Leaky Basement? You're Not Alone

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Obviously, if you are reading this blog, you have a leaky basement. But don't despair, you are in good company. In fact, at some point during the life of any home, every homeowner will have to contend with a leaky basement; it's just a matter of time.

Leaky Basements are Commonplace

Leaky basements are the norm; it doesn't matter if your home is old or new, or whether or not you have new or old weeping tile, you are constantly struggling against mother nature, and she always wins. The clay soils in and around the GTA drain very poorly and, when saturated with water, exert tremendous hydrostatic pressure against your foundation; if there is any vulnerability in your foundation, and there always is, your basement will leak. Quite frankly, with few exceptions, every basement in the GTA will have a basement leak, and you cannot predict when a basement will leak. In fact, some homeowners report that their basement has leaked for the first time more than 25 years after they moved in; despite particularly heavy rain storms and major spring thaws in the past.

Fortunately a leaky basement can be fixed; while you intuitively know this, many homeowners expect that fixing a leaky basement will cost an arm and a leg. This is not necessarily the case; in fact, the majority of poured concrete foundation leak repairs cost less than $500. Furthermore, just about every home in the GTA built after 1978 has a poured concrete foundation; this is good news because poured concrete foundation leaks are the easiest and least expensive to repair, using epoxy injection and polyurethane injection, as compared to concrete block and cinder block foundations.

For those with a concrete block / cinder block foundation you needn't despair. There is a basement waterproofing method other than digging around your foundation to fix leaky concrete block / cinder block basements; this method is referred to as an interior weeping tile system. It is true that leaky concrete block / cinder block basements are the most expensive to repair; however, homeowners do not usually need to waterproof their entire basement so it is possible to waterproof a leaky basement without breaking the bank. If you want a quick ballpark estimate of the cost of repairing your leaky basement, contact us; after all, it never hurts to ask.

The Cost of Waterproofing a Basement

Any professional waterproofing contractor can give you a pretty close waterproofing cost estimate over the phone by asking you a few simple questions. Obviously, if there are too many unknowns then it may not possible; especially if you don't know why there is water in your basement. While some waterproofing contractors claim that it is not possible to give you an approximate waterproofing cost over the phone, this is ridiculous because they must have a basement waterproofing pricing model that they can use. In general, if a waterproofer tells you that it is impossible to provide the cost of waterproofing over the phone, especially when you are asking about a specific waterproofing method and you can quantify how much basement waterproofing is required, then it is our view that they just want to send over a salesman who will likely pressure you into signing a contract right then and there.

Not all Leaky Basements get Fixed

The truth is that some people fix their leaky basement and some do not, no matter how bad the basement is leaking. While there are many sound reasons for repairing a wet basement, in reality, many homeowners neglect their leaky basement because they believe it doesn't affect them in a significant way. However, one problem with that mindset is that it doesn't take into account the future sale of your home. Buyers of your home will be angry if they unknowingly purchase a home with a leaky basement. In some cases, home sellers are sued in court when home purchasers discover a leaky basement after a seller has claimed that their basement has never leaked, or a basement leak problem was not disclosed - this happens quite frequently.

Reasons to Repair a Leaky Basement

Naturally most people would prefer to spend their money on a new home theatre system than on the repair of a leaky basement; this is natural. However, repairing a leaky basement is beneficial for several reasons:

1. A leaky basement damages your foundation over time;
2. A dry basement adds to the value of your home;
3. A leaking basement is a less than ideal living space;
4. It is always a problem when you are selling a home with a leaky basement;
5. A wet basement, or damp basement, may potentially adversely affect your health; and
6. By taking care of a wet basement you increase the liveable space in your home.

For more information use the search tool in the top right hand corner of each of our webpages. If you require assistance and/or have questions, contact us.

© 2012 AquaGuard Injection & Waterproofing®. All rights reserved.

Damp Basement? Is Your Basement Too Damp?

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Any homeowner with a damp basement is never happy about it. In some cases, a homeowner will choose to stay out of the basement entirely whereas in others, homeowners simply close the door from the basement to the main level because they can't stand the musty smell in their damp basement.

A damp basement is always the result of the presence of water. With very few exceptions, a damp basement is also a leaking basement. Even if basement windows are opened to improve air circulation and to introduce fresh air, or a dehumidifier is used in your basement, all that you can hope to do is control the dampness in your basement. However, to really solve the problem once and for all, your leaking basement must be addressed.

