Basement Waterproofing In St. Catharines

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