Interior waterproofing (or sometimes known as internal waterproofing) repairs your basement leaks from the inside of your home and is the best solution for a damp or wet basement. When your basement becomes damp and moist, it is best to have an interior waterproofing done in your basement to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which will create harmful smells and bacteria that affect your health. This is also one of the waterproofing solutions that will help take care of hydrostatic pressure that builds up and causes a wet basement.
The waterproofing materials include an interior air-gap drainage membrane, drainage tile (weeping tile), drainage tile connector pieces, 3/4 inch gravel, and cement.
Interior Waterproofing Benefits
The internal system method may be the best option depending on these 3 reasons:
- The area cannot be addressed from the exterior due to confined space or no access.
- The water problem is not a foundation leak but a hydrostatic pressure problem, which means the groundwater under the concrete slab raises up and down and causes the water to penetrate through the basement slab or where the wall meets the floor. This groundwater can also mean that there could be an underground creek where the house was built.
- The Internal System is a cost-effective solution for unfinished living areas.
Basement Waterproofing Is the Key To Preventing Mold and Promoting Air Quality
Mold can be a serious problem if it develops in your home. Mold will gradually destroy the area where it colonizes and has the potential to create health problems for your home’s inhabitants.
Molds create allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions), as well as irritants and even toxic substances, called mycotoxins. Anyone inhaling or touching mold or mold spores can develop allergic reactions.
People with bronchitis are more sensitive to Mold or poor air quality. Mold grows from tiny spores that are not visible to the naked eye but exist in both outdoor and indoor air. Mold can begin to grow indoors if it is present on a wet surface. The only thing mold requires to grow is moisture or water and dust. As the dust is everywhere, it can begin to grow indoors if it lands on a wet surface. That should tell you something about the hazards of a damp or wet basement.
One of the mistakes many homeowners make regarding water or dampness in their basement is they tend to let the problem go until the timing is more convenient to address it. That can be a huge mistake! Water damage tends to get worse with time and you don’t want to give mold a chance to develop. If it does, it’ll cost you more in the long run, trying to get rid of it, along with the potential health issues.
If you suspect you have mold in your home and you start looking for solutions, you’re likely to encounter the term “mold remediation,” which literally means remedying a mold problem. Since mold normally goes undetected until it’s in the advanced stages, enlisting the help of a certified inspector would be a wise choice. Certified mold specialists are equipped to deal with mold in the home and will be current with up-to-date products, procedures, and regulations.
However, when it comes to keeping mold out of your home, few would argue that prevention is the best option. So once you notice a moisture/water problem, have it fixed or looked at sooner than later.
Interior Drainage System Steps
The floor is broken around the perimeter in which the system is needed approx 6 to 10 inches away from the foundation wall.
Concrete is then removed and the trench is dug out to accommodate the 3 inch
Perforated weeping tile is installed
The weeping tile is installed and must be connected to a discharge such as a sump pump or a floor drain.
Then a dimpled sheet of drainage membrane is installed on the interior exposed wall where the system has been installed.
We then install a layer of ¾ clear gravel over the weeping tile to gain maximum drainage to the tile.
Once the membrane and gravel are installed this will allow any water from above grade or below grade to drain in the system installed.
Then a layer of concrete is installed over the exposed trench that will finish the floor back to its original level.
Common Exterior Leak Problems
Floor and Wall
Internal Waterproofing can add drainage on the inside of your home, rerouting water inflow to a proper point of discharge. The main benefit of installing an internal waterproofing system is that it has the ability to intercept water making its way through the wall, and from under the footing.
Basement walls that are being penetrated will be drained out by our drainage membrane, providing a barrier between your wall and living area. Water travelling beneath the footing can show up as moisture spots and leaks on your basement floor, which will also be protected by the drainage board and drained through new weeping tiles.
Sump Pump
The main component of any waterproofing system is a point to discharge the water in the system. When existing drainage has been blocked or there are no additional drainage options, your consultant may suggest a sump pump. A pit is dug out in your basement, which will be the lowest point of your waterproofing system. A high quality plastic liner is installed inside of the pit allowing water to flow into it through gravity drainage.
Water build up is sensed by the trigger of a sump pump, which ejects water from the sump pit to the outside of the home. We only use top of the line pumps and plumbing products, and we also provide battery back-up pumps that will continue to work even when your power goes out. The City of Toronto is currently offering a subsidy for sump pump installations, so ask your sales representative to explain how you can save up to $1750.
