Many Homes are built with different types of Foundation Walls
Whatever material the walls of your foundation are built of, waterproofing has probably never been done. In Ontario, waterproofing has never been required when constructing a home. Damp proofing was only developed in the last 60 years. However, that isn’t waterproofing. Your home’s foundation is not protected unless it was custom built and the builder or owner made the decision to waterproof and protect it.
The foundation has a limited lifespan without waterproofing. Consequently, an exposed foundation will eventually just crumble. This explains why some homes have drooping floors or are built at an angle. Because Ontario homes were generally not very old, this was seldom a concern in the past. But now is the moment when there are many homes that are over 60 years old, and unless they are safeguarded, they will soon reach the end of their useful lives. The foundation type of your home is determined by its age; more information about foundation types is provided below.
There are numerous techniques to construct foundation walls. These basement foundations frequently develop leaky basements because outdated waterproofing systems were either improperly built during new construction or were not replaced or upgraded over time. We’ll examine the four main kinds of foundation walls that can be found in your house and explain how our Waterproofing Toronto teams will use our waterproofing solutions for your particular basement foundation repair. To stop any potential basement leaks, it’s critical to determine what kind of basement foundation your house has.
Poured Concrete Foundations
Most newly constructed homes and moderately older homes up to 50 years old have foundation walls made of poured concrete. very typical in areas with new subdivisions, such as Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham, etc. Poured concrete foundations are simpler to repair because there are no mortar joints to worry about, and after the locations of water leaks have been located, it is simple to open up the foundation cracks and apply hydraulic cement. Poured concrete foundations are frequently more structurally solid and less likely to experience basement leak problems as a house moves or settles.
By excavating down to the footing, our waterproofing specialists will expose the foundation wall and find the foundation fractures that are the source of the leak. After being chiseled out to expose the fractures, they are subsequently sealed with hydraulic cement to keep off further water infiltration. After that, the wall is covered with the first layer of Hydro Guard rubberized membrane, and the reinforcement mesh is added on top of the waterproofing material. Following the application of the second coat of Hydro Guard, an air gap drainage membrane is rolled over the wall and fastened with concrete nails and washers. Additionally, we advise homeowners to set up a good drainage system that includes window wells to cover any basement windows, 3/4 inch gravel, and drainage tiles.
Cinder Block Foundations
In older homes, cinder block foundation walls are the most typical type of foundation. Rebar was utilized to reinforce the foundation walls of many residences built on cinder block foundations. The likelihood that your home was constructed is higher if you live in an older neighbourhood in Southern Ontario, such as those in Toronto or Hamilton. Due to house movement and improperly sealed mortar joints, cinder block walls are also most vulnerable to foundation cracks.
Cobble Stone Foundations
ICF Foundations
To learn more, contact The Roof Whisperer at 647-276-9910 or Contact The Roof Whisperer for an Appointment