It is easy enough to determine whether a damp basement requires that action be taken. If the musty smells and odors are driving you crazy, then you really have no choice other than to deal with the leaking basement. Although musty smells are common in damp basements, homeowners often feel this basement dampness as soon as they walk downstairs. We’ve met homeowners who cannot handle a damp basement at all and in some cases, people have allergic reactions to their damp basement. If you are in doubt as to whether or not your basement is too damp, it is easy to make such a determination by measuring the moisture content of the basement air, and this is accomplished by measuring the relative humidity. By simply using a high quality hygrometer, relative humidity can be measurable and, therefore, quantifiable. A truly professional waterproofing contractor will have a hygrometer available to measure the relative humidity in your basement, thus eliminating any doubt you may have as to whether or not your damp basement is excessively damp. If you have a damp basement and desire to use your basement as a living space, you must deal with the leaking basement or you risk affecting your health.

Once it is been confirmed that your damp basement is caused by a leaking basement, you have two choices: either eliminate the leaking basement or ignore it, thereby losing the use of this valuable living space in your home.

A damp basement which is unfinished will be less offensive than a basement that is finished. This is because finished basements are typically framed using wood and many have a wooden subfloor. A leaking basement will cause the framing behind your finished walls and your wooden subfloor to rot. It is this rotting wood as well as the stale damp air trapped behind your basement walls that is responsible for that musty smell. While some may argue that damp basements are normal, the fact remains that a damp basement is usually an unhealthy basement. A damp basement is generally considered to be unhealthy because excessive basement dampness correlates to high relative humidity. High relative humidity, in excess of 60%, sets the stage for mold growth behind your finished basement walls. The problem with a finished basement is that once there is mold growth behind the walls, not only does the leaking basement need to be addressed, but the rotten wood, drywall and moldy carpet need to be discarded. If a leaking basement is ignored for too long you will have no choice but to tear out the finished basement walls if you ever hope to be free of the musty odours.

There are many causes of a leaking basement; you can get more information concerning this by visiting our page on typical sources of basement leaks. In general, most leaking basements are the result of groundwater leaking through the basement walls; however, this is not always the case. A damp basement is extremely common with concrete block / cinder block foundations because the blocks fill with groundwater that slowly evaporates into the ambient air in your basement and, in so doing, increases the relative humidity. Given the nature of concrete block / cinder block foundations, an experienced waterproofing technician can unequivocally state that all concrete block/cinder block foundations are damp to some degree. To a lesser extent, leaking poured concrete foundations are also responsible for damp basements, typically from leaking foundation cracks and tie-rod holes.

There is hope, however. A leaking basement, which is the cause of your damp basement, can be repaired by at least two sound and proven basement waterproofing methods. Click the following hyperlink for more information on wet basement solutions.

© 2012 AquaGuard Injection & Waterproofing®. All rights reserved.

Foundation Crack Repair

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In any discussion involving foundation crack repair, it is important to make a distinction between repairing a crack, and waterproofing a crack. Waterproofing a foundation crack is a straightforward and common process, regardless of the foundation type; however, the available crack repair options for poured concrete and concrete block / cinder block foundation cracks are quite different. Generally, poured concrete foundation cracks can be filled, while concrete block / cinderblock foundation cracks cannot.

Poured concrete foundation crack repair

Repairing cracks in poured concrete foundations is usually undertaken for one or two reasons:

1. Filling foundation cracks to restore the structural integrity of the foundation; and
2. Basement crack repair for the prevention or stopping of a basement leak.

To date, there is really only one way to repair poured concrete foundation cracks while simultaneously restoring the structural integrity of the foundation without the use of piering; depending on the size of the crack the foundation crack may have to be stabilized. This foundation crack repair method involves epoxy injection and is referred to as an epoxy crack injection. An epoxy injection fills foundation cracks and also, binds, or glues, both sides of the crack together with a bond strength that exceeds the strength of the concrete itself; resulting in an outstanding basement crack repair. In situations where crack stabilization is desired, reinforcing staples are installed. The installation of reinforcing staples prevents foundation cracks from widening.

Basement crack repair undertaken solely for the purpose of dealing with a basement leak or crack sealing can be accomplished using both epoxy crack injection and polyurethane crack injection techniques; however, unlike epoxy injection, polyurethane injection is strictly a waterstopping repair used to stop basement leaks.

