A common misunderstanding is that basements are safer from water damage in the winter due to less rain and humidity.  Unfortunately, this is not the case, winter poses just as much of a threat on your basement, if not more, than the summer.

Eavestroughs and downspouts are well designed to carry rainwater away from your roof and home.  Specifically. They aren’t always built or designed with Ontario winter’s and heavy snowfalls in mind.  Especially here in the GTHA where gallons of water can accumulate from heavy snowfall which will weigh down your eavestrough and lead to heavy leaking when the snow begins to melt.  If your eavestroughs are not reinforced or positioned properly to carry the water far enough away from your house it can lead to a very wet basement.

The same rules go for heaps of snow built up around the foundation of your house and window wells. Shovelling snow off to the side of your driveway to make way for your car can cause big trouble once the snow begins to melt. That water will need somewhere to go, and your basement may be the perfect landlord.

Additionally to what is going on outside – in the winter we tend to drastically increase the temperature of our homes.  Basements, being colder by nature, tend to get the benefit of a ‘cranked’ thermostat for more comfort. This increased temperature not only heats the air in the room, it carries through the walls and even into the foundation.  This warmth will actually attract the snow and ice outside into the heat, and into your basement.

It is always best practice to clear snow away from the house.  From driveways, pathways and back porches, etc. From window sills, window wells and if you have access in the winter, eavestroughs and ledges around your roof and home.

Most modern homes, due to City of Toronto or other municipality building codes, have moisture barriers.  But if your home is older, which Toronto is home to many, you may not have all the protection your basement needs.  If you have the misfortune of already finding moisture build up in your basement, or if you are unsure of your home’s moisture barriers, call a wet basement expert today. Dryshield Waterproofing has over 25 years of industry experience offering the highest standard in waterproofing technology, methods and materials for your interior & exterior waterproofing, concrete injection-sealing and foundation crack repair.

Making upgrades to your home can seem endless. New furniture, paint, decor; as soon as you are done with one project another area has gone out of style or become worn down. These are of course, just the updates you can easily see need doing. Some of the most important upgrades you can make to your home are behind the decorative paint and underneath the fancy new flooring. 

A project every homeowner needs to bump up their project priority list is basement waterproofing. Basements are infamous for experiencing moisture problems when not properly dealt with. Water can surround the walls and easily come inside and begin to wreak havoc. Any DIY upgrades you attempt in a non-waterproofed basement, such as hanging drywall or laying down flooring will quickly develop mold and mildew and spread throughout the room.

When it comes to waterproofing your basement, the benefits surpass just damaging the finished look of your basement over time and the reduced opportunity for mold, meaning better quality air, and the decreased risk of allergies and respiratory ailments.  Waterproofing your basement can be a great way to increase the property value of your home.

There are a few different factors involved; regional precipitation levels, project scope and level of repairs/upgrades done, but it is estimated in North America that a homeowner can expect anywhere from a 30%-50% ROI on their Waterproofing projects. For example sake – if a project were to cost $2500 in a higher rain/snow region, they could expect to see their home value increase by $3750 post completion.

There are also energy cost savings associated with Waterproofing. A damp basement requires exponentially more energy to heat up in the winter. It will also help moderate the temperature – keeping a consistently comfortable living space and a lighter energy bill each month.

Basement upgrades are ranked right up there with kitchen and bath remodeling in terms of improving resale value. Taking in the health benefits and ongoing energy savings it is a no-brainer why every homeowner with a basement needs to consider pre-emptive and reparative waterproofing.   

Water seepage in basement is a common occurrence nowadays. The situation is common; however, the occurrence could lead to uncommon and undesirable issues, such as flooding in basement, leaky & wet basement, etc. Also, the occurrence could lead to mosquito, mould and mildew infestation. Furthermore, constant contact with seeped water could cause damage to the integrity of the foundation as well as the appliances, furniture & goods kept in the underground room.

Wet & leaky basement not only causes damage to the property but also leads to a number of health associated issues. Wet air generally results in the growth of fungi such as mould. Such incidences along with prolonged contact with mould (breathing in mould spores) could lead to respiratory issues as well as health associated problems such as a cough, sneezing, constant fever, throat irritation, eye problems, etc.

The situation of seepage in the cellar is generally caused by a multitude of reasons. The potential causes of the situation are listed below.

• Cracks in basement foundation walls
• Hydrostatic pressure
• Weeping tiles not draining or working
• Leaky pipes
• Leaking window well
• Condensation on pipes in cellar
• Improper grading
• Inappropriate surface drainage
• Leaky or clogged gutters
• Downspouts draining close to the foundation
• Sewage backup

Despite the causes, it is essential to deal with the situation promptly. Basement waterproofing is one of the most appropriate and effective techniques to stop and prevent water seepage into the cellar.  It keeps the basement as well as the entire property dry. It is one of the most efficient techniques of routing water from the exterior, thus, averting water seepage in the cellar and its effects.

