Basement Waterproofing Kitchener

You should never compromise with interior waterproofing because it is the first line of defence against water-related damage. Interior waterproofing is also important for improved air quality; it protects metallic, wooden, and paper products from water damage and prevents mould and mildew growth. We use a high-quality waterproofing material as an extra layer to keep moisture away and install a functional drainage system. This is a labour-intensive activity that requires specialized skills, given that it involves excavation, and it should only be handled by a professional. Call us the moment you notice signs of dampness such as a musty smell, mould and mildew growth, stains and discolouration, efflorescence, swelling or sinking floors, foul odour, and peels on the floor or wall.

Exterior waterproofing, as the term suggests, involves the application of a barrier membrane to prevent water from getting inside your basement. It involves sealing cracks and gaps in concrete and exterior elements like window and door trim and siding panels, repainting, and cleaning areas that are susceptible to clogging. At Direct Waterproofing, we use the highest quality waterproofing materials to provide this barrier. Our team has the training and experience necessary to install exterior waterproofing systems. The process basically involves excavating the area, applying the waterproofing material, and making other necessary changes to prevent flooding and leaking. We will assist you in getting the relevant permits from the local authorities, and we will clean up after the project. We offer warranties on the materials we use and on the workmanship.

Kitchener, ON sometimes experiences extreme weather. Extreme rainfall can cause water to breach the basement. This requires immediate attention to prevent damage to the items in the basement and even to the structure. Other causes of emergencies that require urgent waterproofing are burst pipes, leaky pipes, faulty appliances that overflow, and sewage backup. Getting water damage in the middle of the night can be overwhelming, but the team at Direct Waterproofing is one call away. Our team will fix the problem day or night, around the clock. We do not compromise on the quality of workmanship or materials just because we are dealing with an emergency.

Backwater valves prevent sewer from flowing back to your home. This can cause flooding and a lot of damage to the structure, furniture, and more. The most economical backwater valve is the check valve, which has a flap or a ball that closes when there is a backup. Gate valves are more dependable, but they require manual intervention to close and open sewer lines whenever there is a blockage. Combination valves have gates that are full of air and chambers. The gates close whenever a backup is sensed. Whichever type of backwater valve you want, our team has the expertise to install it for you. We also replace damaged backwater valves and do general maintenance of working valves.

It is difficult to overstate the importance of a sound foundation – it is the base on which the rest of the structure sits. Cracks on the foundation are not uncommon. They can be caused by poorly compacted soil, poor drainage, large trees, and vibration from machinery and vehicles. The cracks can cause water damage to your basement. So, what can you do if your foundation starts getting cracks? At Direct Waterproofing, we start with an inspection to determine the cause of the problem. We then come up with a customized foundation stabilization solution. Our foundation repair solutions include slab jacking, masonry patching and sealant, underpinning, piercing, re-shimming, and mud jacking. Given that foundation repair requires excavation, we do a thorough cleanup after the project.

Do you want to make your basement or crawl space functional? Basement lowering allows you to increase the height of your basement or crawl space by digging it out in such a way that the ceiling gains some height. At Direct Waterproofing, we use different techniques to achieve this, including underpinning, crawl space conversion, and benching. Over and above the basement lowering, we will also do waterproofing and take humidity ventilation measures. Our team has the necessary equipment and expertise to make your basement liveable for many years. We will handle the permits and do cleanup after the activity.

The combination of heavy rainfall and old homes characteristic of Kitchener, ON means homes are at risk of foundation cracks, mould growth, and basement flooding. One solution for this is weeping tile installation. Note that despite the name "tile" in weeping tiles, these are basically pipes that have small weep holes that prevent moisture build-up. They work by capturing and diverting excess water from your foundation. At Direct Waterproofing, we do both interior and exterior weeping tile installation. Exterior weeping tile installation is more expensive, but the results last longer. We combine weeping tile installation with basement waterproofing to prevent water damage for good.

