Stay Dry

With record rainfalls hitting many parts of the country this year (thank you global warming), the topic of wet basements has become a trending one. Even Drake’s mansion made headlines for his basement flooding following a heavy record-setting Toronto rainfall in July. To help you avoid such issues, we’ve compiled the top 5 things to know about basement waterproofing.

By Kristin Doucet | 2 minute read

Aug 29

Dealing with a wet basement? Here are 5 things you need to know about waterproofing your basement.

In most houses — even Drake’s — water damage is preventable. A basement, however, is more susceptible to leaks and flooding because it’s the lowest part of a home. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, a basement flood can cost homeowners an average of $43,000, which is why it’s important to know how to protect your basement from the elements.

1. Identify leak sources

Water can enter a basement in a number of ways and it is often more difficult to identify those sources with a finished basement. Besides obvious signs such as puddles of water, look for cracked walls, mould or mildew, which can be indications of hidden leaks. Other sources could be from windows, plumbing or sewage issues elsewhere in your home.

2. Different solutions for different problems

Not all leaks require a complete basement waterproofing. Often having a place for water to escape can be enough. Installing a drainage system or sump pump allows excess water to flow outside of your basement. Keep in mind that a sump pump requires electricity, so if there’s a power outage, the pump won’t be able to do its job (just ask Drake.)

3. Types of waterproofing

Generally speaking, there are two types of waterproofing: interior and exterior. Interior waterproofing redirects water that has already entered the basement and is considered a corrective solution. It’s done from inside the basement and typically involves the installation of things like sump pumps and waterproof coatings on interior walls.

Exterior waterproofing creates a barrier that prevents water from entering the basement and is considered a preventative solution. It involves excavating around the home’s foundation, sealing the outside walls, and installing drainage systems. It requires digging a trench down to the foundation. In some cases, a French drain is installed to prevent groundwater and surface water from reaching a home’s foundation.

4. Average costs

Based on estimates from waterproofing companies across Canada, the average cost for interior basement waterproofing typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. Exterior waterproofing tends to be more expensive due to the amount of work involved and can range between $10,000 and $15,000. The cost can also be more expensive in bigger cities, like Toronto, where the price ranges from $14,000 to over $30,000.

Other factors that can affect the cost include the size and layout of the basement, size of the home, the methods used, whether there’s existing water damage, labour costs in your home’s location, and the type of waterproofing materials used.

5. Preventative measures

Waterproofing a basement can be costly, but there are proactive measures you can take to prevent water damage. Ensuring your eavestroughs are in good working order will help keep rain water away from your home’s foundation. Landscaping can also go a long way in absorbing water before it finds your basement. Mulch in your garden can help keep soil intact while plants and grass roots will redirect water away from your basement.