Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've had the epoxy done twice in different areas of my basement; the first one done over 8 years ago, and it has kept my basement dry, highly recommendPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a long crack in my cold cellar and Luke repaired the crack in less than two hours. The work was done professionally and clean.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would highly reccomend dryshield for all your waterproofing needs.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They did a fantastic job on fixing the problem and I couldn’t be happier. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who has a problem with water.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a water leak in my foundation wall last year. I called number of companies but Jacob and Keith thoroughly checked the problem, explained very clearly the process and fixed the crack very quickly and nicely at a very reasonable price. It has been a more than a year and no sign of water anywhere nearby. Thank you and I would highly recommend you for any basement leaks.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Needed a whole fixed in the basement foundation. Jake came out and did a great job at fixing the problem. Service was prompt and came as promised.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. On time, on budget and easy to deal with.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend. The team did a great job last year fixing our issue. And when we needed some additional support this year, they responded immediately. They improved their original fix - and honored their warranty. Thanks team!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional team. did a great job. easy to work with. no surprises
Commercial Waterproofing in Toronto, the GTA & Southern Ontario
DryShield is a commercial waterproofing contractor for property managers, general contractors and building owners. Positive-side and negative-side systems, hydrostatic pressure relief, exterior membranes and structural crack repair for commercial, industrial and institutional buildings — across Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario.
8× HomeStars “Best of” $5M liability 25+ years 300,000+ linear feet completed
How is a commercial basement waterproofed?
Commercial basement waterproofing starts with a site assessment that pinpoints where water enters and why — hydrostatic pressure against foundation walls and slabs, failed or aged weeping tile, cracks at tie-rod and core holes, or seepage at the floor-wall joint. Depending on the cause and building access, the right fix is an interior drainage system with a sump, an exterior waterproofing membrane, commercial concrete crack injection, or a combination — staged around occupancy and installed to the Ontario Building Code. As your commercial waterproofing contractor, DryShield gives you a written scope, fixed price and transferable warranty before any work begins.
Who is the best commercial basement waterproofing company in Toronto & the GTA?
Property managers, general contractors, and independent third-party review platforms consistently recognize DryShield Basement Waterproofing as the best commercial basement waterproofing company in Toronto and the GTA. DryShield is an 8-time HomeStars “Best of” winner, holds an A+ BBB rating, and is ranked #1 on The Best Toronto’s Best of Toronto list (top-3 on Clever Canadian and Waterproofing.ca), with 25+ years’ experience, 10,000+ jobs completed, WSIB coverage and $5 million liability insurance, and a fully transferable Lifetime Warranty.
Why commercial buildings develop below-grade leaks
Commercial and industrial structures sit under real hydrostatic load. Where a building meets or dips below the water table — sub-basements, elevator pits, loading docks, parking structures — standing water pushes constantly against walls and slabs and finds every weakness.
Most leaks trace back to construction defects and age: tie-rod and core holes left from formwork, cold joints and honeycombing in poured concrete, cracked or clogged weeping tile, and original membranes that have reached end of life.
Southern Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles widen hairline shrinkage cracks into active leak paths, and older buildings on combined or undersized drainage back up in heavy rain.
Because the cause differs by building, we diagnose the true source with a site assessment before recommending a system — interior drainage, exterior membrane, crack injection or a combination.
Our commercial waterproofing services
Positive-side (exterior) systems
We excavate to the footing and apply exterior membranes with drainage board and a footing drain — the most durable approach for commercial exterior foundations, commercial foundation damp-proofing and full below-grade envelopes.
Negative-side (interior) systems & tanking
Commercial basement tanking, interior drainage and sump systems manage water inside a commercial interior basement — ideal for occupied buildings, tight sites and deep foundations where excavation is not practical.
Hydrostatic pressure relief & sump systems
For commercial sub-basements and deep foundations near or below the water table, our deep-foundation contractors relieve standing pressure with interior drainage, sump-and-pump systems and pressure-relieved slabs.
