Basement Waterproofing Hamilton

Waterproofing is a process designed to stop water penetrating your basement, even under wet conditions after heavy rainstorms or spring thaws. Once Aquatech Waterproofing’s trained experts waterproof your basement, you have the confidence to know that you can use your basement like any other room in your home.

Damp-proofing is typically done in situations where direct water penetration is not the source of moisture in your basement. Damp-proofing generally is cheaper to apply, but there is a limit to its effectiveness because the tar-based applications will only slow moisture penetration, not prevent it. Also, damp-proofing products can become brittle over time once they cure. As your home building foundation settles and hairline cracks appear, the tar-based coating will not stretch to bridge the gaps, allowing moisture to penetrate the basement.

Several homeowners who have problems with a wet basement dig up the exterior foundation to find that these tar-based products have started to flake off the wall within a few years of being applied. Aquatech Waterproofing recommends that waterproofing be considered over damp-proofing as it is much more effective in the long term.

There are numerous common causes of moisture or water infiltration. Naturally occurring hydrostatic and lateral pressure can often force water into the basement against the foundation walls or underneath the footings, causing damage and creating leaks. Heavy rainfall or melting snow may cause the water table to rise, which will increase the pressure. Soil composition can affect the drainage; loam and sand drain efficiently, while clay absorbs water and drains slowly.

Getting a drain tile or a French drain installation can redirect groundwater away from your home’s foundation to alleviate pressure. Unfortunately, drainage systems that are clogged, broken, improperly installed, or deteriorated can also backup and cause basement flooding.

Poorly maintained window wells and windows can also allow moisture seepage. Caulking and weather-stripping around the window frame may be missing or deteriorated. Window wells can collect water if debris blocks the drain and may overflow into your basement.

A musty smell from your basement is a sign of dampness, even if your basement doesn’t seem to have leaks. This smell is caused by mould growth in damp areas and fungus spores in the air, causing your loved one’s health problems such as asthma and allergies. Aquatech Waterproofing’s proven basement waterproofing techniques will seal your basement walls and floor, making the air fresh.

Efflorescence is often a seasonal problem caused by groundwater and humidity. Porous concrete can be susceptible to water movement through the wall. When the water reaches the surface, the water evaporates and will leave deposits behind. Slow water evaporation during high-humidity weather provides an increased risk of efflorescence growth.Moisture coming through the building foundation’s soil walls causes a chemical breakdown of the concrete’s bonding agent. Efflorescence will weaken the concrete, and if ignored, it can eventually compromise the wall’s structural integrity. If you notice efflorescence on your basement walls, give Aquatech Waterproofing a call. We will suggest several treatments that can be applied to stop the efflorescence by reducing the source’s dampness.

Brown stains on concrete or block walls are usually a sign of acid damage. This typically signals that the soil around your home is clay, which is very acidic. As water travels through your concrete walls, it draws the acidity with it. This acid filters through the concrete walls and allows water to enter your basement. The brown stains are difficult to remove, leading to the deterioration of the lower basement wall.

Inexperienced waterproofing contractors operate from the misconception that waterproofing results from keeping water away from the home. The fact is that the key to determining the source of penetrations is to keep your home dry regardless of the water present around it.

It’s usually not easy to indicate the source of water entering a home through the basement or foundation; special diagnostic tools are often required. Aquatech Waterproofing’s technicians are specially trained in the use of such equipment. Once the problem is diagnosed, they will suggest what options are available and to solve your satisfaction.

Determining water seepage location is essential to choosing the appropriate solution or the necessary structural repairs to achieve the foundation’s waterproofing. Moisture seeps through the walls, floor or floor/wall joint, or over the wall’s top. Marking the source while the seepage is active will ensure proper identification by the professional foundation waterproofing contractor.

There are many waterproofing levels, and pricing depends on the type of problems that you are having. When obtaining estimates for waterproofing, consideration should be given to how complicated your situation is.

Whether you require interior or exterior waterproofing, there are several factors into a waterproofing cost, such as:

• Will excavation be required?
• What access will be available to the site?
• Type of materials needed like drain tile, membrane, sump pump, etc.
• Any concrete or landscape needs

Exterior waterproofing is the best defense in keeping water out of your home. Exterior waterproofing requires a decent amount of digging to expose the foundation, repair any cracks, and waterproof the area. The pricing will also be based on the materials used for the foundation.