Note: The misguided fear that injection crack repairs are expensive often results in the use of hydraulic cement to stop basement leaks. Experience has shown that the application of hydraulic cement over top of a crack is not a permanent repair, nor is it beneficial for your foundation. Hydraulic cement does not bond very well to the surface of a poured concrete foundation wall, this is because the chemical bond between the foundation wall and the hydraulic cement applied to the wall is weak; over time, hydraulic cement will separate from the concrete wall onto which it was applied. It should be noted that crack sealing using hydraulic cement on the inside wall of a foundation ultimately traps water in the foundation crack and causes the concrete surrounding the crack to become saturated and deteriorate rapidly.

Concrete block foundation crack repair

Concrete block foundations, most of the time, develop cracks in the mortar joints between the blocks. Concrete block / cinder block foundation cracks in the mortar joints are easily repaired externally by tuck pointing (also referred to as re-pointing). Tuck pointing of concrete block foundations must be undertaken on the exterior side of a foundation because cracking in mortar joints allows water to penetrate the foundation. Therefore, preventing water penetration is only achievable by carrying out an exterior foundation crack repair. Unfortunately, such foundation crack repairs require excavation of the foundation. Repairing mortar joint foundation cracks from the interior of a foundation will enhance the esthetics but accomplish nothing as far as basement waterproofing is concerned.

It is beyond the scope of this blog to discuss the significance of foundation cracks in concrete block foundations; however, one must be vigilant when one encounters horizontal cracking. Horizontal foundation cracks in a concrete block foundation are caused by soil pressure on the wall and are symptomatic of structural foundation failure.  Concrete block / cinder block foundations failures can also exhibit other cracking patterns, such as step cracking. Step cracking is an indication of foundation settlement, the seriousness of which requires professional assessment.

Concrete block foundation crack repair is not limited to the repair of cracked mortar joints, fairly often there will be observable cracks in the concrete blocks / cinder blocks themselves. A cracked concrete block is a sure sign that foundation settlement or movement has occurred. Fortunately, cracked concrete block foundations can be repaired and reinforced; depending on the severity, excavation may or may not be required.

Advice on foundation crack repairs

It is always advisable to consult an expert when it is believed that foundation crack repair, or basement crack repair is required. A professional assessment of foundation cracks is crucial because only a proper assessment of a foundation crack can determine the foundation crack repair method that is the most appropriate for a given situation.

© 2012 AquaGuard Injection & Waterproofing®. All rights reserved.

Basement Waterproofing – The Basics

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Basement waterproofing, a generally unregulated trade within the construction industry, is carried out by waterproofing contractors and quite often by general contractors. There are many facets to basement waterproofing including, but not limited to, hydrology, soils, sealants, drain installation, carpentry, foundation construction and masonry. 

Approaches to Basement Waterproofing

The fundamental point in discussing basement waterproofing is that there are really two approaches to waterproofing a basement. One approach is to waterproof a basement from the inside and the other is to waterproof a basement from the outside. In addition to the foundation types to which each type of waterproofing applies, in this blog, we discuss different types of basement waterproofing associated with both approaches. We also offer supplementary resources to provide you with greater detail concerning each waterproofing technique so that you can better understand the different basement waterproofing methods and their recommended applications.

Internal Basement Waterproofing

With very few exceptions, virtually any basement leak can be stopped using internal basement waterproofing methods. Internal basement waterproofing is accomplished using two methods: internal de-watering system installation, or interior French drain installation, and foundation crack injection.

Internal de-watering systems are used to control the water coming from basement leaks in both poured concrete and concrete block / cinder block foundations. This type of basement waterproofing technique is effective in remedying basement leaks from foundation cracks, cracked mortar joints in concrete blocks, tie-rod holes, snap-rod holes, pipe penetrations, and honeycombing. Fundamentally, internal de-watering system installation involves the installation of drain pipe beneath the basement floor slab around the perimeter of the leaking walls of a basement. In combination with an air-gap membrane, which is fastened to the wall or walls being waterproofed, this drain system channels the water entering the basement to a sump pump which mechanically evacuates the water. It is beyond the scope of this article to discuss this basement waterproofing method in further detail however, properly installed, this method of basement waterproofing does not fail. Learn more about internal de-watering system installation.

