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Residential Waterproofing Systems in Toronto: How to Protect Your Home from Damage
    Royal Work Corp. > Blog > Residential Waterproofing Systems in Toronto: How to Protect Your Home from Damage

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, the threat of basement flooding is not something to be taken lightly. Basement leaks and floods were an issue for homes around Toronto for generations, but until recently there was no real solution to the problem. Today, homeowners have access to a variety of effective residential waterproofing systems for basements that can help them protect their homes and avoid costly water damage repairs before it’s too late.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why basement waterproofing is so important in Toronto and how you can make sure your property remains safe from flooding over time. Read on and learn what steps you should take to prevent future problems with leaking basements.

Reasons Why A Basement Leaks

It’s important to understand the reasons for a leaky basement, here are some reasons why your basement could be leaking:

Cracks in the foundation

Over time, cracks can form in the foundation of your home, causing water to seep through. In some cases, these cracks can be large enough to allow significant amounts of water into your basement. If not dealt with early enough, small cracks grow bigger over time and cause great damage.

Damaged gutters and downspouts

One of the most common causes of basement flooding is water that collects around your home due to a damaged gutter system. If the gutters and downspouts are not maintained properly, they can become blocked with leaves and debris, resulting in standing water near your house.

Poor or ineffective grading

Poor or improper grading around your home can also result in drainage problems. If the ground around your house is not sloped properly, water can pool near the foundation and eventually make its way into your basement. You may even need drain cleaning or repair to ensure water is traveling away from your basement’s foundation.

Poor sump pumps and drain tile

Your sump pump is responsible for removing excess water from your basement. If this essential piece of equipment is not working properly, or if the drain tiles around your home are clogged with mud and debris, water can easily make its way into your basement.

Basement condensation

Condensation is a common problem in basements and can be caused by high humidity levels or inadequate ventilation. If air is not circulating properly in your basement, moisture and humidity levels can rise, leading to water droplets forming on walls and other surfaces. If condensation is not properly addressed, it can lead to water damage over time.

Is Basement Waterproofing Worth It?

Residential waterproofing systems are an essential step in protecting your home from water damage and potential flooding among other benefits including:

Extended life of the foundation and basement walls

Interior waterproofing services to your basement and foundation can help prevent water from seeping in and causing structural damage to the walls. This will extend the life of your home’s foundation and basement.

Reduced mold and moisture problems

Waterproofing your basement can help reduce the risk of mold and mildew caused by high levels of moisture. This will improve air quality in your home, allowing you to breathe easier.

Improved indoor air quality

Internal and external waterproofing of your basement will also help improve indoor air quality by reducing the amount of dust, dirt, and other allergens in your home. This can help to reduce allergies and asthma symptoms for better overall health.

Reduced risk of basement flooding and foundation cracks

By waterproofing your basement, you can minimize the risk of future flooding or foundation cracks caused by water damage. This will save you money in costly repairs and replacements down the road.

What to Consider When Choosing a Contractor for Residential Waterproofing

There are several factors to look out for when choosing a contractor for interior and exterior waterproofing of your home including:

Professionalism and Skill

Make sure that the Toronto waterproofing contractor you choose is experienced and knowledgeable about waterproofing systems. Ask for references from previous clients and read reviews online to get an idea of the quality of work they provide.

Equipment and Techniques

The contractor you choose must use the right equipment and techniques for waterproofing your home. Make sure they are up to date on the latest technology and materials to guarantee a quality job.

Customer Reviews

Always read customer reviews to get an idea of a contractor’s reputation. Ask questions about their experience with similar projects, as well as any certifications or qualifications they may have.

This can give you a good indication of the quality of their work and how satisfied previous customers have been with their services.

How Much Does Waterproofing Cost in Toronto?

The cost of basement waterproofing in Toronto can vary depending on the severity of your water problem and the size of your home. Generally, professional waterproofing services range from $10,000 to $35,000, or $100 per linear foot. Prices may also be higher for more complex projects, such as basement excavation or major structural repairs.

Waterproofing services generally include surface preparation and cleaning, installation of drainage systems and sealants, and minor foundation repairs. The contractor you choose should be able to provide an accurate estimate based on the scope of work required.

Toronto Basement Waterproofing Services: Royal Work Corp Wet Basement Solutions

At Royal Work Corp, we specialize in residential waterproofing services for homes in Toronto and the surrounding area. Our experienced team uses proven techniques and materials to provide a comprehensive solution that will keep your basement dry and moisture-free. These are some of the services we offer:

Backwater valve

A backwater valve is a specially designed valve that allows water to flow out of the basement but prevents it from flowing back in. This is an important tool for preventing flooding and can be installed as part of your waterproofing system.

It is usually installed below your basement floor on the main lateral drain line to prevent sewage or storm water from backing up in plumbing fixtures or drains. It usually senses a reverse flow and completely closes a gate to prevent the water from backing up.

A typical backwater valve is about two feet long and consists of PVC housing with a shutoff gate. It is installed in the sewer line, usually between the house and the municipal main drain.

Basement underpinning

This is the process of removing soil below a concrete slab or crawlspace, excavating the area to create a lower support level, and then adding new concrete footers, walls, and floors to extend the depth or reinforce an unstable foundation. Underpinning is a structural repair process used to strengthen and stabilize foundations that are sinking, settling, or have shifted. It is commonly used on older homes with basements made of concrete blocks or brick, as well as newer homes built on unstable soils.

It includes the following steps:

Design stage

Experts will draw plans that detail moving and extending load-bearing walls required with this project, they will also submit the stamped drawings to the local municipality to obtain the necessary building permits before beginning the work.

Site preparation

The soil beneath the foundation needs to be excavated and removed. All utility connections need to be identified, so they can be rerouted during underpinning.