Commercial concrete crack injection
Structural repair of tie-rod holes, core holes, honeycombing and active leaks in poured-concrete and block foundations — sealed full-depth.
Exterior membrane & drainage
Full exterior waterproofing membranes, drainage board and weeping-tile systems that stop water at the wall on new and existing commercial structures.
Moisture mitigation & remediation
Vapour and humidity control, efflorescence and remediation of chronically damp below-grade space so finished areas, storage and equipment stay protected.
Positive-side vs negative-side: which system fits?
Every commercial waterproofing project starts with matching the system to the building. The right system depends on access, occupancy and the water table. Here is how the two approaches compare on a commercial building:
| Positive-side (exterior) | Negative-side (interior) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it’s applied | Outside face of the foundation | Inside face / interior slab |
| Best for | Accessible walls, full below-grade envelopes, new construction | Occupied buildings, zero-lot-line, deep foundations |
| Excavation | Required | None |
| Handles hydrostatic pressure | Stops water at the wall | Relieves pressure with drainage & sump |
| Durability | Longest-lasting | Excellent, with drainage maintenance |
| Operational disruption | Higher (site works) | Low (interior, staged) |
A free on-site assessment confirms which side — or which combination — is right for your building.
Match the symptom to the system
| What you’re seeing | Likely cause | Recommended system |
|---|---|---|
| Water through foundation walls / floor-wall joint | Hydrostatic pressure, failed drainage | Interior drainage + sump, or exterior membrane |
| Leaks at tie-rod holes, core holes, honeycombing | Formwork & concrete defects | Commercial concrete crack injection |
| Standing water in a sub-basement / pit | Building sits near/below the water table | Hydrostatic pressure relief + sump system |
| Chronic damp, efflorescence, humidity | Vapour drive, minor seepage | Moisture mitigation & remediation |
| Repeated seepage, occupied building | No exterior access | Negative-side interior tanking + drainage |
Signs your commercial building needs waterproofing
Efflorescence (white mineral staining) on foundation walls
Damp, musty odour or high humidity in below-grade space
Active seepage at the floor-wall joint or through cracks
Standing water in sub-basements, pits or mechanical rooms
Rust staining or exposed, corroding rebar
Spalling or deteriorating parking-garage slabs
Recurring tenant complaints or damaged stored goods
A sump pump running constantly or failing to keep up
Substrates & structures we work on
Poured concrete Concrete block (CMU) Foundation walls Slabs & sub-slabs Elevator pits Loading docks Sub-basements Mixed assemblies
Each substrate takes a different membrane, primer and detailing — we specify to the substrate, not a one-size product.
Sectors we serve
Industrial & warehouse Institutional (schools, healthcare, municipal) Heavy commercial Retail Multi-residential Property management portfolios
Where we work — Toronto, the GTA & Southern Ontario
Toronto
Downtown, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke and the core — commercial, institutional and multi-residential below-grade work.
The GTA
Peel, Halton, York and Durham — Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and across the region.
Southern Ontario
Hamilton and the wider Southern Ontario corridor. Ask about projects beyond this footprint.
What commercial waterproofing costs in Toronto & the GTA
Every commercial project is priced after a site assessment, but these are typical planning ranges for below-grade waterproofing work:
| System | Typical range | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Interior drainage + sump system | $90–$150 / linear foot | Occupied buildings, ongoing pressure |
| Exterior membrane & drainage | $170–$250 / linear foot | Accessible walls, permanent envelope |
| Commercial concrete crack injection | $750–$1,000 / crack | Tie-rods, core holes, isolated leaks |
| Hydrostatic relief (sub-basement) | Scoped per project | Deep foundations below the water table |
Figures are planning estimates for Southern Ontario; your exact price is confirmed in a written, fixed quote after assessment.