Window well installation not only protects your home from water infiltration and basement flooding but it also provides a safe escape route, which comes in handy in case of emergencies. They also improve natural ventilation and lighting in the basement. Window wells also enhance your home's curb appeal and ensure compliance with local building codes. Avoid DIY window well installation because the process is more complicated than it seems. At Direct Waterproofing, we have been doing window-well installations for many years. The preparatory part of the project involves assessing the area to see where the window wells should be installed, considering such factors as grading, proximity to basement windows, accessibility, excavation, and waterproofing. We then install the window well, backfill the space with gravel, and finally secure the well cover to keep debris out. We do conclusive tests before leaving.

If you have a problem with pooling water, French drains are one of the available solutions. They involve digging a trench where water is gathering and then installing the French drain pipe (also called a weeping tile). This is then lined with landscaping fabric and covered by absorbent gravel for stability and extra protection. When the water accumulates, it flows down into the French drain and away from your home. French drains can be installed on the exterior or the interior of your property, depending on your particular situation. French drains are tough; they do not turn your home into an eyesore since they are installed under the gravel, and you get to decide where the water will go (within zoning regulations). We have been doing French drain installation, maintenance, and repair for many years.

A sump pump helps you keep your home free from leaks, moisture accumulation, and flooding. It is particularly important if your property has a basement. The sump pump is located at the lowest level in your basement so that all the water from your drainage system flows here. You can have a sump pit to complement the sump pump. The pit prevents clogging and ensures all water flows to the right place. The sump pump drains all the water that accumulates in the sump pit away from your property to the designated area as per local government regulations. At Direct Waterproofing, we have experience with both submerged and pedestal sump pumps. We serve both residential and commercial customers in Kitchener, ON.

Battery backup pumps are used to provide backup power to sump pumps, effectively ensuring that your sump pumps never fail. This is important as the sump pump is responsible for pumping all water that accumulates in your basement toward the designated area. The backup pump works even in the absence of electricity. Sump pump battery backup systems kick in automatically when the power goes off. The kit typically consists of the pump, a battery, some extra piping, and a charger. The kit is usually compact – not as heavy-duty as the main sump pump. The team at Direct Waterproofing has been installing battery backup pumps for many years. Avoid the temptation of DIY battery backup pump installation, as you could cause a short circuit that could lead to an electric fire and void the manufacturer's warranty.

It is not uncommon for main lines and sewer pipes to clog up every few years. Clogging can be caused by grease, oils, fats, soap scum, human and pet hair, and mineral build-up if the water in your home is hard. Others are flushing trash such as feminine hygiene products, diapers and dental floss, disposable wipes, foreign objects like toys, and tree roots. Common signs of clogging are gurgling sounds, air bubbles, standing water, high water bills, musty drains, pests in the drains, sewage smell, and slow sink drains. If a plunger cannot do the job, you need a professional with a plumber's snake. This is basically a helix-shaped metal wire that has broad gaps between the coils at one end. The design is meant to shred obstacles to allow for water flow. Other drain cleaning solutions in our arsenal include commercial drain cleaning and hydrojetting.

Your sewer drain should be clog-free if it is to effectively carry waste water away from your home. Clogging of the sewer drain can cause untold damage, including unpleasant odours, pest infestation, mould growth, leaks, slow drainage, and weakened home structure. You should seek professional help when you notice a backflow of wastewater into your basement, hear a strange gurgling sound, the bath and sink drain slower than normal, and when your toilets clog. You can reduce the risk of clogging by not pouring grease, oils, and fats into the drain and not flushing debris down the toilet. Other causes of sewer drain clogging, such as sewer pipe damage due to corrosion, tree root infiltration, and sagging due to changing soil conditions, can be beyond your control. So, what do you do if your sewer drains get clogged? When you call us, we will carry out the necessary tests using our sophisticated CCTV cameras to pinpoint the source of the blockage. We then use the appropriate cleaning and repair methods to fix the problem. This may require excavation and the use of specialized tools and should, therefore, be left to a professional.