Lowering the basement

Depending on the type of underpinning to be done, you may need to lower the basement walls and floor. This is done by removing concrete and soil, then reinforcing the structure with new footings and piers.

Finishing the job

A waterproofing system is then installed. A waterproofing membrane is added to prevent water infiltration from the outside. The foundation walls that are exposed are then backfilled. An internal weeping tile system is placed around the perimeter below the floor level. This drainage pump will capture groundwater and re-route it to a newly installed sump pump that will safely discharge outside. A layer of gravel covers the entire floor area and will provide a secure base for the new concrete floor.

Basement waterproofing

This is the process of making a basement structure watertight using specialized products and techniques. It involves applying sealants around window frames, doors, walls, floor cracks, and other openings to prevent water from entering the basement. In addition, a drainage system such as an interior weeping tile system or exterior sump pump may need to be installed to direct water away from your home.

Some of the causes of basement problems include:

  • Wall cracks – Minor cracks in the basement walls are a common foundation problem that can lead to water infiltration.
  • Hydrostatic pressure – Hydrostatic pressure is the force created by water when it accumulates in the soil around your home’s foundation. It can cause basement walls to bow, crack, and leak.
  • Cove joint – Cove joint is the space between the foundation wall and the floor. If it is not properly sealed, water might seep in.
  • Floor cracks – Floor cracks can be caused by the settling of your home’s foundation and can result in water infiltration.
  • Interior drainage systems – If the basement has an interior drainage system, it can become clogged or blocked with debris. This can lead to water buildup and eventually flooding.
  • Leaking sump pump pit – The sump pump pit is the area where water accumulates and is pumped out. If the sealant around it cracks or wears, it can allow water to enter the basement.

Drain cleaning and repair

Clogged drains can be a major headache for homeowners. If you have slow-draining or clogged pipes, Royal Work Corp can help. We offer professional drain cleaning and repair services to get your plumbing system flowing again.

Our team of experienced technicians will use the latest tools and techniques to identify the source of the problem and clear any debris that is blocking your pipes. Additionally, we can inspect your entire drainage system to identify any potential problems before they become serious issues.

We also advise on preventative measures to stop blockages for example:

  • Shower, bath, and washroom drain cleaning and repair – Always unclog the shower, bath, and washroom drains to ensure that water is flowing freely.
  • Kitchen drain repairs – Kitchen sinks are prone to clogging over time due to food particles, grease, and soap buildup. Clean out your kitchen sink or drains and maintain them.
  • Sewer line and regular drain cleaning and repair – Sewer lines can get clogged due to heavy debris such as tree roots and mud. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the sewer line are important to keep it running smoothly.
  • Residential wastewater and toilets – Toilets and other fixtures in your home can be prone to clogging due to debris and buildup over time. Regularly clean out these fixtures and keep them maintained to ensure proper functioning.

Sump pump installation

Royal Work Corp also offers sump pump installation services. A sump pump is an electric pump that is installed in the basement of a home to help protect against flooding and water damage. It collects water from around the foundation and pumps it out away from the home, preventing costly damages due to flooding or water seepage.

When choosing a sump pump, it is important to consider the size of your basement and the type of water you are dealing with. Our experienced waterproofing contractors can help you identify the right sump pump for your needs and professionally install it in your home.

Types of pumps:

1. Pedestal pump – This type of pump is best for shallow water and low-pressure applications. It switches on when the water level reaches the pump itself, which is installed at a higher level in the sump pit. It can burn out because water gets sucked right into the pump and loose debris can clog it and cause it to malfunction. However, the simple design makes it easier to access for repair and maintenance.

2. Submersible pump – This pump sits at the bottom of the sump pit and goes into action when the water level rises above it. It detects water levels from a floating detector that’s connected to the pump with a wire. The submersible pump is designed to handle dirt and debris through a filter, so it may not break down as much, but getting to the motor is difficult because it’s in a sealed casing.

Basement foundation repair

Royal Work Corp also offers foundation repair services. Over time, foundations can settle or crack due to soil movement, age, and other environmental factors. This could lead to major structural problems in the future if left unaddressed. Our team of experienced technicians will inspect your home’s foundation and identify any issues that need to be addressed. We offer a range of solutions such as underpinning, piers, wall anchors, and more to restore the structural integrity of your home.

There are several things to look out for on the inside and outside of your foundation that require the inspection of a licensed contractor from a reputable waterproofing company. They include the following:

  • Internal and external cracks inside your basement walls or foundation.
  • Moisture or mildew problems; indicate a wet basement or water damage to the foundation.
  • Uneven or sloping floors and walls.
  • Bowed basement walls due to soil pressure outside of the foundation wall.
  • Gaps between the wall and ceiling or floor joists.
  • Water stains by the baseboards or up the ceiling.
  • Changes in the level of basement floors.

Royal Work Corp: Why Trust Us With Your Home or Business?

Waterproofing your home can provide a myriad of benefits and make your basement a more pleasant place to be. From improved air quality and extended foundation life to reduced risk of mold, it’s clear that taking proper waterproofing measures is essential in keeping a safe and dry home environment. It’s important to hire a reputable contractor who is experienced in the process of residential waterproofing. The contractor should also understand what needs to be done, has top-of-the-line equipment, and offers competitive rates.

This is exactly what we strive for at Royal Work Corp. We specialize in backwater valve installations, basement underpinning projects, general basement waterproofing services, as well as drain cleaning and repair. With our personalized approach and specialized crew members, you can trust that your next waterproofing job will be done correctly from start to finish. Our team will work with you every step of the way to ensure that all your questions are answered and all your needs are met. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Reach out to us today for more information on how Royal Work Corp can help make your residential waterproofing requirements a reality.

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