Exterior Basement Waterproofing in Toronto
Protection for Your Property!
Aquamaster Waterproofing is your trusted partner for professional exterior waterproofing for homes across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Since 2009, our licensed and insured team has provided thousands of homeowners with reliable solutions to prevent basement leaks and protect their properties against water damage. Our dedication to high-quality workmanship and attention to detail means we use only the best materials, ensuring lasting protection. Schedule a free on-site estimate today and take advantage of our 10% discount for new customers!
What Is Exterior Waterproofing?
Exterior waterproofing is a method that protects homes from water intrusion at its source. It prevents water from entering your foundation or basement walls from the outside, protecting them against issues such as leaks, dampness, and mould growth.
Unlike interior waterproofing, exterior waterproofing is a proactive solution that prevents water from entering in the first place rather than managing it once it’s inside.
Benefits of Waterproofing Your Basement From the Outside
Toronto’s heavy rainfall, snow melts, and high humidity create significant risks to your foundation and basement. Without proper waterproofing, leaks can damage the foundation and the walls, flooring, and valuable belongings. In a finished basement, unchecked moisture can lead to issues like damp walls, mould growth, and a persistent musty smell. Exterior waterproofing is the most effective solution to these issues, providing a clean, dry basement that safeguards your home and health.
Exterior Waterproofing Process
Aquamaster Waterproofing delivers the best waterproofing services in Toronto by using premium materials and highly train professionals to ensure the job is done correctly and lasts a long time. Here’s how our process works:
Exterior Foundation Assessment
Our experienced team assesses your foundation for potential vulnerabilities, water infiltration, and drainage issues around your building. We use visual inspection and video camera technology to evaluate the drainage system, ensuring an accurate diagnosis.
Excavation
Using specialized equipment, we excavate the area surrounding the foundation to expose the exterior walls. We conduct manual digging in areas where machine access is restricted to ensure the job is completed without disrupting your property.
Basement Wall Preparation
Foundation Wall Preparation and Repair
Our contractors will clean the exposed walls using power washing or wire brushes to prepare for membrane application. Any cracks in the foundation walls are filled with hydraulic cement or epoxy injections to create a solid and seamless surface. Many of these cracks are not visible from the inside, so we must identify and fix them before they worsen.
Waterproofing Membrane Application
We apply multiple layers of a high-quality waterproofing membrane to the cleaned foundation. Our team uses premium options like polyurea membranes or asphalt-based and rubberized membranes for enhanced durability and optimal protection against water intrusion.
Drainage System Installation
We install a drainage system such as a weeping tile or a French drain system to collect water and direct it away from your building — these systems usually include components such as drain tiles, gravel, and perforated pipes. The system directs the water to an appropriate outlet, such as a sump pump or drain field, preventing it from pooling around the foundation.
Backfilling
Landscaping and Restoration
Finally, any landscaping or hardscaping features that were removed during the excavation process are restored. This may include reseeding the lawn, replanting vegetation, performing concrete work or repairing any pathways or structures that were disturbed during the project.
Interior vs. Exterior Waterproofing Services
Interior and exterior foundation waterproofing are two different methods used to protect buildings and homes from water intrusion and moisture damage. Here’s how they differ:
How They Work
- Interior waterproofing: This method focuses on managing the water that has already made it inside your basement. Waterproofing membranes redirect water to the drainage system, which leads to a sump pump that pushes the water outside of your home.
- Exterior Waterproofing: This method prevents water from entering the structure altogether. It creates a barrier on the outside of the building, preventing water from reaching the foundation walls.
Location of Application
- Interior: The work is typically performed inside the building, primarily in the basement or crawlspace. It involves installing a drainage system and sump pump installation, vapour barriers, and sealants on the interior surfaces.
- Exterior: The work is done outside the building, around the foundation walls. It includes excavating around the foundation, applying waterproof membranes or coatings, and installing drainage systems.
