Leaks in the basement are among the most annoying issues that homeowners experience in Niagara. Due to the heavy rain, thawing snow, and the changing water table of the area, water will so easily enter the basement and will destroy the walls, floors and stored items. This is why exterior basement waterproofing in Niagara is regarded to be the most sure and long-term variant to make your basement dry or your home safe.
This paper will deconstruct what exterior waterproofing is, why it matters in Niagara and the process of doing it, and how to find the correct contractor to do it.
Why Exterior Waterproofing Matters
The weather of Niagara is unpredictable. Wet springs, snowy winters, and hot humid summers place a regular strain on the foundation of each home. Water may also leak into crack holes resulting in:
- Signs of indoor air pollution such as mold and mildew development.
- Walls and floor damages.
- Reduced energy costs because of too much moisture.
- Wasting of precious storage space in the basement.
Internal remedies such as pumps or sealants can help provide a short term solution, but these only deal with water once it has got into your house. On the contrary, exterior basement waterproofing prevents water prior to its problem creation.
What Is Exterior Basement Waterproofing?
One way of protecting your basement is exterior waterproofing, which involves solving the cause of the water infiltration problem, which is the hydrostatic pressure and drainage failure around the foundation. This is done by digging around the foundation of the house and developing a protective wall that prevents the entry of water.
Exterior waterproofing in Niagara can offer a lasting solution to several decades when well done and even in extreme weather conditions.
Step-by-Step Exterior Waterproofing Process
This is what usually occurs in an exterior professional project in basement waterproofing:
- Excavation – Soil- Soil is excavated around the foundation walls up to the footing. This opens the areas of problem and will give complete access to the repair.
- Foundation Cleaning & Inspection -All walls of the building are cleaned by the contractors, cracks are found, and structural damages are checked.
- Crack Repair- Hydraulic cement or epoxy injections are used to seal any crack that is present in the foundation.
- Waterproof Membrane Installation -A waterproof membrane or coating (usually rubberized) is sprayed on the exterior walls to prevent seepage of water.
- Installation of Drainage System- A weeping tile or French drainage system should be installed at the bottom of the foundation and then it directs the water away from your home.
- Protective Layer and Backfilling -More drainage boards or insulation boards are laid and the soil on the excavated soil is backfilled.
This is a fully integrated method that keeps all water out of the basement where it does not cause any flooding or moisture ruin to your basement.
Benefits of Exterior Basement Waterproofing
The exterior waterproofing can be considered to be a massive project but the time it will pay off in the long run:
- Permanent solution – This is in contrast to interior fixes, exterior waterproofing addresses the cause of the problem.
- Secures home worth – Dry basement is a plus and a great attraction when selling your house.
- Stops beautify before it begins – Prevents the risks of the development of molds and mildew.
- Energy efficiency Dry basements provide a way to control the temperatures and save on heating expenses.
- Peace of mind- You will not have to be concerned about the following heavy rain or thaw season.
Why Niagara Homeowners Shouldn’t Delay Waterproofing
Delay in basement waterproofing tends to complicate the problem in Niagara. The intrusion of water undermines the foundation and it is costly to repair the more time you take. Early action will not only save you the expensive renovation, but the safety and comfort of your home.
Choosing the Best Waterproofing Contractor
All the contractors do not provide the same quality. The following are the characteristics to consider when contracting a basement waterproofing business in Niagara:
Local experience- Select a contractor who has experience dealing with Niagara soil, weather, and building code.
- Strong history of success – Search customer reviews, testimonials and case studies.
- Warranty given- A trustworthy contractor gives extended warrants on waterproofing work.
- Proper equipment- They should have modern machinery and waterproofing membranes of high quality.
- No hidden fees- Get an in-depth estimate in advance with no concealed fees.
Exterior vs. Interior Waterproofing: Which Is Better?
A huge number of homeowners are wondering what type of basement waterproofing to adopt, interior or exterior. The fact is that they are both right. A quick fix can prove effective with interior waterproofing or in cases where excavation cannot be done because of the property layout. Nevertheless, exterior waterproofing is unrivaled when it comes to the best long term protection in Niagara. It stops the entry of water in the first place and this is why it is the gold standard of basement protection.
Final Thoughts
One of the largest investments you have is your home and its foundation should be secured. Niagara has a harsh climate and exterior basement waterproofing is the best permanent solution to water intrusion that can be provided to home owners.
Hiring the right professionals and working on the problem as an outsider will provide you with a sense of peace of mind because you will know that your basement will be dry and safe in years to come.
Where you have leaks, dampness, or foundation cracks, it is high time to do something about them. The finest exterior basement waterproofing in Niagara does not only offer a good covering to your home, it also contributes to a healthier and comfortable living environment to your family.