Foundation crack injection is a basement waterproofing method which applies only to poured concrete foundations and structures. It is, by far, the most economical way of stopping basement leaks where water is coming through poured concrete foundation walls. It is important to note that injection does not apply strictly to cracks; in fact, injection, because it involves the pressurized injection of resins, can be used to fill any void or crack in a poured concrete foundation. The pressurized injection of either a polyurethane or epoxy resin into a void is an effective basement waterproofing method because voids are completely filled therefore, the voids or cracks that were at the origin of a basement leak effectively no longer exist.

Pressurized injection, as described above, is arguably the most widely used waterstopping and concrete crack repair method worldwide. Pressurized injection of polyurethane is used in many commercial applications, for example, polyurethane injection is used extensively for the purpose of waterstopping in underground mining applications, subway tunnel wall crack repair, leaking sewer pipe joint waterproofing, etc. Polyurethane injection is also ideal in applications such as waterstopping of underground parking garage leaks or any leak through poured concrete foundation walls.

External Basement Waterproofing

External basement waterproofing is the alternative waterproofing method to internal perimeter drain system installation and pressurized injection. Until recently, this basement waterproofing method was virtually the only method that was available to consumers for waterproofing a basement. External basement waterproofing is an excellent way to prevent water from leaking into your basement through the foundation walls. Unfortunately, in addition to being the most destructive, it is usually the most expensive way to waterproof a basement.

External basement waterproofing is often referred to as external excavation and waterproofing. This basement waterproofing method is accomplished by excavating that part of a foundation which needs to be repaired due to an existing basement leak and applying a waterproof barrier and a damp-proofing membrane onto the wall. Furthermore, external basement waterproofing usually involves weeping tile replacement in order to improve the general drainage around the footing of the home. The materials used to successfully externally waterproof a basement wall are of paramount importance and, therefore, should be a major consideration when selecting which contractor to hire to externally waterproof a foundation.

The decision as to the best basement waterproofing method to use to waterproof your basement involves many factors. It is for that reason we recommend you consult a "professional" waterproofing contractor able to categorically identify all the issues relating to waterproofing your basement specifically. By following our recommendation, you will be choosing the best approach for your particular circumstances. 

© 2012 AquaGuard Injection & Waterproofing®. All rights reserved.

Concrete Injection and Crack Repair

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Concrete injection has been in use worldwide for several decades and is arguably the most common concrete crack repair method used for underground poured concrete structures and underground waterstopping in general. The two images above are typical commercial applications of concrete injection using polyurethane, also referred to as urethane, resins.

Injection of Cracks in Poured Concrete

The image on the left is of a polyurethane injection of a poured concrete ceiling slab crack in a meat processing plant in Burlington, Ontario. Pressurized injection of polyurethane was required in order to repair the leaking cracks in the ceiling which were preventing the construction of a processing line below. The concrete cracks in the overhead slab leaked substantial amounts of water due to the daily powerwashing of another processing area located on the level immediately above.

Concrete Injection for Expansion Joints

The image on the right shows a polyurethane injection of an expansion joint between two overlapping concrete slabs in the underground parking garage of a high-rise condominium building in Toronto. The lower slab is actually a wide concrete structure supporting the floor slab of the parking level above. The leak to be repaired was caused by ground water travelling between the two poured concrete structures. The precise origin of this water could not be determined given the size and construction of the large multi-level parking garage, therefore, concrete injection with polyurethane was the only viable means of stopping the water from leaking onto a vehicle parked directly beneath the joint.

Note: Concrete injection is not strictly accomplished using polyurethane; epoxy crack injection is another method of concrete injection, specifically for concrete crack repair.

Polyurethane Concrete Injection Video

Checkout this one minute video showing the process of injecting a concrete crack using polyurethane.

Concrete injection using polyurethane is in many cases the only option for waterstopping of underground poured concrete structures such as basement walls, parking garage walls and ceilings, and structures such as underground storage tanks and cable rooms.

Polyurethane crack and expansion joint injection is in common use because of the attributes of the polyurethane resin. There are several attributes that make concrete injection using polyurethane highly useful and desirable:

1. Polyurethane expands significantly after it is injected; as a result, it will find and fill any gaps and voids where water is passing through and causing problems;
2. Polyurethane can be used in both wet and dry applications;
3. Concrete injection is much less expensive than excavation; and
4. Concrete injection, when done properly, is very effective and reliable in waterstopping applications as it can withstand significant hydrostatic pressure.

