Homeowners need to ensure that their basements are always in good condition. The basement is important in ensuring that your foundation is strong enough. A strong foundation helps keep the structure unshaken. Waterproofing Toronto is the major secret of a strong foundation.
A breach of water in the basement is a sign that it needs waterproofing. Getting an expert to determine whether your waterproofing should be done internally or from the outside is important. There is a professional way of waterproofing the basement, which is important to follow, especially because of its location in the structure. Below are the steps for waterproofing Toronto that can help homeowners.
1. Find The Breach In The Foundation
The first step to correcting any problem is locating the cause of the problem. If you are very sure that there is a breach in the foundation, you will need to find the source.
Ideally, if you are getting professionals to help you with the process, you will have to move any items on the way for easy access. Removing everything from the basement is better to make the inspection process easier.
It will also make the process of waterproofing Toronto easier if the obstacles are removed. Clearing helps create space for excavation which is part of the process.
2. Digging And Excavating
Excavating and digging is a step that helps in exposing the footings. The depth of excavation is dependent on how elevated your property is.
The excavation is done using a machine which is way easier than the alternative, where an experienced crew digs out by hand.
After the excavation or digging is complete, shoring should be installed as part of the safety precautions for the technicians. Shoring also helps prevent soil from getting into the part that has been dug.
3. Removal And Replacement Of Old Weeping Tile
The excavation is for the footings, and the old weeping tile is replaced with a new one. During basement waterproofing Toronto, the newly installed weeping tile should be connected to the current storm tower.
If your home is old and there is no storm sewer, there is the option of installing a sump pump. This is a precautionary measure to ensure that no water remains within the footing level of your home or any other property in question.
4. The Cleaning And Inspection Of Foundation Walls
It is important to clean and inspect the foundation walls just in case issues need to be addressed. The experts should check for any signs of cracks in the structure or voids.
If problem areas are found during this inspection, they should be mended using non-shrink hydraulic cement. This substance is known to expand when applied to surfaces, making it suitable for this case.
5. Application Of Rubber Membrane
Another important step when waterproofing the basement is applying a rubber membrane on the exterior wall. This membrane is the main component in the waterproofing process.
The membrane has an elongation that allows it to expand in occurrence, further expanding the foundation settlement.
A fabric mesh is also used in this step as the first coating before the rubber to make the material stronger before the second rubber coating is put in place.
6. Installation Of High-Density Polyethylene Membrane
High-density polyethylene membrane is normally applied to the foundation wall with high raised dimples far from the wall. The membrane is then fastened together with the caulked termination bar at the top of the wall.
7. Installation Of A Gravel Layer
In this step, a gravel layer is installed perfectly over the weeping tile. This helps maximize the drainage capability of the basement.
The gravel is also important because it helps ensure the weeping tile is safe from the risk of being filled with soil in the backfilling process.
8. Proper Window Installation
If it is necessary to install a window during the basement waterproofing Toronto, ensure that it is properly installed because basement windows may also allow leakage. Create drainage for the windows depending on the existing building codes of your area.
9. Backfilling And Compaction
This is the final step of the basement waterproofing process. The exterior of the basement should be filled with native soil and properly compacted to fit in the existing landscape level.