We install a drainage system in the home’s basement to channel the water away from the foundation with interior waterproofing. If the issue cannot be addressed from the outside of the house, damp-proofing from the inside may be the only option.

In most cases, our sales consultants at Aquatech Waterproofing are comfortable giving a quoted price for a full job. Sometimes, unexpected costs arise when excavating the foundation, which will increase the overall job cost. These happen rarely but may include concrete underneath the soil, walkways, septic tanks, and other unforeseen circumstances. Our sales consultants always give you the costs upfront and are accurate, based on your foundation’s conditions.

Costs for waterproofing can range anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. While this may be hard to take in, the money you spend to keep your basement dry will not only protect your home but also increase the market value when you are ready to sell. Real estate agents indicate that a home with documented and warrantied waterproofing will sell higher and faster than those without this protection. Free waterproofing estimate from one of our Aquatech Waterproofing professionals will guide you to the best and most cost-effective solution to your basement waterproofing problems.

For more details on the pricing of these services and other services we offer, give us a call at 416-300-2191.

The best way you can keep water out of your basement is to keep it away from your home’s foundation, and there are a few ways you can waterproof it.

• Keep the ground around your home slope away from the structure
• Clear plants or shrubbery that might be preventing the sun from drying out the soil
• Get some gutters and downspouts installed, and make sure to clean them of debris and dirt regularly. Make sure these drain well away from the property, either by extending the gutters away from your home or piping it underground
• Also, be sure to keep your home’s window wells covered, so they don’t collect water

Ignoring basement problems will not make them just go away. It’s the exact opposite. Even worse is neglecting a potential problem and then finishing your basement, which can be a huge nightmare!

Besides apparent water damage, persistent dampness, and excess moisture in the basement can give rise to mould growth, which has been linked to several health hazards. If you are concerned, you may have a basement water problem, or if you are considering finishing your basement, don’t hesitate to give us a call. A trained Aquatech Waterproofing technician can tell you what, if anything, you may be dealing with before a real problem rears its head.

Usually, bows, bulges, and buckling basement and foundation walls cracks happen most frequently in more established structures. However, newer buildings are not immune to quickly developing settling concerns. As the ground settles outside foundation walls at differing rates, it expands and contracts with seasonal weather processes because of hydrostatic pressure in the water table.

Several warning signs should prompt a professional call for an inspection besides a bowed or cracked basement wall. The sooner you get the repair you need, the lower the repair expenses will be. The most common warning signs include:

Cracked Block Foundation
A cracked block foundation indicates lateral pressure on the walls. Serious movement is evidenced in the stair step and horizontal cracks in mortar joints.

Cracks in Brick Facing
Cracks in brick can be a symptom of foundation movement. Refrain from any cosmetic repairs until a foundation repair contractor determines the cause to minimize future expenditures and hassles.

Cracks In Concrete
Cracks in concrete generally occur within 30 days of the concrete curing process, usually straightforward repair. However, if there are other signs, it could be a more serious sign of settlement.

Drywall Cracks
Shifting in the foundation will often cause other cosmetic damage inside the structure. Drywall cracks around door frames, windows, and in corners are common symptoms of significant foundation movement.

Cracking Or Leaning Chimney
Often, chimneys are built on independent footers. Therefore, leaning and cracking will typically indicate movement in this particular footer. A more severe problem would be the foundation moving, disturbing this independent footer. A contractor can determine the extent of the concern.

Uneven Windows And Doors
Another typical indication of foundation shifting is uneven windows or doors. Shifting may cause the framework to contort out of square, leading to windows and doors sticking or not opening and closing correctly.

Sinking Foundation
Perhaps the most severe indication of settlement is a sinking foundation. The foundation sinks because it’s separating from the building structure. A sinking foundation needs to be taken care of as soon as possible or may lead to wall collapse.

Bowed walls and cracked basement walls can be a severe sign of structural damage to your home’s foundation. Our methods of addressing these issues include using tiebacks, wall anchors systems, steel I-beams, foundation piering, and excavation.

There are various types of cracks in the foundation that can form your foundation walls or concrete floor. The most common are shrinkage and settlement cracks and may signal damage. The crack’s size, shape, and location will determine if a crack needs remediation or no action.