© 2012 AquaGuard Injection & Waterproofing®. All rights reserved.

Concrete Block Waterproofing - The Basics

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The unfortunate reality is, when it comes to concrete block foundations, that it’s really just a matter of time before concrete block waterproofing is required. The need to waterproof concrete block foundations is attributable to the construction and inherent characteristics of concrete blocks. A concrete block foundation is prone to producing basement leaks and/or leaks in any underground space that has concrete block (also referred to as cinder block) walls.

Why Concrete Block Foundation Walls Leak

The problem with concrete block walls is that the mortar joints between the blocks typically develop hairline cracks over time. This hairline cracking is usually the result of thermal cycling of the both the concrete blocks and the mortar binding them together. This doesn’t mean that cracking occurs only within mortar joints; sometimes other cracks are present in concrete block foundation walls. The concrete blocks themselves typically crack when there is settlement of the footing supporting the foundation walls, and when there is excessive soil pressure against the foundation.

Unless there is significant settlement of the footing, minor cracking in the mortar joints is not really a problem from a structural point of view; unless the crack is horizontal. However, hydrostatic pressure (water pressure against the exterior wall) forces water into these hairline cracks; this is where basement leak problems begin.

Concrete blocks are not solid concrete; in fact, they are largely hollow.

A hairline crack in a mortar joint, or a crack within a concrete block, allows water to enter the hollow areas of the concrete block. When this water encounters these hollow areas, the water drains downwards and typically pools in the lower courses of the concrete block wall (the rows of concrete blocks closest to the floor). The water is now trapped in the concrete blocks; in some cases substantial amounts of water can be trapped within walls – check out the image below.

This trapped water, typically saturates the concrete blocks causing them to weep or leak onto the basement floor. Additionally, if the cracks in the mortar joints are sufficiently large and there is a sufficient hydrostatic pressure, water will leak into a basement from the mortar joints between the concrete blocks.

Concrete block foundation cracks and hydrostatic pressure, which is present on the exterior of the foundation, are responsible for leaking concrete block walls. This leaking and/ or seepage into basements creates significant demand for concrete block waterproofing; particularly for homes built between 1950 and the late 1970s in areas such as Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Newmarket, Brampton and Richmond Hill.

Concrete Block Waterproofing Methods

Waterproofing concrete block foundations can only accomplished using either of the following two methods:

1. Internal de-watering of the concrete block wall, (sometimes referred to as an interior basement drainage system); and
2. Waterproofing the exterior concrete block walls by excavating the foundation walls and applying an effective coating to prevent water from coming into contact with the concrete blocks and mortar joints.

Concrete block waterproofing, regardless of the waterproofing method chosen, is intrusive and costs thousands of dollars. Fortunately, concrete block waterproofing, when done professionally with the appropriate products, will provide you with a dry basement for many years.

Links to details about concrete block waterproofing methods

Interior basement drainage system / internal de-watering system

External concrete block waterproofing

Concrete block foundation leaks can occur at any time, regardless of the season. To schedule an appointment to find out which concrete block waterproofing method is best for you, Contact us.

© 2012 AquaGuard Injection & Waterproofing®. All rights reserved.

Waterproofing Basement Walls - Do-it Yourself?

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Should You Hire a Waterproofing Contractor or Do-it-Yourself?

Historically, waterproofing basement walls was always done by excavating the exterior of the home, or part of it, and then waterproofing the foundation walls on the exterior. This type of work always costed $1000s or $10,000s; as a result, many homeowners dread being faced with a basement leak. Fortunately, today there are internal basement waterproofing solutions that cost substantially less than exterior excavation and waterproofing. Nonetheless, some homeowners still wish to spend as little as possible to waterproof their basement walls and therefore are interested in basement waterproofing as a do-it-yourself project.

Do-it- Yourself Basement Waterproofing

Waterproofing your home by yourself is appealing because you could conceivably save a substantial amount of money by:

1. Eliminating labour costs; and
2. Eliminating the waterproofing contractor’s profit.

Homeowners with alot of time on their hands might even look forward to undertaking a sizeable basement waterproofing project just to keep themselves busy.

