Have you noticed water leakage or a dank smell in your basement? Are you worried about moisture in your basement and want to go the extra mile to make your basement water-tight? If the answer is yes, then basement waterproofing is the solution for you.
Nothing can be worse for a homeowner than a wet basement. Initially, it seems a minor thing, but it is the precursor of significant problems in the future. It can cause damage to the structural integrity of the building and can weaken the foundation.
Moreover, moisture in the basement can damage personal items such as clothes or mementos stored there. This article will discuss the average cost of basement waterproofing in Canada, what causes basement moisture, and the three top methods of basement waterproofing.
Average cost of basement waterproofing in Canada
The average cost of basement waterproofing in Canada depends upon the type of method used, area of the basement, cause of the problem, and quality of materials used.
In Canada, the average cost of interior waterproofing is $300 CAD per square foot, while exterior waterproofing is $436 CAD, foundation crack repairs are $400 CAD per crack, and window wall repair is around $400 CAD depending on the size.
These are the average maximum costs of basement waterproofing; however, the price can vary with methods, materials, and area size. Having reviewed the cost of basement waterproofing, let’s understand in more detail what causes basement moisture and the three methods of basement waterproofing to get rid of basement moisture.
What causes basement moisture?
To keep the basement dry, we need to understand the causes of basement moisture in the first place. Several factors cause basement moisture, such as sewer water backup, faulty drainage, cracked walls, clogged drain pipes, or contact with wet soil in the surrounding area.
Although all of these factors can cause basement moisture, we will discuss the top three most common reasons for basement moisture.
Improper soil and drainage systems are one of the leading causes of basement moisture. If the rainwater and groundwater can not drain through the soil and other drainage systems put in place, it can make its way to the basement and cause basement moisture and further damage.
Poorly installed and maintained gutters can be another way that basement moisture occurs. The main reason for installing a gutter is to take the rainwater and wastewater away from home.
However, if the central gutter is not correctly installed or is clogged, the water can leak out of the pipe and accumulate around the foundation, consequently causing basement moisture.
Hydrostatic pressure refers to the water pressure around the building – the greater the water pressure, the greater the chance of water leakage in the basement. When water accumulates around the building, the hydrostatic pressure forces water to enter the basement through cracks in the wall or other weak entry points.
What are the top 3 methods of basement waterproofing?
Now that you know what causes basement moisture and the costs associated with basement waterproofing, we will analyze the top three methods of basement waterproofing.
Interior sealants: Weak points in pipes and other cracks are the points of entry that allow humidity and moisture into the basement. Such entry points can be sealed internally using strong adhesives such as epoxies and urethanes. The adhesives are injected into the entry points, thereby blocking them. This method is called using an interior sealant.
Interior water drainage: The second method to assist in basement waterproofing is to install a drainage pipe in the perimeter of the basement to remove water that has penetrated the basement. One can use PVC pipes or a French drain in newly created channels around the basement perimeter to draw moisture out and away.
Exterior basement waterproofing: As the name indicates, in this method, the exterior part of the basement wall is covered with waterproof materials such as polymer-based sheets to stop the penetration of water into the basement.
In conclusion, basement waterproofing is necessary to protect the structural integrity of the building, keep your basement safe and dry, prevent future moisture, and guard the building against further damage.
The key causes of basement moisture are improper soil and drainage systems, poorly installed and maintained gutters, and hydrostatic pressure.
The top three basement waterproofing methods to address these issues are interior sealants, interior water drainage systems, and exterior basement waterproofing.
The average cost of these basement waterproofing methods in Canada will depend on the type of method used, the size and cause of the problem, and the quality of materials used in the waterproofing process.