Generally, shrinkage cracks less than 1/16-inch wide may be a source of water entry but will not compromise your home’s foundation structural integrity. Settlement cracks are far more complex and require further investigation and possibly guidance from a professional waterproofing company like Aquatech Waterproofing.

Foundation cracks are common in many Ontario homes. They typically don’t cause any issues, but some serious problems can occur if water finds a way inside. Our cracked foundation wall repair system starts by filling the crack with a polyurethane sealant. The sealant goes directly in the crack and spread over the exterior before a drain is added on top. An in-floor drain is dug below to catch any additional water that seeps through. This method can be done by itself or as part of a full basement waterproofing system.

Exterior waterproofing methods are your best defence against water infiltration. Downspouts and gutters collect and direct water away from your home. Simultaneously, a waterproof membrane will seal out moisture and protect the concrete from cracking and leaking. The exterior waterproofing package, used in conjunction with a French drain system, will keep your basement dry and free of waterproofing issues.

Interior waterproofing is made up of drains and pipes that reroute water to the sump pump and safely outside. Waterproof paints and crack sealing products may help eliminate moisture and humidity from your home. Interior waterproofing systems can reduce the risk of flooding, cost less than exterior waterproofing systems, but may eventually break down without an external system in place.

Weeping tiles are a drainage tubing system laid at or under your foundation wall at the footing. Weeping tiles draw the water away from your home and toward the sewer drain line. When your basement is waterproofed, a weeping tile system is a key to keeping the basement dry because it is drawn from the foundation. If your home has or is getting a sump pump, it will help by draining water into the weeping tiles and drains away from your property.

New technologies have added a sleeve to the tubing so that any sediment in the water does not clog the weeping tile tubing. The weeping tile is laid at the foundation, and space above is filled in with gravel so that water may filter through to drain away.

Your drainage system will only require a sump pump if the weeping tile system installed has no other gravity-fed drainage source. In some areas, sump pumps are also required by the Building Code.

Sump pumps are installed in a gravity-fed “pit,” once the water rises to a certain level, the sump pump will turn on automatically and discharge the water outside the house to the exterior grade. Sump pumps are powered electrically and sometimes need a battery backup. Heavy rainfall that’s strong enough to cut your electrical power is the kind of storm that will fill the pit with water and require it to be working during such time.

With exterior waterproofing methods requiring excavation to a depth of 6 to 8 feet to expose the wall, plantings and landscaping must be relocated. Aquatech Waterproofing will take a comprehensive approach to the work required and prepare a plan to minimize property damage.

If excavation using machinery is impossible, we will offer the option of digging by hands. Read our clients’ feedback about it on our HomeStars review page.

We’ve all heard many different things about flood insurance, but do we know the real facts? Not knowing if you need that coverage, or if your insurance covers flood damage repair can result in costly repairs.

You might assume you don’t need flood insurance if your lender didn’t ask for it. If you are in a particular flood hazard area, the lender will typically require it. Many of the claims made every year come from low-risk areas due to melting snow, ice dams in nearby rivers, and improper drainage issues. Floodwaters don’t stop at a line. You can live in highland and still get hit by water damage.

Don’t count on flood damages being covered by Federal Disaster Assistance. The fact is that your area must be declared a federal disaster area before it’s eligible for disaster assistance. Less than 50% of flooding incidents are considered Federal disaster assistance. You can’t bank on this to cover your damages.

Flood insurance isn’t expensive when compared to the cost of water damage cleanup and replacing your belongings. In actuality, premiums covering the property and personal belongings in relatively low-risk areas can start as low as approximately $100 per year. The average for flood insurance coverage is less than $500 annually. Typically this is less than even the interest on a federal disaster loan, plus you do not have to repay the money.

Be very thorough in ensuring your flood insurance policy covers the entire property, including the basement and your personal belongings. Be sure that your flood coverage includes two policies, one for the structure and one for the contents. Usually, the policy covers only the washer and dryer in your basement and not the finished floors, walls, furniture, or personal items. Make sure to include items of value in the portion of your content of the policy. It’s always good to file receipts whenever possible for the valuables, remodelling upgrades (basement finishing), etc.

Take time to look into the cost of flood insurance for your area to save costly damage expenses later. It will be well worth your time.

