Is Your Basement Waterproof?

If it is not, you need to consider waterproofing your basement.

Water has the ability to move through low-quality solid concrete walls via capillary action.

Capillary action is when water defies gravity and moves through narrow spaces, such as small tubes or porous materials, via the concrete.

Therefore, here is all you need to know before embarking on a basement waterproofing journey, including why it is essential to understand the problem and seek the assistance of professionals.

The Risks of Having a Non-waterproof Basement

Living in Vancouver, BC, exposes you to heavy rainfall, which could lead to issues, especially for a non-waterproof basement.

These risks include:

●     Potential damage to your belongings since most people use the basement for storage.

●     Structural damage, such as water damage, weakens your building's foundation.

●     Health hazards such as mould and mildew. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mould exposure in some children may lead to the development of asthma.

As a result, you must ensure that you waterproof your basement to create a barrier against water intrusion.

And not just any waterproofing.

But from experts like us who possess the knowledge and skills to provide effective solutions, particularly for the drained waterproofing system for keeping basements dry and secure.

Also, you need expert opinion since each basement is unique; thus vulnerabilities vary.

Still, understand the risks you are exposing yourself to having a basement that is not waterproof.

is your basement waterproof

Select the Right Waterproofing Approach

There are different types of waterproofing used to waterproof your basement. These include:

●     Type A (Barrier) System. It is externally applied to the structure to create a physical barrier. The barrier prevents water ingress, making it suitable for new construction and retrofitting.

●     Type B (Structurally Integral) System. It is suitable for new construction because it incorporates waterproofing within the structure with water-repellent materials during construction.

●     Type C (Drained) System. It is a combination of waterproofing methods, applied externally or internally, that provides a water drainage path, making it suitable for new and retrofitted construction.

Once you understand why you need to waterproof your basement and the types, you will be able to know where you need it done.

Is it internal or external parts of your basement?

The table below shows the differences in internal and external waterproofing

Waterproofing Option Pros Cons
Exterior
  • Provides a protective barrier on the outside of the basement walls using drainage systems
  • Prevents water from reaching the foundation walls.
  • Long-lasting solution.
  • Can address structural issues and foundation cracks.
  • May increase property value.
  • Requires access to the exterior of the building.
  • Expensive and labour-intensive due to excavation.
  • You may need to remove and restore landscaping.
  • May not be possible for buildings with limited exterior space or difficult terrain.
Interior Waterproofing
  • Provides a protective barrier on the inside of the basement walls
  • Applied in finished basements.
  • Can be effective for managing existing water issues.
  • Does not prevent water from reaching the foundation walls.
  • Relies on a drainage system to collect and redirect water.
  • May require excavation or disruption to landscaping when setting up drainage systems
  • May require ongoing maintenance of the sump pump and drainage system.
  • Not suitable for severe water intrusion or structural issues.

Remember that knowing all of these facts is critical because it allows you to understand the cost and timeline thus enabling you to plan accordingly.

Why Hire a Professional Waterproofing Contractor?

The easiest way to select a waterproofing option is to use professional services like Top Gun.

And here is why.

We have the necessary training and certifications that solidify our credibility in basement waterproofing.

We also do physical visits to assess the current state of your basement before recommending any measure to aid in waterproofing your basement. The assessment also identifies potential problem areas that are causing the water intrusion.

Based on our findings, we will design a customized drainage system efficient enough to drain water away from the basement.

At this stage, you will have a clear picture of the expenses and timeline estimates involved in this waterproofing project,

We will then install the drainage system once we have agreed on the design, cost, and project timelines.

However, that is not all we do.

We also offer a 15-year warranty on all our work. During that time, we conduct regular inspections after we install the drainage system and redirect water away from the basement.

Regular inspections and maintenance help address minor issues before they become more complex.

Contact us today to address the specific vulnerabilities of your basement and ensure optimal protection against water damage.

Brian Cheng