Basement water leaks and water damage are a big concern for homeowners in the Greater Toronto Area. Basement waterproofing is the best line of defense when it comes to preventing water and foundation damage.

If the issue remains unresolved, it can result in issues such as damage to your personal belongings, flooding issues, cracks, other issues in the walls and foundation, and even toxic mold. Spending some time and money on basement waterproofing is the only way to prevent these issues from impacting your home. 

In this article, we will discuss the factors that contribute to the cost of basement waterproofing in Toronto. This will help you determine how much you should set aside for waterproofing your crawl space or basement.

How to Get a General Idea of Basement Waterproofing Costs

1. Method of Waterproofing

One of the main factors that contribute to the overall cost of basement waterproofing is the method. You can protect your basement by waterproofing the interior, exterior, or both. If you are looking for a quick and inexpensive fix, you might want to consider applying the sealant to prevent water leaks. However, if you don’t mind spending a little more, you can install a drainage trench around the perimeter of your home.

2. Depth of Foundation

Obviously, the deeper the foundation of your home, the more expensive the labor and the cost. As well, excavation work on the exterior of the home can be quite costly. Generally, foundations of homes in the GTA are excavated roughly 3-5 feet under the frost line. Most window wells are built deeper than this for ease of access, most particularly egress windows. Obviously, a deeper foundation will incur a higher price tag when it comes to basement waterproofing.

Cost of Interior vs Exterior Basement Waterproofing

Exterior Basement Waterproofing Costs

To be perfectly upfront, external basement waterproofing is truly the best way to prevent water damage and other such issues in your Toronto area home. In this method, your home’s foundation is protected from the outside which prevents water from seeping into your basement or crawl space. 

Excavation is the most common method of exterior waterproofing, A trench is dug around the exterior of the property. Excavation costs vary according to the size of the home, how accessible it is, the amount of work needed and of course, the depth of the said trench.

When it comes to excavating, the first step is to remove loose soil and debris from the footing. Next, if there is any damage to the cement, stucco, etc., it needs to be repaired and then properly sealed. Next, one to two coats of fabric mesh or rubber trowel is embedded for enhanced protection from water damage.  

Next, a dimpled plastic drainage membrane is applied to the soil side to prevent damage and drain the water away from the home. Installed next is a 4-inch filter cloth weeping tile adjacent to the footing. This will then connect to either a sump pump or the current storm sewer connector. Finally, gravel is placed atop the weeping tile.

Interior Basement Waterproofing Costs

Following are the two most common methods for interior basement waterproofing.

Internal Drainage System:

In this method of interior waterproofing for your crawl space or basement, weeping tile is installed on the basement floor about a foot from the basement wall. It is installed via a trench next to the footing and sloped out to a sump pump which removes the water from your home. Next, relief holes should be drilled in the foundation block in order to drain water from the wall. A foundation membrane made of dimpled plastic is then attached to the inside wall from beneath the floor slab to the grade level that will channel the water away from your home to the weeping tile.

Injection Method:

This method of interior basement waterproofing is strictly a quick fix. Polyurethane or epoxy is injected into the crack in the foundation. This is only a temporary fix until adequate waterproofing can be performed.

If you need an estimate for basement waterproofing in the GTA, contact your local plumbing company. They will be able to answer any questions and provide a quote.