Flood cleanup is never fun, especially after you start tallying up the damage to your house and personal belongings in it. Even a mere inch of water can cost you new carpet, wallboard, appliances, and furniture.

Suppose you are cleaning up after a more devastating storm with deeper flood water. In that case, you may be replacing items such as roofing, heating and air conditioning systems, duct, utilities, septic tanks, and even your foundation.

It may sound like an exaggeration when we say a flood can destroy your home’s foundation, but it is widespread even in small flooding. It happens when your basement is entirely or almost full of water. If you drain the basement too fast, the pressure outside the walls will be more significant than inside. That pressure can cause your basement walls to crack or even collapse. Rather, slowly pump out just two or three feet of water each day.

You may want to call Aquatech Waterproofing to pump the water out and fix the drainage and waterproofing system in your basement.

Before hiring a basement waterproofing company, you should search around to find out who can do the best job for you. When you talk to waterproofing companies, find out what kind of written guarantee they are willing to give you after waterproofing your property.

In a time when waterproofing contractors can operate out of a truck, a waterproofing warranty ensuring your home will be adequately waterproofed is critical. Unfortunately, you’ll find that most waterproofing contractors cannot make such a guarantee.

Aquatech Waterproofing offers a 25-year waterproofing warranty. We’re so confident in our superior external basement waterproofing system that we are willing to guarantee our work for a quarter-century! While many contractors promise to do the work for less or in the least amount of time, the truth is that this is not usually the case.

Customers often call us when a job is not done correctly. The hired company could not keep their promise; the completed job would be fast and cheap. Unfortunately, it will cost the homeowner more money and more time in most cases in the long run.

Aquatech Waterproofing has waterproofed thousands of homes in Toronto, Scarborough, Hamilton, Peel Region, Durham Region, and all across the Greater Toronto Area. Our reputation is beyond compare, with over thousands of waterproofing projects completed in Southern Ontario.

Aquatech Waterproofing has worker’s compensation and liability insurance, not just general construction or office insurance. Aquatech Waterproofing is fully bonded and insured; that way, both you and your home are protected in the event of an accident.

The Aquatech Waterproofing signed contract is your warranty certificate and invoice.

Aquatech Waterproofing guarantees materials and workmanship only according to the contract provided that the homeowner has paid in full.

Any warranty or service calls unrelated to the agreement will result in an additional hourly rate.

Aquatech Waterproofing’s liability will be limited to the value of the contracted work and amount only. At no time is Aquatech Waterproofing responsible for any costs outside of the work performed. Aquatech Waterproofing is not liable for any damage caused by inadequate/failure of municipal systems, Mother Nature or unusual Acts of God.

Grading

Upon completion and payment in full, the customer is entitled to 1 free grading to the contracted work area (recommended six months following job completion at a minimum). Aquatech Waterproofing is not responsible for any further settlement that may occur after initial free grading.

Miscellaneous

The customer understands that the quote/contract is based on the customer’s information and supported. Aquatech Waterproofing cannot guarantee that more work may need to be completed above and beyond the contract’s work scope at an additional charge.

Aquatech Waterproofing will obtain utility locates from Ontario One Call.

Aquatech Waterproofing is not liable for any private utilities not noted by Ontario One Call.

The customer acknowledges that there may be a construction-related inconvenience from time to time, and Aquatech Waterproofing agrees to keep any inconveniences to a realistic minimum.

Every job is based on all working conditions.

If upon exposure of the external work area, Aquatech Waterproofing cannot complete the project, and we must abandon the project, hourly rates will apply for work completed. Aquatech Waterproofing will not be liable for any damage caused by such exposure work.

Other than specified in the contract, work done to the property will be at an additional charge for labour, foreman, and machine with an operator. Material costs are extra (HST applies to all above services); unless extras are contracted separately from the contract.

If upon exposure of exterior work reveals a foundation requiring additional structural work, extra charges will apply.

All verbal and written agreements not mentioned on the original contract are void. This contains the entire contract between the two parties. A copy of the contract is, at this moment, acknowledged being received.

The customer authorizes the contractor to obtain credit reports, as is required by the law.

The contract will only become binding with the commencement of work. If Aquatech Waterproofing cancels the job, we will refund the deposit in full. The non-refundable 10% deposit only applies upon customer cancellation.

Final payment is due upon completion. Late payments are subject to a 1% per day fee.