The technique includes an arrangement of installing drainage systems and applying sealers. Along with waterproofing, there’re certain techniques that are utilized to fix leaky pipes and repair leaking cracks in basement walls. These techniques are intended to stop and prevent water seepage into basement.

The Implementer

Furthermore, the aforementioned techniques and their procedures are known to us. We, DryShield, are well aware of the abovementioned techniques, their procedures, implementations, applications and advantages. Also, we’ve been in the business for more than 25 years.

Apart from the experience and knowledge, we also have the expertise required to detect the cause of seepage and suggest the most appropriate and effective technique for dealing with the situation.

We offer waterproofing services and solutions at reasonable prices. Services offered by us includes foundation crack repair, basement wall crack repair, wet & leaky basement repair, mould removal, window well installation, water damage restoration and waterproofing Toronto properties, including residential and commercial.

The Procedure

Our workforce not only offers free estimates, but also visits the property in order to perform full basement inspection. During basement inspection, we aim to determine the issue and its actual cause. Once the issue and its cause are identified, our workforce suggests the most appropriate waterproofing and repair method that is required to deal with the situation. Aside from full basement inspection, we inspect additional parts of the property that might need repair and waterproofing.

After inspection, we discuss the suggested & needed waterproofing method with the property owners. Also, we inform them about the time duration, materials, number of technicians and outlay required to implement the method. We start implementing the method only after getting the approval and completing the required paperwork.

Wet basements cause structural problems in homes. If left unrepaired for a long period of time, a wet basement fosters the growth of mould and mildew that could cause critical health problems and also causes damage to the foundation of the house. Mould in the underground room causes breathing problems as well as musty odour. Furthermore, moisture and water in the underground room causes harm to the drywall, carpeting, goods as well as furniture stored down there.

Signs of Damp Basement

Some of the visible indications of wet basement are stains on the underground room walls, damp spots on walls & floor, paint peeling off from wall, mould, rusting, corrosion and musty odour.

Some Causes

Wet basements are generally caused by leaks and cracks in the walls and floor.Furthermore, in case floor joints aren’t appropriately attached to the foundation wall, it could cause wall shifting and water seepage. In some cases, hydrostatic pressure causes the walls to crack or bow. Also, the pressure pushes water from the soil into the block or concrete via pores. Cracks in the underground room walls and floor are caused because of factors like hydrostatic pressure, expansion, shrinkage and settling. Formation of cracks takes place when rainwater or melted snow water seeps into the ground around the house, resulting in the soil around the house to expand.  When the weather conditions changes, the soil enlarges and shrinks, after that enlarges once more. That enlargement exerts a huge amount of pressure on the cellar foundation walls and floor, leading to the formation of cracks.

What to Do In These Situations?

It is necessary not to delay the basement crack repair work. Furthermore, it is essential to deal with such problems without ado. The solutions to such problems are basement waterproofing and crack injection repair. These solutions ensure that the underground room remains dry and protected.It is best to hire a waterproofing contractor, such as DryShield, for the reason that the company (DryShield) possess the knowledge, experience and tools to efficiently solve the above mentioned problems. Hiring a waterproofing contractor, like DryShield, will ensure that the cellar is comprehensively examined for water and moisture seepage issues. After cellar inspection, DryShield’s technicians formulate a plan of action and discuss it with the homeowner(s). Once the technicians get approval from the homeowner(s), they carry out the basement waterproofing technique and crack repair work. DryShield offers a wide-range of basement waterproofing and cracks repair solutions.

Basement flooding is the worst nightmare of every homeowner. The situation causes tension in dream as well as in reality. In most cases, water seepage in basement happens because of the structural condition of the underground room or some problem in the drainage system.

Water leakage in cellar also takes place because of holes and cracks in the underground room walls and floor. Holes and crevices are usually caused by the pressure from the expansive soil and external environment. If they are left unrepaired for a long time, the small crevices turn into large cracks that let the water, moisture and gases from outside in the cellar.

The Most Appropriate Solution

Regardless of the cause, the most effective way to direct the water from outside and put a stop to any leaks in the underground room walls and floor is basement waterproofing. This technique has been a prerequisite for homeowners who wish to avoid water logging from taking place in their basements.

Besides preventing leaks and floods, this technique makes sure that the underground room remains dry, clean and safe. The technique not only safeguards cellars and valuables and goods from water damage, but also safeguards the wellbeing of homeowners and tenants. Furthermore, there are two ways to carry out basement waterproofing – internally and externally.

The Types of Solution

Interior or internal basement waterproofing method is used to direct the flow of water and moisture from the outside, thus, putting a stop to the leaks in the underground room walls and flooring. In this method, a drainage system is installed on the walls and floor to channel the water underneath the floor into the weeping tile. Sealants are also applied on the walls and floor with the objective to keep water away from leaking into the cellar.