Accessibility and Disruption
- Interior: Since the work is performed inside the building, it is generally easier to access and requires less disruption to the landscaping or external structures. However, you may need to remove some interior finishes temporarily.
- Exterior: This method involves excavation around the foundation, which can be more intrusive and disruptive. It requires access to the exterior walls of the building and may involve temporarily removing landscaping, decks, or other structures.
Cost
- Interior: Interior waterproofing tends to be less expensive than external waterproofing. Materials and labour costs are often lower as this method involves less extensive work and excavation.
- Exterior: Exterior waterproofing is usually more expensive due to the excavation, additional materials, and labour required. It often involves more complex construction techniques and can be a larger-scale project.
Maintenance
- Interior: These systems require ongoing maintenance for the sump pump, drainage, sump pump discharge line, etc.
- Exterior: Exterior foundation waterproofing does not typically require maintenance.
The choice between an exterior or interior waterproofing system depends on various factors, such as the source and severity of water issues and site conditions, as well as your budget and personal preferences.
In some cases, combining both methods may be the best solution to fully protect your home from water intrusion. Aquamaster Waterproofing specialists can assess your property’s unique needs and recommend the ideal waterproofing strategy.
Make sure to contact one of our exterior waterproofing contractors in Toronto for a FREE on-site assessment to decide which waterproofing method is right to protect your foundation from water damage!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you notice signs like foundation leaks, damp walls, mould growth, wet wall stains, or a musty smell, external waterproofing may be necessary to prevent further damage. Heavy rainfalls or poor drainage in your area also increases the risks of water intrusion, making preventive exterior waterproofing an ideal choice.
Exterior waterproofing in Toronto costs between $100-$300 per linear foot. Specific prices depend on the scope of the project, the depth of the foundation, the difficulty of accessing the foundation, and other factors. Learn more about exterior waterproofing costs here.
The duration for exterior waterproofing projects varies from one day to two weeks, depending on the property’s size, scope of work, and specific needs. Waterproofing one wall will take less time than waterproofing your entire foundation from the outside. Learn more about how long exterior waterproofing takes.
Waterproofing Solutions by Licensed Experts
- Basement Waterproofing
- Basement Underpinning
- Plumbing Services
- Foundation Repair
- Crawlspace Encapsulation
- Basement Crack Repairs
- Drain Camera Inspection
- Sump Pump Installation
- KITEC Pipe Replacement
- Basement Plumbing Rough
- Bench Footing
Why Choose Us?
Why Choose Aquamaster for Waterproofing?
Here's why 3,000+ customers across the GTA choose Aquamaster Waterproofing:
Warranty
Coverage
We offer a fully transferable, 25-year warranty on work, materials, and labour.
Services
We have a team available 24 hours a day, ready to handle your emergency plumbing or waterproofing needs.
and Insured
Our team is fully licensed and insured to provide waterproofing, plumbing, underpinning, and concrete services.
Price
All our first-time customers get 10% off their first service.
Expertise
Aquamaster Waterproofing has been in business since 2009. With our decades of expertise, you can rest assured your project is in the right hands.
South Ontario
We are your neighbour and understand the specific waterproofing needs of properties in the GTA.
Materials
Our goal is to provide you with the best possible service, so we only use top-tier materials to make it happen.
of Mind
Our team of professionals carefully plans everything, from consultation to project completion, to give you peace of mind.
Don't Take Our Word for It!
Waterproofing and Leak Repair Process
Initial Consultation
Reach out to one of our certified experts for a personalized consultation. We’ll evaluate your needs and recommend the most effective solution for your waterproofing or leak repair project.
Contract Signing
Once we’ve tailored a plan to meet your requirements, we’ll formalize it with a clear contract that outlines every aspect of your project to ensure transparency.
Work Completion and Warranty
Our skilled contractors will complete the job, and you’ll enjoy peace of mind with our 25-year transferrable warranty.
Proudly Serving Toronto and Beyond
