Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it better to repair from the outside?
• If you fix my leak from the inside your still letting the water get in, isn't that what I'm trying to eliminate?
• Does the water leaking through the wall cause any damage to the foundation?
• What reasons influence whether an inside or an outside repair is recommended?
• Where does the water go?
• Does the membrane have any insulating value?
• How long does a repair take?
• Can the basement be finished following inside repairs?
• Are the chemicals used for an injection harmful?
• Do you provide a warranty on your work?
• Do you do all of the work yourself?
• Will you sell me the materials so I can do the work myself?
• Can I do the digging and hire you to do the repair?

Is it better to repair from the outside?
Traditionally this has been the case. The logic being that an outside repair stops the water at its source before it has a chance to get inside the foundation wall. With our inside repair methods, this logic no longer applies. Take for example our "Injection" processes. Since the crack is completely filled from front to back and top to bottom, the water is actually kept out of the crack but from the inside. Our other inside repair method which we call an "Internal Breakout" works on an entirely different methodology. The wall is actually allowed to continue leaking but an alternate route is provided once it reaches the inside of the foundation. Since in most cases the principal objective of any repair is to keep water away from your living space, our "Inside Repair Systems" are excellent alternatives to excavating. (top of page)

If you fix my leak from the inside your still letting the water get in, isn't that what I'm trying to eliminate?
The main objective of any repair is to protect the contents of your basement. If this can be done without having to excavate, then we have still accomplished our goal. Additionally the majority of exterior repairs actually bring the water back into the house anyway - into a sump pit. In cases where the existing drain tile is connected to an exterior drain such as the sanitary sewer, the water may not flow directly into the inside of your house but if you have the misfortune of a sewer backup, then your floor drain becomes an outlet for the drain tile. When you consider the physics of our internal repair method, it is easy to understand how the system works. The entire process is centered on the law of gravity. With the membrane as a barrier and gravity drawing the water into the tile, it is physically impossible for a properly installed system to fail.(top of page)

Does the water leaking through the wall cause any damage to the foundation?
Basically no! What can damage a foundation is trying to stop the water from the inside and in the process creating standing water inside the foundation wall. An ""Internal Breakout"" allows it to continue through and the "Crack Injection" stops it prior to entry. Where caution needs to be exercised is in very old poured concrete and stone foundations. By now, time has allowed the early poured and stone foundations to revealed their quality. They are either very sound or showing deterioration. If either type show severe deterioration then it is advisable to repair and restore the foundation from the outside. Good sound concrete handles water. That's why it is used whenever we require strength combined with a wet environment. It is only when salt or chemicals negatively impact the characteristics of concrete or when the original composition was inferior that we need to be concerned. (top of page)

What reasons influence whether an inside or an outside repair is recommended?
As discussed in the previous paragragh the age and condition of a foundation are of primary concern. However, once this has been excluded then cost becomes the next consideration. If there are no obstacles to an inside repair and no obstacles to an outside repair then an inside system can be much less expensive than an outside system. Once we add the cost of removing & replacing obstacles such as the driveway, deck, an air conditioning unit, etc., or finished areas, stairs, hot water tanks, etc., we can determine which will be the most economical. At times though the personal preference of the owner decides which method is used.(top of page)

Where does the water go?
As we describe earlier, our "Injection Systems" keeps the water out. Whereas both an "Internal Breakout" and an "Exterior Excavation" direct the water to a weeping tile which is connected to a drain or a sump pump depending on local bylaws. It is important to note that it is 'ILLEGAL' in most jurisdictions to make a new connection of any ground water drainage system into a municipal sanitary sewer. This includes connecting to a floor drain.(top of page)

Does the membrane have any insulating value?
The air gap membrane has an RSI value of about R2. A point of note is that dry air feels warmer. This question often arises when discussing the installation of the membrane sub-floor. In this instance the answer remains the same but additional information becomes helpful. The human body does not measure temperature in degrees but rather by noting heat loss from the body. This is why a piece of wood feels warmer than a piece concrete even when both are at room temperature. The thermal conductivity of the concrete is higher which draws heat from your body quicker. Taking this into account, a finished basement with properly insullated walls will feel warmer with an Air-Gap Membrane sub-floor than without.(top of page)

How long does a repair take?
An "Injection" can take from 2-4 hours. "Exterior Crack Repairs" are usually completed in one day. An "Exterior Excavation" can take anywhere from 1-5 days as can an "Internal Breakout".(top of page)

Can the basement be finished following inside repairs?
There are no special considerations when covering over an "Injection". However care must be taken when building walls to cover an "Internal Breakout" to ensure that nothing penetrates the membrane. We will be happy to discuss this with you or for online directions click here.(top of page)

Are the chemicals used for the "Injection" harmful?
Once cured there is no odour or danger posed by the injection chemicals. While there is an odour during the process short term exposure generally poses no real health risk.(top of page)

Do you provide a warranty on your work?
We provide a 5-25 year warranty on all of our waterproofing processes unless otherwise indicated.(top of page)

Do you do all of the work yourself?
While some things do get subcontracted to other trades, all of the actual waterproofing system installation is performed by us.(top of page)

Will you sell me the materials so I can do the work myself?
Often we get requests to purchase material in order for persons to perform the repairs themselves. Our policy is to perform all repairs ourselves to ensure the quality of the application.(top of page)

Can I do the digging and hire you to do the repair?
Due to insurance and WSIB (formerly WCB) considerations and to ensure the safety of our employees we oversee and perform all excavations.(top of page)