Exterior or external basement waterproofing method involves the application of bonded waterproofing membrane or substance to the outer walls of basement. Also, in this method, the underground room is shaped in such way that its floor incline towards the sump pump of the house.

Both techniques require expertise, knowledge, experience and tools that are efficiently operated only by the professional basement waterproofing contractors, such as DryShield. The technicians of DryShield specialize in carrying out internal as well as external basement waterproofing. They suggest the most effective sealing solution after carrying out complete cellar inspection.

DryShield is a professional waterproofing company with the more than 25 years of experience in damp proofing, crack repair and cellar waterproofing.

Facing a wet basement can be a distressing incident for every homeowner. Nowadays it has become a widespread issue that many homeowners face recurrently. A good percentage of homes and properties have undergone through or are presently undergoing through the trouble of damp basement.Water and moisture get into the underground room through small holes, crevices, foundation cracks, basement wall & floor leaks, clogged pipes and ruptured walls, giving rise to mould, mildew, fungus, musty odour and causing the foundation to weaken. It is advised not to delay or overlook the basement repair tasks and take care of such problems without delay, prior to intensification of the issue as continuous exposure to water and moisture results in the growth of mould, mildew, fungus and brings destruction to the foundation and walls.

The Most Appropriate Solution The most convenient and effective solution to such issues is basement waterproofing which makes sure that the underground room continues to be dry, clean and watertight. It is highly recommended to hire a professional basement waterproofing company, such as DryShield, as the company has the necessary experience, knowledge and tools to efficiently resolve all the problems.  As stated earlier, DryShield is a specialized waterproofing company that operates in Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area. The company has been in the business for more than 25 years and has a proven track record of successfully waterproofing and damp proofing thousands of residential, commercial and industrial properties in Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area. The organization is known for its meticulousness and commitment to complete the waterproofing projects on time and on budget. DryShield has a team of highly skilled experts who are proficient in sealing or directing the source of moisture and water leak in basement.  The Specialization of Workforce The experts specialize in doing camera inspection of drains, unclogging clogged pipes, removing tree rot, accumulated filth and debris in drain pipe, installing drain pipes, backwater valve, weeping tile, sump pit & waterproofing membrane, repairing stress & hairline cracks in foundation, and carrying out the most appropriate basement waterproofing method. They use cutting-edge technology tools and devices for source identification of leakage and moisture seepage. After source identification, they carry out the plumbing, waterproofing and crack repair work required to stop the source from allowing water, moisture and gases into the basement. Thus, they are able to save basements from getting waterlogged, damp and unusable.

Crack injection is the most excellent technique of filling cracks in concrete. Wall cracks are entryways of toxic gases, leaking water and dampness that causes growth of mould, mildew and fungus. The most appropriate way to seal the wall cracks and prevent its affects is to carry out crack injection repair by epoxy or polyurethane injection.

Steps of polyurethane crack injection: The crack is located and cleaned out. Technicians drill small holes at 45-degree angle every 6 to 8 inches changing from side to side operating the middle of the crack. Then, a series of steel ports are attached to the holes in the crack. Steel ports are used instead of plastic ports. The steel ports are used as the entryways for the polyurethane and are used to achieve right pressure to ensure the urethane is spread in an even way. The ports are then injected with polyurethane from bottom to top with hydraulic pressure. Water is utilized as a catalyst for the polyurethane material and once the material interacts with the water in the crack, it starts foaming and in sequence, tremendously expands its volume thus putting a stop to water from seeping in. Polyurethane foam works properly for closing leaking cracks and putting a stop to the water leakage for good. The hydrophilic polyurethane has the capability to expand 20 times its original volume to seal off all cracks and gaps from front to back. Once it gets into the crack it begins to expand. The outcome of the expansion leads to the injection procedure more convenient for the technicians – when the polyurethane expands, the foam is actually filling any empty spaces and gaps in the foundation. Also, urethane begins forming in around 3 minutes and finishes expanding in around 10 minutes. Steps of epoxy crack injection: The application of epoxy resin along with carbon fibre staples is an additional option. In this technique, cuts are made at right angles to the crack using drill machine. Then, epoxy encoded carbon fibre strips are installed on the cuts. Carbon fibre staples or strips are installed to reinforce the crack by adding tensile strength and they stabilize the wall to put a stop to further cracking and shifting. Reinforcements like carbon fibre staples in combination with epoxy injection make sure that the filled cracks do not reopen or appear again and ensure that applied stress to the foundation will get shifted from the filled area, making it a robust solution to the original crack. In that way, epoxy foams offer strength and stability to the cracks. This procedure normally takes 2 hours and DryShield provides a full 25-year transferrable warranty. Epoxy resin injections are also known as surface port injections for the reason that the process incorporates the application of t-ports or carbon strips to inject the epoxy into the crack. The application of epoxy is essential for structural cracks in the foundation.