EXTERIOR FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING IN THE OTTAWA-GATINEAU REGION
Your basement is the most prone area on your property to moisture and wetness development. If you want to avoid severe structural damage, we can help. At BOL-DAN, we provide basement waterproofing services in the Ottawa-Gatineau area to maintain your home's structural integrity.
The soil under and around your basement often forces water and moisture through the cracks and openings in your basement floor and foundation walls, creating basement moisture. If ignored, this moisture can damage the foundations of your home. It also encourages the growth of various bacteria, mildew and mould, potentially harming your health.
We provide reliable waterproofing solutions using quality products, such as Platon® membranes and offer a 20-year waterproofing warranty. Contact us today to learn more about basement waterproofing in the Ottawa-Gatineau region and surrounding areas
WHAT IS PLATON® MEMBRANE AND DOES IT PROTECT YOUR FOUNDATION?
The Platon® membrane is a dimpled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) membrane designed to create an impermeable vapor barrier to limit direct contact between wet soil and the foundation wall while channeling water towards the weeping tiles, away from the foundation walls. This prevents moisture infiltration and reduces the risk of basement leaks. Platon® membranes also provide an additional protective layer (air gap) that allows walls to breathe while keeping water out. This membrane is used with a functioning weeping tile drainage system to help keep your foundation walls dry.
Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your existing foundation, installing a Platon® membrane is a wise investment that enhances the durability and longevity of your property. Contact us today for reliable services.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING?
Basement flooding can be a stressful experience for homeowners. If you notice the foundation is letting water through, it should be repaired and waterproofed as soon as possible to avoid problems. Homeowners always benefit from waterproofing their foundations!
Here are a few benefits:
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By having your foundation treated by BOL-DAN’s team of professionals, you prevent future flooding and save on the expenses associated with repairs.
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The membrane helps keep wet soil away from the foundation wall and supports drainage, which helps limit moisture at the wall.
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Waterproofing is a way to prevent the formation of harmful mould or mildew. It can reduce conditions that support mould growth. Damp conditions and mould are associated with a higher risk of respiratory conditions in some people.
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Waterproofing a full house or full walls can reduce indoor humidity by acting as an impermeable vapor barrier with dimpled air-gap technology. Moisture can't touch the foundation when covered and the air gaps allow the foundation to breathe which can allow part of the indoor humidity to escape into the membrane.
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It works with several types of foundations (for example, poured concrete, blocks, insulated concrete forms, and stone foundations).
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We install it using fasteners designed for this type of membrane which supports secure installation based on site conditions.
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According to the manufacturer’s documentation, the membrane is HDPE with about 85% recycled content and is described as chemically inert.
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Foundation waterproofing helps protect property value, providing a safe and dry home for future buyers.
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Humid air can cost you more if you use an HVAC system. Basement waterproofing can reduce humidity levels and energy consumption.
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It can improve basement comfort, since moisture can make the space harder to keep at a comfortable temperature.
HOW DOES YOUR BASEMENT WATERPROOFING PROCESS WORK?
Our experienced team has supported the Ottawa-Gatineau region basement waterproofing needs for more than thirty years. There is a reason we offer a 20-year waterproofing warranty. Here is our detailed process:
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Foundation Excavation: We excavate the area to waterproof the bottom of the foundation (the footing).
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Repairing Foundation Cracks: We inspect the dig area for the state of the foundation and the footing. If we identify any cracks or defects, we chip and patch them with hydraulic cement. For wider cracks, we also recommend installing 2 steel plates and injecting the crack.
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Protecting the Footing-to-Wall Joint (Footing Flood Boot): The joint between the footing and the foundation is often more vulnerable. We apply an aqua-bloc membrane, which is a liquid elastomeric waterproofing membrane which cures into a seamless rubber-like barrier. We apply it to the footing and the bottom 2 feet usually and can apply it up to grade if you ask for it. However, obviously there is an extra material cost and labour cost.
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Membrane Installation: We then install the Platon® waterproofing membrane on the walls to limit contact between the soil and the foundation, prevent water infiltration and help channel the water to the weeping tiles along the dimple channels. We seal the membrane with caulking and mouldings on membrane corners and at the top with caulking and washers along the tab.
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Weeping Tiles Installation: Weeping tile drains allow the system to work by directing the water to a drainage point. We usually inspect the state of the old drain in the excavation, replace the drain in the excavation, unless it's new and clean, run a test with a hose to see if it drains properly and then cover it in a foot of clear crushed stone.
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Styrofoam Sheeting Installation: As an extra, we offer to install Styrofoam sheeting from the clear stone to grade. They help reduce the effect of the freeze-thaw cycle on the foundation, create an additional layer between the soil and the house to help keep the foundation warmer, and shield the membrane from puncture. Though for block foundations we make it mandatory due to blocks being more vulnerable to lateral pressure so they can get pushed inward or damaged.
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Window Well and Vertical Drains Installation: If a window is near or below grade, we install a vertical drain and window-well.
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Backfilling the Excavation: We refill the excavation either with the same soil or clear stone, depending on what was agreed prior. Driveways are always backfilled with stone, as waiting for the soil to settle there would be a hazard to the vehicles.
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Grading: If we used existing soil, we create a slope in the backfilled soil at the excavation to help direct water away from the foundation.
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Final Assessment and Cleanup: Once we complete the work, we carry out a final inspection and clean up the worksite.
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After the soil finishes settling, we come and do a cleanup if necessary to make sure all the earth ends up back into the dig.
We understand that waterproofing can disrupt day-to-day life or business operations. You can count on us to work efficiently and promptly. If you would like to learn more about our waterproofing services in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, please contact us.
Great Solutions
This is my 2nd service from Bol-Dan and both jobs have been successful. First job was probably 15 yrs ago and still no problems. The men were friendly and patient with my curiosity and questions. Gaetan was very responsive and offered solutions especially if you pushed for a discussion about the situation and sometimes that helps feeling more comfortable with the solution. He helped with offering suggestions and most reasonable plan. I never felt like they would try to upsell me and his job was to help me keep my basement dry at reasonable costs. I evaluated a lot of different options and don't regret my decision. He respected any analysis or questions I had so that was wonderful.
Paws4ever RBBX
Hard-working, and knowledgeable
Gaetan and his crew waterproofed the back of my house, did a side window well that also had a crack in the area, and installed a sump pit and pump in July 2019. I am very happy with the work that was done. The crew worked very hard and did a great job. I can tell that they take pride in their work and sincerely want to help solve the problems. They left the area very neat and tidy. They even washed a window and siding where mud had splattered onto it. The price was also very reasonable and I felt that Gaetan gave me a cost effective solution and did not try to upsell me. Gaetan and his crew are honest, hard-working, and knowledgeable about their work. I highly recommend anyone with basement water issues to consider Bol-Dan.
Update: Five years later, no problems, everything is bone dry! Thanks again for the great job!
Jerry Situ