Waterproofing your basement is incredibly important if you want to protect your home. There are several issues that can arise if you don’t invest time and energy in basement waterproofing.

In Toronto, many homeowners have suffered the consequences of not protecting their basement from excess moisture. Don’t let this happen to you!

When you read this post, you will learn the following:

• What could happen if you don’t waterproof your basement.
• Different methods of waterproofing.
• The most common causes of leaky basements.
• 4 steps you can take to make sure your basement is protected.

If you use the tips given in this article, you will have an easier time making sure that your basement is protected.

The Risks Of Not Waterproofing Your Basement

Waterproofing your basement takes a lot of hard work and effort. It’s definitely not easy. But it’s better to deal with the short-term inconvenience than to run the risk of having your basement become flooded.

Leaks in your basement can cause serious problems for your home and your health.

If your basement takes on excess water, you won’t be able to use it. It’ll be a part of your home that will become completely useless. This is especially harmful if you store valuable items in the basement. Water damage can destroy any possessions that you store there.

Leaky basements can also cost you tons of money. If you allow your basement to become flooded, you may end up having to spend tons of money to repair it. Of course, you may be able to repair it yourself, but this will still cost you a lot of time and money.

Finally, there are the health risks. The health risks alone should be enough to make sure that your basement remains dry.

When excess water is allowed to remain in your home, it can create mould. Mould loves moisture, so failing to protect your basement can create a fertile breeding ground for mould.

Mould can cause tremendous damage do your health. It can cause allergies. These allergies can be mild, or even life-threatening. The scary part is that you can suffer from these allergies without even knowing it. While allergies may not sound too dangerous, the respiratory issues they can cause can severely hurt you and your family.

Simply put, it’s not a good idea to put off waterproofing your basement.

Different Types of Waterproofing

There are several different methods of waterproofing your basement. The method you use will depend on the type of home you have. If you’re not sure what type of waterproofing would work best for you, it’s best to consult with a professional.

Concrete Coatings

Concrete coatings are thick. When they have dried, they stick to your concrete walls. If you’re using concrete coating, you will apply it with a brush with tampico bristles. When you’re finishing the coating, you should swirl the brush to make the wall look finished. Here’s one caveat, you can’t use concrete coatings on surfaces that have been painted previously.

Silicate-based Sealers

Like concrete, silicate-based sealers can only be used on walls that have not been painted. When you apply the sealer, it will penetrate and mix with the chemicals present in your concrete wall and form a waterproof barrier.

The benefit of silicate-based sealers is that they won’t peel. After the sealer has mixed with your wall, you can then paint it.

Waterproofing Paint

Waterproofing paint is made out of acrylics. It’s very similar to regular wall paint. The difference is that use thicker coats of this type of paint than you would with regular paints. Unlike the previous two methods, you can apply waterproof paint to surfaces that have already been painted.

Plastic Sheets

Plastic sheets are an option if you’re also using drainage systems. Unlike the other options, they don’t prevent water from coming through the wall. But they can keep the water from ruining the belongings that you’re storing in your basement.

The way it works is that it diverts the water into the drainage system. Then, the sump pump will push the water out of your basement.

The Most Common Causes Of Wet Basements

One of the keys to protecting your basement is knowing what causes wet basements. When you know the most common causes, you can guard against them more effectively. This next section will show you some of the most common causes of wet basements.

Foundation Leaks

If you live in an older home in the Toronto area, you might have a foundation made from poured concrete. This is one of the reasons why wall cracks are the most common causes of seepage.

The reason this happens is because the mortar that holds the concrete units together will erode over time. This makes it easier for water to seep into your home. The good news is that these cracks aren’t difficult to repair.

The Floor

Seepage from the floor is another common cause. It tends to happen if there is heavy rain. When this happens, water builds up underneath your basement floor. The water then rises through cracks in your floor.

Sump Pump Malfunction

This is one of the more common causes of leaky basements. When your sump pump stops working, it’s no longer pushing water to the outside. This allows the water to accumulate. If you think this might be the problem, you might want to consult a professional who can repair the pump for you.

Find Out What’s Causing The Leak

If you notice that your basement is starting to take on water, you want to act quickly. Your first step should be to figure out where the leak is coming from.

Here are the steps you should take:

• Tape a foot long piece of foil to the interior of your walls. Leave it there for 24 hours.
• If you notice that there is condensation on the outside of the foil, the humidity levels in your basement might be too high. A dehumidifier can take care of this for you.
• If there is moisture on the inside of the foil (the side facing the wall) the issue might be the soil around your home. This could be happening because of a high water table. This is when you want to waterproof your basement.

How To Waterproof Your Basement in 4-Steps

Waterproofing your basement can seem intimidating at first. But if you follow these steps, you will be able to make sure your basement doesn’t take on excess water.

Here are the steps:

• Remove all paints, adhesives, sealers, and oils.
• Vacuum the surface of the concrete. You want to remove any loose concrete and dust (a shop vac is best for this).
• Seal the concrete walls and floor using one of the methods described above. Make sure you move any belongings to another area of the basement.
• Make any necessary repairs to the foundation and floor.

Basement Waterproofing In Toronto

Waterproofing your basement is extremely important. You don’t want to deal with the potential issues that can come up if you fail to protect your basement.

If you need help with basement waterproofing in Toronto, you should contact a professional. Hero Response can help you with your waterproofing needs. Contact us today to find out how we can help!