Interior Waterproofing
Although it is referred to as interior waterproofing by every water proofing company, technically it is not waterproofing at all, it is really water control.
It is a technique used to divert basement water via a drainage tile installed under the floor around the perimeter and connected to a sump pit and pumped out and away from the house.
Ideally, waterproofing should be done from the exterior. This requires excavation around the perimeter of the house to access the problem area.
However, situations arise where it is simply not in the budget, difficult or near impossible to waterproof from the exterior. For example: decks, patio, neighboring house, etc. In this case, an interior system is the only other choice.
Causes of Basement Flooding
Torrential like rain can occasionally cause flash flooding conditions, particularly Pelham, Thorold, and St. Catharines.
During these flash floods basements can fill up in a matter of minutes, ruining drywall, carpets, and appliances. You also run the risk of electrical shock as your first instinct might be to save your big screen television that’s sitting down there, however, some electrical outlets might be underwater at that time.
Basement flooding can also happen with mild winter temperatures that cause the frozen ground to melt, along with the snow on top of your lawn. Winter thaws are usually harmless if everything is allowed to melt slowly. However, if it also occurs during a rain storm, there is the potential to end up with a lot of water in your basement at once.
While exterior waterproofing offers the ultimate protection against flash flooding and extreme winter thaws, it might be hard to justify the cost if flash flooding or heavy winter thaws are rare for your neighbourhood.
Sump Pump Installation in Niagara
If you are noticing water or dampness in your basement during a rainstorm or a seasonal thaw, at the very minimum, we’d suggest an interior drainage system like a sump pump. For extra protection, we’d also recommend a battery backup sump pump as the power is prone to go off during bad weather.
To help keep your basement extra dry, you can purchase a portable dehumidifier and have it drain into your sump pit. Dehumidifiers extract extra moisture out of your basement and most units come with a hose attachment where you can drain the excess water into your sump basin.
Weeping tiles and fixing cracked foundation walls are other solutions that should be considered to avoid a wet basement.
For interior waterproofing in the St. Catharines and Niagara region, contact Foundation Fix today. One of our technicians would be pleased to visit your property for a no-cost, no-obligation inspection. We offer competitive pricing and all our services come with a lifetime warranty which is transferable to next homeowner.
