Why Waterproofing Your Home Is So Important

Why Waterproofing Your Home
Is So Important

Prevent Basement Flooding

It's probably obvious enough to point on that this is by far the the number one reason most homeowners invest in basement waterproofing. Waterproofing literally puts a barrier between your home and unwanted water and/or moisture.

This is especially important during heavy rainfall or precipitation. If you notice your basement window wells or windows are actually under the water level, after a heavy rain storm, we strongly encourage you to investigate the various waterproofing methods available (more on this later in on in the article).

Another key point to think about is your homes land grading. The slope of the land around your home matters: Does the slope of the land around your home drive water away from the structure or towards it where it will gather and pool up? Or is it level so water will gather in place?

Living in a valley or the bottom of a hill will also promote water gathering near your home so it's important your home has proper grading and a proper drainage system. Waterproofing your basement adds another layer when it comes to protecting your home. In addition to a waterproofing service, installing a sump pump can aid as well, although that's not something we offer at DrainWorks Plumbing. We specialize in exterior waterproofing services in Toronto as well as interior waterproofing services and tend to stick to these services specifically.

Preserve the Integrity of Your Walls,
Floor and Roof

In the wrong place, water can damage your property quickly and significantly. Even a small volume of water, if contact is prolonged enough, can cause deterioration. Cement, bricks, tiles, and timber are all vulnerable when exposed to water. This can be seen in the form of foundation cracks.

Dampness and moisture in the basement are especially damaging. Not only is the basement often cooler than the rest of the home, facilitating freeze/thaw damage, but it’s also not a location in which occupants usually spend much time. This often allows moisture to accumulate undetected. Professional wet basement repair and prevention services are excellent ways of preserving the structural integrity of homes.

If sufficient water penetrates your home, it can cause floors to collapse, ceilings to sag, and foundations to become unstable. In extreme cases, water damage may be so severe that the building has to be demolished for safety reasons.

Prevent Water From Reaching

Your Electrical System

Electricity and water are never a good combination, which is another reason why effective waterproofing is so important. Water conducts electricity. When dampness penetrates through wiring, fuse boxes or sockets, there’s every chance a circuit will short out or sustain other damage. In some cases, appliances or other electrical fixtures may become live, creating a potentially lethal hazard.

It’s common sense to ensure your property is kept free from unwanted moisture to eliminate the risk of wet wiring or related hazards.

Reduce The Risk Of Mold

Mold and mildew thrive in damp areas. Not only is mold unpleasant to look at and smells horrible, but it’s also highly hazardous to health, particularly the health of vulnerable individuals, such as children and/or people with preexisting respiratory conditions.

Often, a stubborn patch of mold is one of the first signs homeowners notice indicating a moisture problem. Sometimes the process is slow and accumulates over a long period of time. If you see any signs of mold it could be an indication that water is seeping in from somewhere.

If a patch of mold doesn’t have an obvious cause and persists despite cleaning, it could be that some type of waterproofing is needed. Toronto residents turn to professional waterproofing companies when they want their property waterproofed to eliminate and prevent mold.

Remember that a slow leak, water seeping in, poor ventilation, or high humidity may also cause mold. A skilled plumber will accurately diagnose the cause of the problem and provide plumbing repairs, waterproofing, or a plumbing system upgrade as needed.

Prevent Subsidence

Untreated moisture in the basement can erode your foundation to the extent that subsidence occurs (when the ground under your property sinks).

As foundations become unstable, the entire property may begin to shift. Unfortunately, treating subsidence and completing the remedial work needed to restore a structurally unsound property to a safe state can be extremely expensive.

It’s almost always cheaper to proactively install suitable internal waterproofing rather than pay for costly repairs due to untreated moisture and overall creates a healthier home. 

Ensure Your Property Holds Its Value 

For the majority of homeowners, their property is their biggest asset. Untreated dampness is an unsightly problem that could also cause a large amount of damage to a home.

If you want to maintain or boost your property’s value, ensuring your residence has a dry interior, and a weatherproofed exterior is vital. The long term and overall value of your home will increase especially if you do ever decide to sell your home down the road.

Adequate waterproofing ensures your property looks aesthetically pleasing, retains structural integrity, and has good interior air quality.

Improves Your Homes Insulation

If water can enter a property, so can air. Waterproofing provides valuable additional insulation, helping keep energy bills low and your interior comfortable. There is an added benefit of controlling your homes indoor air quality which can actually help with health problems for you and your family.

If you’ve got a property showing signs of moisture problems, you need the services of an expert plumber to determine the cause and present a suitable solution. As leading Toronto plumbers, the team at DrainWorks Expert Plumbing can provide the knowledgeable, experienced plumbing service you need to ensure your home is adequately waterproofed.

Waterproofing Methods:

External waterproofing: This is the more common type of basement waterproofing where the process takes place outside the home. Our waterproofing is all encompassing from start to finish to make sure all cracks are repaired and no future water can enter the structure.

Our process consists of:

1. Prepare and protect the property

2. Identify all foundation cracks

3. Repair all cracks

4. Protect weeping tile

5. Apply rubberized waterproof coating

6. Install hydro guard membrane

Internal waterproofing: This process takes place inside the structure and is a little less common. This is an option when waterproofing the outside of a home isn't possible.

We use an internal water control system that features an air-gap drainage membrane which directs the flow of water to a network of drainage pipes installed below the basement floor. This method can provide excellent results and provides a good alternative option in some cases where an external waterproofing project is not feasible.

You can also read learn more about Basement Waterproofing in Toronto by clicking the blue text.

Contact DrainWorks Plumbing For Your Basement Waterproofing Needs

When you need a plumber to waterproof your basement, look no further than DrainWorks Plumbing. Not only are we licensed plumbing contractors with the expertise and experience to do your waterproofing properly, but we also offer a lifetime guarantee on all our waterproofing services. This gives homeowners the peace of mind that their home will stay dry and is protected.

Please contact us during regular business hours to schedule your waterproofing appointment or to speak to one of our friendly team members should you have any questions. We can be reached at 416-486-0000

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