Kitchener Waterproofing

Exterior Waterproofing

Full-Service Exterior Basement Waterproofing in Kitchener

If your residence has a musty scent or water damage is visible, then these are indications that you need proper repair and maintenance. This issue is typically caused by an accumulation of pressure permitting water to leak into the cracks of your foundation.

This can create a severe problem if not taken care of. Our team at Kitchener Waterproofing can quickly analyze these indicators and determine which waterproofing service is best for you. Our external basement waterproofing solutions will stop water from leaking in your home and ensure it’s never an issue again. 

Benefits to Exterior Basement Waterproofing:

  • Removes the moldy, mildewy scent in your basement which assists with allergies and respiratory problems
  • Increases architectural strength in your house by reinforcing the structure and protecting against rot
  • Stops water from touching your foundation and directing it to the drain vs. allowing water to penetrate through the foundation and redirecting it inside. 
  • Construction activities are kept outside
  • Stops water damage from spreading and influencing other locations in your home
  • Generally the best method for most properties to completely waterproof the basement in the longest lasting way possible. 
  • Increases your residential property value
request a quote for basement waterproofing services in Kitchener, Ontario
waterproofing a basement from the outside
waterproofing a basement from the outside

Kitchener Waterproofing

External Foundation Waterproofing

Fixing your leaky basement or foundation from the outside is known as exterior waterproofing (also known as external waterproofing). There are multiple ways to externally repair your basement. One way is to excavate the ground around your basement and seal/secure your foundation with waterproofing materials. Another common exterior waterproofing method is to instal a water-diverting system that sends water away from your foundation. Whichever method you choose, exterior waterproofing is a proven solution for repairing foundation and basement leaks.

Waterproofing a Basement from the Outside

We specialize in all things waterproofing. For help with a leaky basement, contact Kitchener Waterproofing today.

Difference Between Dampproofing VS Waterproofing

Despite their few similarities, dampproofing and waterproofing are two different procedures. When having waterproofing installed for your home, you should be aware what waterproofing method the contractors are using. Many waterproofing contractors are hired to do waterproofing services, but will use damp-proofing products to reduce the cost of their materials.

The exterior dampproofing method applies a liquid asphalt-based product to your foundation walls. Because there is no rubber, this waterproofing technique does not provide complete stability with foundation cracks. Damp proofing is completed during the construction process of a home build and it's used to protect your basement against moisture. It works well at protecting your home from small amounts of moisture, but it cannot withstand significant quantities of water. In heavy rainfalls, water could still get into your basement because damp proofing doesn't bind foundation cracks securely together.

Exterior waterproofing however will protect your foundation from both moisture and significant amounts of water for many years. Rubber waterproofing materials are secured to the outside of your foundation. Two layers are used, a moisture barrier and a specially designed dimple board, to ensure no water will come through. This process is more costly than damp proofing, but is highly more effective.

waterproofing a basement from the outside
waterproofing a basement from the outside

Kitchener Waterproofing

Foundation Waterproofing by Professional Waterproofing Contractors

When houses or any buildings are built, the ground beneath them is dug up for the foundation to be installed. Foundations can be made up of many things including bricks, field stones and block or poured concrete. These materials are used to make footings for the rest of the building to rest on. There are different waterproofing solutions for the different foundation materials. For a building’s foundation to be up to code, all that is required is usually only a spray on damp proofing. The spray on damp proofing only protects basements against small amounts of water and moisture. If heavy rains were to occur, your basement may get water inside due to the lack of proper waterproofing used.

The following step is installing weeping tiles around the outside base perimeter of the footings. These tiles link drainage to either the front of the building or to the sump pump. As soon as all of this is set up, the hole created for the foundation installation is filled with the same dirt. When the dirt is returned to the hole, it isn’t packed down near as much as when it was dug up. This essentially leaves the new foundation sitting in a bowl in the ground. 

When it rains, the water seeps into the ground and follows the incline in the excavated ground which leads right to the foundation and the weeping tiles. Weeping tiles are set up to drain water away from the foundation walls but occasionally these tiles crack. When the tiles break, dirt gets in and blacks water from draining properly. This creates a build up of water around the base of the foundation creating hydrostatic pressure on the walls. Gradually these leaks can continue to grow and trigger more damage to your basement. This is why correct waterproofing is extremely advised to keep your home safe.

Exterior Waterproofing Solutions

Contact us today to hire professional waterproofing contractors. We can preform any service at a reasonable price.

Common Exterior Leak Problems

Basement Window Wells

Without a drainage system, water can pool at the base of windows and cause leaks.