If you are considering waterproofing basement walls as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project there are some considerations that you should take into account:

1. Knowledge of basement waterproofing practices and procedures is essential to a successful outcome; if you make mistakes, you may have to call, and pay, a waterproofing contractor to re-do the work properly;
2. Most neighbourhoods in municipalities such as Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Markham, Richmond Hill and Aurora have clay soil. Digging clay with a shovel is extremely hard work; you need to be strong, physically fit and healthy to be able to complete the job (you don’t need a heart attack);
3. You must know the precautions to take with respect to hydro and gas lines, and particularly safe excavation practices;
4. Basement waterproofing requires skill and experience; it is also alot of work;
5. If you are cutting open your basement floor to install a perimeter drain system you have to be able to control the dust while you are working; and
6. If you sell your house you won’t have a warranty to present to the purchasers.

Hiring a Professional Waterproofing Contractor

It must be mentioned that few contractors offering basement wall waterproofing services are exclusively waterproofing contractors. Many jack-of-all-trades contractors claim to be able to waterproof your foundation when in reality they are signing up for a DIY project themselves. If the contractor you decide to hire is not in the Yellow Pages directory under the heading “Waterproofing Contractors” then they are unlikely to be real waterproofing contractors.

There are several major advantages to hiring a waterproofing contractor to waterproof your basement walls:

1. A good waterproofing company can offer alternative basement waterproofing repair methods allowing you to save money, reduce re-landscaping costs, and remove mould that has grown behind your basement walls;
2. A professional waterproofer has access to the latest technologies and products;
3. A professional waterproofer will guarantee the work and provide you with a transferable written warranty;
4. The waterproofing will be done as quickly as possible; and
5. You save precious personal time that would be lost in researching waterproofing methods, sourcing and purchasing materials, and actually doing the work yourself.

You may wish to click on the hyperlinks below to learn more about various basement waterproofing methods:

1. Crack Injection
2. External Excavation and Waterproofing
3. Internal De-watering / Perimeter Drain System Installation
4. Window Well Drain Installation
5. Sump Pumps

If you feel that do-it-yourself waterproofing is not for you, Contact us to schedule your appointment today.

© 2012 AquaGuard Injection & Waterproofing®. All rights reserved.

Basement Leaking? - How to deal with it

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So you go downstairs and discover your basement leaking. Perhaps you panic and run back upstairs to call your significant other, or maybe you are ready to jump into action.

In this blog we discuss the most important aspects of contending with basement leaking, as well as considerations that must be factored into your response.

Responding to Basement Leaking

The Situation in Your Basement

Your reaction upon the discovery of basement leaking depends very much upon the seriousness of the situation. If your basement is fully carpeted with expensive furnishings and numerous items or boxes resting on the floor, the potential consequences of basement leaking are far more significant than if you have an unfinished basement with nothing in it.

In addition, the extent to which the basement is leaking, or has leaked, is also a major consideration in how to respond to the basement leak. A mere trickle of water coming from a foundation crack is one thing, while widescale flooding, a completely soaked carpet, or the presence of a large puddle in your basement is entirely another.

The Consequences of Basement Leaking

Minor basement leaking, discovered for the first time, may require little more than some mopping up or towel drying of the affected area. Dealt with quickly, a minor basement leak is easily controlled and water management is all that you have to concern yourself with. On the other hand, a major leak or significant ongoing basement leaking, not only requires a quick response but a systematic approach as well.

Most people do not deal with basement leaking on a regular basis. When the stakes are high, ie., your carpet is completely soaked and your furnishings are getting, or risk being, ruined, you need to respond appropriately. How you respond to the situation in your basement ultimately determines the amount of damage your furnishings sustain, the replacement cost of water damaged items, and whether or not you lose that precious family photo album stored at the bottom of a box in your basement.

Steps to Deal With Basement Leaking

To respond effectively to basement leaking you need to take the correct action at the right time, particularly when the situation is urgent. It is difficult to stay calm during a stressful and urgent situation without a sound plan. For this reason, we have prepared a free downloadable Action Plan that you can use immediately to gain control over this situation.

To obtain the Action Plan simply click on the button below. To get the basement leaking stopped Contact Us.

© 2012 AquaGuard Injection & Waterproofing®. All rights reserved.

