Basement Waterproofing
Foundational damage is one of the most detrimental things that can happen to a building if basement waterproofing is overlooked. The foundation is the concrete base that holds a building together, keeps it stable over time, and prevents it from sinking into the ground. One of the most common ways that a building’s foundation deteriorates over both the long and short term is water damage.
Typically, when we think of water damage, we think of major flooding caused after an extreme storm where a basement is filled with inches of water. However, serious damage can happen over time from a small, unseen leak; this small amount of water can slowly build up, create cracks in the foundation, and ultimately cause thousands of dollars in damage or ruin the structure completely. Sometimes, the damage caused by water isn’t structural at all; in fact, dampness in basements and crawl spaces often leads to mold which has many adverse health effects.
Nowadays, when buildings are first built, waterproofing is mandatory; this has not always been the case though. In fact, many older buildings experience water damage that can be solved and eliminated by hiring a company, like Osborne Construction, to complete a waterproofing job.
What is basement Waterproofing?
Waterproofing is also known as damp proofing. The process of waterproofing involves sealing the foundation of a building with a coating to protect against liquid elements. The protective coating prevents the passage of water into the foundation, thus neutralizing its effects and preventing damage.
The Step-By-Step Process
Prior to beginning any water or damp proofing job, our team will assess the situation and all the external factors that play a role in water damage. For example, we will evaluate the groundwater conditions, soil conditions, structural requirements, and adhere to all building code requirements.
The process involves only a few steps and can be completed in a matter of days. Once our team has thoroughly assessed the property and generated a plan, the land will be excavated in order to expose the foundation. You can learn more about our team’s excavation services here.
Once the land has been properly excavated and the foundation has been exposed, the wall will be power washed to remove dirt, other residue and to clean out any cracks that may have already been created. Once the wall has completely dried, we will apply a tar layer that will both coat the concrete and seal any cracks or holes. Following the application of the tar layer, a building wrap typically made of materials such as asphalt-saturated felt, kraft paper, or cross-lapped film, will be installed.
Osborne Construction & Excavation
Our team will then install a proper weeper system so that groundwater will be collected and funneled into the appropriate location to further prevent water damage. In addition, clear gravel will be added over the weeping system to assist in water drainage; this is particularly important in areas with higher water tables.
Prior to backfilling the hole and completing the job, our team will install a fabric cloth over the gravel to assist in longevity. This fabric layer allows only waters and extremely fine materials to pass through, preventing the gravel from being displaced and ensuring the longevity of the drainage system. While this layer is not mandatory our team recommends it, as over time the clear gravel will mix with the surrounding soils and impede the drainage pathway. This will cause water backup at the bottom of your foundation and increase the chances of leakage or flooding.
The Step-By-Step Process to waterproof basement
Prior to beginning any water or damp proofing job, our team will assess the situation and all the external factors that play a role in water damage. For example, we will evaluate the groundwater conditions, soil conditions, structural requirements, and adhere to all building code requirements.
The process involves only a few steps and can be completed in a matter of days. Once our team has thoroughly assessed the property and generated a plan, the land will be excavated in order to expose the foundation. You can learn more about our team’s excavation services here.
Once the land has been properly excavated and the foundation has been exposed, the wall will be power washed to remove dirt, other residue and to clean out any cracks that may have already been created. Once the wall has completely dried, we will apply a tar layer that will both coat the concrete and seal any cracks or holes. Following the application of the tar layer, a building wrap typically made of materials such as asphalt-saturated felt, kraft paper, or cross-lapped film, will be installed.
Osborne Construction & Excavation
Our team will then install a proper weeper system so that groundwater will be collected and funneled into the appropriate location to further prevent water damage. In addition, clear gravel will be added over the weeping system to assist in water drainage; this is particularly important in areas with higher water tables.
Prior to backfilling the hole and completing the job, our team will install a fabric cloth over the gravel to assist in longevity. This fabric layer allows only waters and extremely fine materials to pass through, preventing the gravel from being displaced and ensuring the longevity of the drainage system. While this layer is not mandatory our team recommends it, as over time the clear gravel will mix with the surrounding soils and impede the drainage pathway. This will cause water backup at the bottom of your foundation and increase the chances of leakage or flooding.
Waterproofing Older Buildings
As stated above, water or damp-proofing is now a mandatory task when pouring a new foundation. Many older buildings, however, don’t have foundation protection and frequently experience leaks which cause unruly damage and costs the owner thousands of dollars to repair. While water or damp proofing an older building may feel like a daunting task, hiring a professional company, like Osborne Construction, is sure to both take a load off your mind and limit the possibility of future water damage to your property.
Our team at Osborne Construction is composed of trained professionals who will tackle your waterproofing job in an effective and efficient manner. We have our own certified equipment and ensure a seamless and thorough process resulting in high-quality work.
If you are concerned about potential water damage to the foundation of your home or building, please contact Osborne Construction today to get a FREE quote on your waterproofing job. Our team of professionals is ready to assist you today.
Why Osborne Construction is Your One-Stop-Shop for All Your Excavation Needs
Everyone at Osborne Construction is proud to be Kitchener-Waterloo’s leader in foundation excavation, concrete preparation, and retaining wall installation. We combine decades of experience with our fully insured and licensed professionals to guarantee satisfaction to all of our customers.
Our team is fueled by passion and is full of individuals who are continually learning and pursuing further education in order to provide you with the best service possible and exceed your expectations. We pride ourselves in our reliability, time-management, and high-quality services using only the best Bobcat brand equipment.
As Gold Medal Winners at the Ontario Technology Skills Competition we offer both insurance claims assistance and an outstanding warranty on all our services.
WHAT MAKES US A
TOP 1% EXCAVATION COMPANY?
Licensed, Insured and Experienced Guaranteed
Gold Medal awarded for Ontario Technology Skills Competition (Home Builders Competition)
Insurance Claims Assistance
Outstanding Warranty For All Our Services
Client Testimonials
"Mark and his team did a great job on our new landscaping project. They dug out and prepared new flower beds for planting, prepared sidewalks for flagstones, and helped with drainage issues on the driveway. Their expertise and attention to detail are just what we needed so we could do the next steps of the project ourselves. I would highly recommend this business for any exterior work!"
“Mark and his crew completed the work on my property on time and on budget. Their expertise really showed when planning my project, scheduling everything, and working carefully in a tight space. I'm really happy with the results, and would gladly work with Mark again in the future!”
“Osborne construction did an excavation, fill, and concrete job on over 5500sqft of driveway and patio space around my home. He finished on schedule, and left the job site clean and ready for the next phase. They're easy to communicate with, and are very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend them. !”
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