Foundation waterproofing is done on the exterior of a Toronto home or building to protect the concrete and basement walls that are below ground level from water penetration. While a concrete foundation may seem like a hard, tough surface, it is actually porous.
Don’t be fooled by Toronto foundation waterproofing companies who tell you that you can protect your foundation and basement with an interior waterproofing application. This is damp proofing which is only able to keep out soil moisture. Foundation waterproofing is an exterior solution that keeps out both moisture and liquid water. A truly permanent foundation waterproofing system protects the concrete in three ways:
- A waterproof membrane is installed to the surface of the exterior basement walls under the ground level.
- A drainage mat is installed to drain water away from the foundation.
- A french drain or sump pump is installed to carry water away to a drainage area.
The entire waterproofing system must be installed correctly to keep moisture from seeping into the concrete. This is a permanent solution for a Toronto foundation that’s practical and possible.
Why You Need Foundation Waterproofing
Without proper waterproofing, the concrete will absorb water. A wet concrete foundation will freeze and thaw during the winter in Toronto. This can cause cracks or flaking in the concrete at the surface. Once this starts, water will penetrate further into the foundation and cause more significant damage to the structure.
The foundations of old buildings in Toronto are notorious for cracking and bulging. This is a natural deterioration process caused by the corrosion of the steel bars that are embedded into the concrete slab. This is why waterproofing systems are necessary to seal and protect the foundation of a house or building from water absorption.
How Often Do You Need Foundation Waterproofing?
When foundation waterproofing is done correctly with the right products, it’s a permanent solution. The only time your waterproofing system should need repair is if your sump pump or french drain system isn’t working correctly.
If you’ve already had foundation waterproofing done, and it was done correctly, be sure to get your drainage systems maintained and watch for signs of dampness in your basement. If you’re already having problems, call our Toronto foundation waterproofing company at GMS Basement Waterproofing for an inspection and consultation.