Inside vs Outside
This is where common sense takes over, if you think about it, why let water come through the wall and drain it away rather than stopping the water from the outside? Although in limited cases internal “water directing” options can be provided by Watertite, protecting your foundation and installing a new weeping tile system makes the most sense.
Grading and Water Directing
Surface grading and water directing are very important issues. It makes perfect sense to keep rainwater leaders and all other sources of surface water away from your foundation. Although it’s true that much of the direct water leakage is caused by improper surface drainage, correcting this situation alone will not eliminate the seepage and dampness problems. The bottom line is that the foundation has been damaged and it needs to be repaired.
Ground Water
In addition to surface water, ground water plays a significant role in basement leakage and dampness issues. Water in the ground is under a tremendous amount of pressure, commonly referred to as “hydrostatic pressure” . This pressure along with the wet soil is constantly pushing against your foundation walls looking for a way in. Exterior waterproofing with the use of the Delta-MS membrane and a new weeping tile system provides an effective barrier against hydrostatic pressure, while reducing the amount of ground water that can travel in under your basement slab.
Leaking, Dampness and Seeping
This is an area of great concern. Long term seepage and dampness in basements lead to many long-term problems. The most common of which are mould, mildew, efflorescence and ultimately actual leakage. Typically ignored this problem, if left unchecked could cost the homeowner a great deal more over the long run to properly rectify. The point being that if you see any signs of moisture damage, seepage, mould, insect problems and unpleasant odours, call Watertite to perform a no-charge inspection.
Weeping Tile
Weeping tile…is not tile at all. Traditionally weeping tile was constructed of 4″ clay pipes which were laid together along the base of your footing in order to help drain ground water. This old clay pipe had an open slit across the top allowing ground water to enter the pipe and then drained it into the internal system of the dwelling. Not only did these old systems allow water to come in, they also allowed soil, roots and sediment to contaminate the pipe as no filtration system was in place. Today’s weeping tile is constructed of ribbed flexible long lasting PVC material with thousands of tiny slits to allow water to “weep” into the pipe. This new 4″ pipe is installed at the base of the footing and once again tied into the drainage system of the dwelling. In contrast to the old product, this new weeping tile is wrapped with a filtration sock and then covered with a generous layer of new gravel. The result is a new system that not only drains properly but is protected against soil, sediment and root damage.
The Delta-MS
The use of the Delta-MS soil membrane has revolutionized the residential waterproofing industry. The Delta membrane acts as a soil barrier between your foundation wall and the ground around your dwelling. The membrane eliminates 100% of the “hydrostatic pressure” while carrying a 50-year life span. In effect, it blankets your foundation wall, keeping soil from ever coming in contact with your new waterproof layer behind the membrane…and please remember as shown in our “steps to waterproofing”…your parging coat and sealer coating are the actual waterproofing layer with the Delta-MS, keeping this first layer protected for many years to come.
Sump Pumps
Another misunderstood product is the “sump pump”. It is commonly believed that a sump well with pump installed in one corner of your basement floor will drain the water from your walls and under your slab…this doesn’t happen. Sump pumps can only pump out water if the ground water under the slab or at the footing is directed into the well. In other words you need a weeping tile grid installed under your floor to direct or bring water to the well before it can be pumped out on grade or into your storm drainage system. This is not only impractical but also cost prohibitive and at the same time does not deal with leaky, damp or seeping foundation walls.
Can’t I Just Seal The Walls ?
Unfortunately using any type of sealer only traps water within the wall, actually speeding up the deterioration process. Also, sealers cannot fix large cracks or holes and certainly cannot stop outside ground water from entering the wall cavity…the old adage certainly applies..”If it sounds too good to be true…then it is!”
Mould and Mildew
Mould and mildew in basements and homes is a very serious problem with far reaching health implications. Please remember one of the most common reasons for mould to develop in a home is excessive moisture…and one of the most common places for this to take place is in your basement. Please ask one of our representatives for additional information on mould, mildew and how to stop it.
Will This Damage My Foundation
Yes, over the course of time, if left unchecked, leakage, seepage and dampness will prematurely deteriorate your foundation wall thereby reducing the life expectancy of your home. The end result may be extensive mould and mildew damage, or in extreme cases major structural damage.
What’s That White Powder On My Walls
That white fluffy powder on your walls is called Efflorescence. It is comprised of crystalline deposits that form on interior surfaces of your basement walls and floors. Efflorescence are made up of water-soluble salts that are found within the soil around your home. The reason they are forming within your basement is simply that ground water is carrying them in through the porous cavities of the unprotected foundation. Porous materials absorb the ground water, which thereby allows the salts to transfer onto the surfaces. Remember seeing efflorescence in your basement is indicative of a seepage or leakage problem, as well as serving as a precursor to mould development.