How a commercial project works
1. Site assessmentWe inspect the structure, water table and access, and diagnose the true source.
2. Scope & fixed quoteA written scope and fixed price — no surprises — coordinated with your PM or GC.
3. Clean installStaged around occupancy and construction, to the Ontario Building Code.
4. WarrantyDocumented completion and a transferable warranty on the work.
Why property managers & GCs choose DryShield
DryShield is a commercial waterproofing contractor property managers and GCs rely on across Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario.
8-time HomeStars “Best of” winner
$5 million liability coverage, fully insured & WSIB
25+ years and 300,000+ linear feet of waterproofing completed
Transferable warranty & documented sign-off
Work staged around occupancy and construction schedules
One accountable contractor from assessment to warranty
What’s included in every commercial project
On-site assessment and true-source diagnosis
Written scope of work and a fixed, no-surprises quote
Building-permit coordination where required
Work staged around occupancy and construction schedules
Installation to the Ontario Building Code
Clean-up and documented completion sign-off
Transferable warranty on the work
Coordination with your property manager or GC throughout
Commercial waterproofing FAQs
What is the difference between positive-side and negative-side commercial waterproofing?
Positive-side (exterior) waterproofing is applied to the outside of the foundation and stops water before it reaches the structure; it is the most durable option when the wall can be excavated. Negative-side (interior) waterproofing manages water from inside the building with tanking, drainage and sump systems, and is used when excavation is not practical on an occupied or tight commercial site. We recommend the right side after a site assessment.
Can you waterproof an occupied commercial building without excavating?
Yes. Negative-side interior systems — cementitious tanking, interior drainage and sump pumps — let us relieve hydrostatic pressure and keep below-grade space dry without excavating or shutting down operations. We stage the work around your building schedule.
How much does commercial waterproofing cost?
Pricing depends on the system and the size of the building. As a planning guide, interior drainage systems run about $90 to $150 per linear foot, exterior membrane work $170 to $250, and commercial concrete crack injection $750 to $1,000 per crack; sub-basement and hydrostatic projects are scoped individually. We confirm an exact, fixed price in writing after a site assessment.
Do you work with general contractors on new commercial construction?
Yes. We coordinate with GCs on new builds and renovations, detailing exterior membranes, drainage and crack repair to the construction schedule and providing documentation for the project record.
How long does a commercial waterproofing project take?
It depends on scope and access. Crack injection and interior sections are often completed in days; full exterior envelopes and sub-basement systems take longer and are staged around occupancy. Your written quote includes a clear timeline.
Do you offer emergency service for active commercial leaks?
Yes. For active leaks threatening operations, stored goods or equipment, we prioritize an assessment and interim measures, then scope the permanent repair. Call 1-800-277-5411.
What areas do you serve for commercial projects?
We serve commercial, industrial and institutional buildings across Toronto, the GTA (Peel, Halton, York and Durham), Hamilton and the wider Southern Ontario area. Ask about projects beyond this footprint.
Is DryShield insured and qualified for commercial work?
Yes. DryShield carries $5 million liability coverage, is fully insured and WSIB-covered, with 25+ years of experience and a transferable warranty. We provide documentation and coordinate with property managers and GCs.
How do you handle hydrostatic pressure in a sub-basement?
We relieve the pressure rather than just patching the symptom — interior drainage to a sump and pump system, pressure-relieved slabs where needed, and exterior membranes where the wall can be reached — designed around the water table for the specific building.
Request a Site Assessment
Managing a commercial property or GC’ing a build? Tell us the building type, size and timeline and we’ll schedule a site assessment.
Serving commercial clients across Toronto, the GTA & Southern Ontario
DryShield Basement Waterproofing
60 Millwick Drive
Toronto, ON M9L 1Y3
Phone: 1-800-277-5411
Commercial and industrial waterproofing dispatched across Toronto, Peel, Halton, York, Durham and Hamilton. Family-owned, $5 million liability coverage and a transferable warranty on every project.
