results.