One of the worst issues home can develop is a leaky foundation. Give yourself peace of mind by learning how to identify basement moisture problems and why basement waterproofing methods deliver the best results.
Even if you do not use your basement for additional living space in your home, a wet basement needs to be addressed. Concrete, which is what most basement foundations are made of, is a porous material. Water will inevitably seep through if it is not properly waterproofed. Check out the key signs of a leaky basement below to decide if your home is in immediate need of basement waterproofing.
Signs of a wet basement
There is standing or trickling water
Water pooled on the floor of your basement is an obvious issue. Besides the obvious risk of damage to your furnishings, basement flooding is a sign of serious issues that need to be addressed immediately. Call in an expert from a local waterproofing company to help you determine where the water is coming from and how to deal with it.
Visible water stains and/or presence of efflorescence
You might not witness active leaking, but that does not mean it is not happening. When water touches the surface of your walls or floor, it leaves watermarks. You might notice dripping or trickling stains. This could mean that you have some sort of plumbing leak, or worse, water has infiltrated your foundation. You need to find the source of the leak and tackle it. Similarly, there could be a white powdery substance found on foundation walls. This is called efflorescence. It happens when salt (from water) travels to the surface of your foundation and is a direct result of a foundation leak, meaning your basement needs to be waterproofed.
Musty odour and/or visible mould
If your basement smells musty you should not just shrug it off as a something normal for basements. That distinct smell is highly indicative of the presence of mould or mildew – a significant matter that you need to look in to. Aside from making your basement unpleasant to be in, mould can be seriously detrimental to you and your family’s health. It thrives in damp and humid environments – so if you have mould, there is water somewhere that is making is it grow. You will need to take the proper steps to clean up the mould and prevent it from growing.
Bowed or bulging walls
It is extremely important for you to act quickly if you notice that your basement walls are bowed or bulging. This is generally a sign of hydrostatic pressure – the soil around the foundation of your home becomes oversaturated and thus applies pressure that it was not designed to handle. If left unaddressed, the pressure will inevitably lead to your foundation cracking.
Cracks in foundation walls or floors
While foundation cracks are quite common, some are more severe than others. There are many different types of foundation cracks but what you really need to know is that there is no need to panic! Foundation cracks are repairable, and if discovered early enough the cost of foundation crack repairs is lessened. If you have a cracked foundation, it is important for you to waterproof your basement – you do not want further water damage to occur.
Benefits of basement waterproofing methods
Exterior basement waterproofing
The most beneficial aspect of exterior basement waterproofing is that it is a long-term solution to wet and leaky basement problems. It is a more significant financial investment than other types of basement waterproofing, but it is a worthy investment.
Exterior basement waterproofing works by excavating all the soil from around a building so that a waterproof membrane can be installed around the full foundation. A drainage panel is also installed so that any water that is accumulated around the structure will flow away from the foundation walls.
This method of waterproofing protects the structural integrity of a home’s foundation. In Toronto especially, heavy precipitation levels threaten basement foundations. Exterior basement waterproofing eliminates the possibility of future structural failure and increases the value of your home, as well.
Interior basement waterproofing
Interior basement waterproofing, as the name suggests, is done entirely from the inside of the building. It is a cost-effective option, especially when there are factors outside your control that limit your basement waterproofing options (i.e. limited space between buildings). It can also be done in addition to exterior waterproofing as an added level of protection for your home.
Interior basement waterproofing is not “one size fits all” – there are several different waterproofing materials that can be used, depending on the level of protection needed. For example, there are epoxy injections and sealants that can be used to repair some foundation cracks.
Waterproofing mortar can be applied on foundation walls, reducing the impact of hydrostatic pressure and protecting against damage from efflorescence. If there is a significant basement moisture problem, the installation of a sump pump and drain may be considered. The reduction of moisture in the basement as a result of interior waterproofing is undoubtedly the most important benefit.
Call for your free basement waterproofing inspection, today!
Basement waterproofing Toronto experts at Waterproofing PD will help you decide your next steps if you have noticed any of the above leaky basement concerns. By choosing Waterproofing PD, you can be assured that your safety and satisfaction will be top priorities.