Internal Waterproofing - The Least Expensive Way to Waterproof

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Internal Waterproofing

AquaGuard Injection & Waterproofing® specializes in the installation of interior drainage systems which completely resolve foundation leaks and water infiltration into your basement.

Almost all basement leaks can be repaired from either inside a basement, or from the outside by excavating and waterproofing the foundation walls. While you generally have the choice of either approach, there are times when the installation of an internal waterproofing system is either the most logical or the most appropriate choice.

When an Internal Waterproofing System is The Best Choice

1. External excavation and waterproofing cannot be accomplished due to limited accessibility for equipment and soil placement;
2. External excavation is undesirable because patios, decks, landscaping, etc., would have to be destroyed in order to permit excavation of the foundation;
3. When it is suspected that water in the basement originates, not from leaking foundation walls exclusively but, from a rising water table beneath the basement floor slab;
4. For financial reasons because internal waterproofing systems typically cost ½ of what it costs to externally excavate and waterproof a foundation; and
5. When mouldy finished basement walls need to be removed and disposed of and basement waterproofing is required.

How Internal Waterproofing is Done

The installation of an internal waterproofing system is accomplished as follows:

1. If the basement wall requiring waterproofing is finished, the finished wall is completely removed and disposed of;
2. The basement floor slab is opened to expose the footing;
3. Specialized drain pipe is installed in order to capture and channel the water that is leaking into the basement;
4. The cinder blocks (or concrete blocks) are setup to drain;
5. A membrane is installed on the wall to grade or higher;
6. A sump pump with a perforated sump liner is installed if a sump pump is not available;
7. The floor slab is returned to its original condition; and
8. The job site is cleaned up.

Illustration of an Installed Internal Waterproofing System

The following illustration is representative of a typical internal waterproofing system installation.

Note: We do not recommend the installation of internal waterproofing systems for poured concrete foundations.

© 2012 AquaGuard Injection & Waterproofing®. All rights reserved.

Waterproofing Injection - Are You a Candidate?

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What is Waterproofing Injection?

Simply stated, waterproofing injection, in the context of basement leaks, refers to the accomplishment of basement waterproofing using injection techniques. There are two injection techniques used in waterproofing: epoxy crack injection and polyurethane injection. Both techniques use pressurized injection of resins into cracks and/or voids to waterproof poured concrete foundations and structures.

The following two images provide some insight into the nature, as well as the similarities and dissimilarities, of the two waterproofing injection techniques. The image on the left is an epoxy crack injection and the image on the right is a polyurethane, or urethane, crack injection.

Both of these waterproofing injection techniques are using resins to completely fill cracks; thereby eliminating them completely. After a waterproofing injection is completed, it is as if there never was a crack, because the void has been filled. As a result, the cracks will no longer leak and the foundation wall has been succesfully waterproofed by using pressurized injection.

It is important to note that waterproofing injection is only suitable for waterproofing poured concrete foundations and structures.

Applications of Waterproofing Injection

Waterproofing injection is commonly used in the following waterproofing applications which are specific to poured concrete foundations and/or concrete structures and/or solid structures:

1. Crack repair and waterproofing of any poured concrete structure such as foundations, parking garages, concrete swimming pools, etc,. ;
2. Tie-rod hole and snap rod waterproofing;
3. Waterproofing of honeycombing in foundation walls;
4. Waterproofing pipe penetrations through poured concrete walls;
5. Waterproofing leaking I-beam pockets in basements;
6. Waterproofing seams;
7. Waterproofing voids between layered concrete structures;
8. Waterproofing subway tunnel leaks; and
9. Waterstopping in underground mining applications.

The Benefits of Waterproofing Injection

Waterproofing injection is not only effective, it also has other very interesting benefits:

1. It is done without the need for external excavation!
2. It is completed within a matter of hours!
3. It is, by far, the least expensive way to waterproof a basement or a parking garage; and
4. It is a highly reliable waterproofing method (when done properly).

Note: A successful waterproofing injection requires a technician to be skilled and experienced. If you shop for the cheapest price in town you will likely get the most unprofessional job in town. And, in addition to a technician's qualifications, successful waterproofing injections require job appropriate resins, equipment, and time proven procedures. Therefore, if you are looking for excellent results you must select a waterproofing contractor that specializes in waterproofing injection techniques.

© 2012 AquaGuard Injection & Waterproofing®. All rights reserved.