You can prevent water from accumulating around your basement windows by ensuring your windows are in good condition and work properly. Also by adding vertical weeping tiles and gravel to drain water away from your basement windows.

Joints

Water leaks can come in through joints in your basement area.

Patching and sealing basement joint leaks with hydraulic cement is a great way to stop water leakage. The modified cement will fill in any cracks and will protect against further damage and water leaks.

Block or Brick Foundation Homes

Block or brick foundations can contain air voids and mortar joints which can allow water to enter the cervices of your walls.

Exterior, interior or a combination of both waterproofing methods can solve this problem. By repairing the foundation cracks and using a waterproofing sealant, you can prevent further water leaks. You can also divert water away from your foundation to prevent moisture from having the chance to enter.

Top of Foundation

Water leaks can happens through the sill of your home if it's not sealed properly or the original seal has deteriorated.

An effective waterproof sealant can be used to prevent water from having a chance to seep in through the sill. Despite the fact that there is no hydrostatic pressure, water can still enter through this area.

FAQS

Does exterior waterproofing work?Although this method requires some digging, it can be well worth it. Exterior waterproofing is also more expensive than interior waterproofing since it involves more work and material, but it effectively keeps water away from your home's foundation.
Can I waterproof over existing waterproofing?You can do either, but I prefer screeding before waterproofing. Simply ensure that your puddle flange is in place. Waterproofing and screeding over previous waterproofing? Because the other way around can result in efflorescence on your tiles, I prefer screed with a waterproof membrane over top.
How long does exterior waterproofing last?The duration of waterproofing is determined by several factors, including the amount of waterproofing substance used, the climate, and the severity of the initial damage. There is no defined timeframe for all of the constituents, but most professionals will warranty it for roughly ten years.
What is exterior waterproofing?Exterior waterproofing (also known as external waterproofing) is the process of repairing a leaky basement from the outside of your home by revealing the foundation and implementing the appropriate waterproofing material to create a foundation waterproofing system that will redirect and disperse water away from your foundation walls.
How much does exterior waterproofing cost?The average cost per square foot ranges from $3 to $10. Minor repairs can cost as little as $600, however extensive and intricate waterproofing jobs might cost as much as $10,000 for some properties.
How to waterproof exterior windows?Staple 15-pound felt at the bottom of the window aperture.
Cover the felt with adhesive-backed waterproof membrane; trim the edges and fold the excess membrane over the rough sill.
Cover spaces in opening corners with little pieces of waterproof membrane.
Apply a wide strip of waterproof membrane to each side of the hole; the flashing should extend past the header and overlap the bottom flashing.
Place the window into the opening.
Slip shims beneath the glass from the inside.
Center window in the opening, then check the bottom of the window for level.
Drive a single nail through the nailing flange on the window's high side.
Raise the low side of the window to level, then nail through the flange.
Check the vertical edge of the window for plumb; shim if necessary.
Measure the opposing diagonals of the window to ensure that it's square.
Finish nailing the window to the wall.
Apply a wide strip of waterproof membrane across the top of the window.
How to do exterior waterproofing?All of these difficulties can be addressed by outside basement waterproofing. Excavating the dirt away from the external basement wall, constructing the proper moisture barrier, filling the surrounding space with gravel, and establishing a footer draining system are the basic steps.
Is weatherproof waterproof?The distinction between waterproof and weatherproof as adjectives is that waterproof is unaffected by water, whereas weatherproof can withstand weather harm.
waterproofing a basement from the outside

Waterproofing a Home's Exterior

Exterior Waterproofing Procedure

Exterior waterproofing is the procedure of waterproofing a building from outside the foundation. This method keeps water from reaching your walls from the outside and keeps your foundation drier. There are multiple steps involved:

  1. Excavate a trench around the foundation 2-3 feet wide, and 4-8 feet down to the footer.  This is done with a mini-excavator and manual digging.
  2. Remove the old weeping tile or Big O and replace with new drainage tile or French drain.
  3. Clean and apply waterproof seal to the foundation wall and apply poly sheeting to make an impenetrable barrier. Further sealed with a dimple board and finished with at finishing strip.
  4. Apply gravel over the new drainage tile and protect it from clogging with a filter cloth.
  5. Backfill and grade away from the building.
  6. Clean and restore the landscaping to previous condition as much as possible. 
waterproofing a basement from the outside

Kitchener's Leading Foundation and Basement Waterproofing Services.

Check out our partners from out of town: Sault Waterproofing, Milton Fencing, London Concrete Contractors, and Windsor Waterproofing.

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