If your property’s basement is prone to dampness and leaks, you need to waterproof it. Water damage can lead to mildew, mould, and unpleasant odour. It can also cause severe damage to your foundation’s structure. Such damage could require costly repairs.
Fortunately, foundation and basement waterproofing can prevent flooding, excess dampness, and water-related damage. This comprehensive guide will help you understand basement waterproofing costs in Toronto, Ontario.
How Much Does Basement Waterproofing Cost In Toronto?
Setting a budget for your basement waterproofing project can be quite challenging due to the varying costs set by different contractors. That’s why you should get comprehensive quotations and compare them before you choose a foundation waterproofing contractor. In Toronto, basement waterproofing costs range from $3,000 to $10,000 for interior basement waterproofing. You’ll likely spend $10,000 to $30,000 for exterior basement waterproofing.
Let’s break down these numbers to cost per linear foot. Internal waterproofing costs range from $50 to $100 per linear foot, while the price of external waterproofing ranges from $150 to $250 per linear foot. Remember, the final price of basement waterproofing will depend on the complexity of your project and labour costs. Consult an experienced basement waterproofing contractor and get a detailed cost estimate.
Factors Affecting Foundation Waterproofing Costs
Here are the factors that affect foundation and basement waterproofing costs in Toronto.
Basement Waterproofing Cost by Size
An average basement waterproofing project in Toronto costs between $100 and $300 per liner foot. However, the exact cost will depend on the depth of your basement. The estimated cost of basement waterproofing ranges from $15,000 to $35,000.
The total cost will also depend on your basement size and layout. If your basement is large, it will require more waterproofing materials and accessories. Your contractor will also take longer to waterproof a large basement than a small one. This can increase the cost of materials and labour, which adds to the total cost per square foot of basement waterproofing. Here’s the cost breakdown of basement waterproofing by size:
| Size of Basement (in Square Feet) | Low-End Cost | High-End Cost |
| 500 | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| 750 | $2,250 | $7,500 |
| 1,000 | $3,000 | $10,000 |
| 1,250 | $3,750 | $12,500 |
| 1,500 | $4,500 | $15,000 |
| 2,000 | $6,000 | $20,000 |
Cost of Interior vs. Exterior Basement Waterproofing
It’s possible to waterproof your basement from either outside or inside, depending on the cause of water leaks or excess moisture. Thus, the entire cost of your basement waterproofing will depend on your preferred waterproofing option.
Exterior waterproofing is effective in keeping water out of your basement. However, considerable digging is required to expose the entire foundation. This is the only way a contractor can repair any cracks and waterproof your basement’s exterior. The cost per linear foot ranges from $30 to $300, depending on the depth of your foundation and the necessary repairs.
Suppose the foundation damage cannot be fixed from the outside of your property. In that case, waterproofing your basement from the inside may be the only option. For instance, your contractor may install a drain inside your basement to direct water away from your property’s foundation. The cost of interior waterproofing ranges from $50 to $100 per linear foot. Do you realize that interior basement waterproofing is cheaper than exterior waterproofing?
Exterior Basement Waterproofing Methods and Costs
Toronto homeowners can choose different exterior waterproofing solutions depending on the nature of the foundation damage they want to address. Each of these waterproofing methods works differently and may cost varying amounts depending on the complexity of your project and the required labour. Here are the common exterior basement waterproofing options.
French Drain System
French drain installation is a popular method of waterproofing foundations and basements. It involves digging a trench around your home’s foundation perimeter and installing a perforated pipe. The perforated pipe should be covered with landscape fabric and gravel or stones. This allows water to drain away from your foundation.
The cost of installing French drains ranges from $25 to $50 per linear foot. However, the price of the entire project may vary depending on the depth of the drain, the quality of the material, and the size of the area that requires drainage.
Excavation and Membrane Installation
This method of waterproofing the exterior of your basement involves excavation of the soil around your property’s foundation and installation of a waterproof membrane. The membrane prevents water from entering the basement through cracks in the foundation or basement walls. The cost of this basement waterproofing technique ranges from $50 to over $300 per linear square foot.
Installation of Weeping Tiles
A weeping tile is a porous pipe installed around the perimeter of a property’s foundation. It’s designed to collect water and direct it away from the foundation. This prevents rainwater from seeping into your basement. Depending on your home’s waterproofing needs, you can install weeping tile systems inside or outside your property’s foundation.
The cost of exterior weeping tile installation ranges from $200 to $450 per linear foot of your foundation wall. Thus, installing weeping tile around your home’s foundation may range from $10,000 to $20,000. This cost will increase if you need a sump pump for water removal from your basement.
Exterior Waterproof Coating
A contractor can apply a waterproofing coating on the exterior of your home’s foundation to prevent water from seeping into the basement. Such waterproofing coatings are made of liquid rubber and should be applied in multiple layers. This creates an effective barrier against water. The cost will depend on the cost of the waterproof coating and labour.
Foundation Crack Repair
If your home’s foundation has cracks, there’s a chance water will seep into the basement. This can cause mould growth, wood rot, and other forms of water-related damage. By sealing any cracks in the foundation walls, you can prevent water from seeping into the basement. Remember, this basement waterproofing option can be used alongside other techniques.
The total foundation repair cost may range from $1,500 to $3,000. It’s important to note that this cost estimate may vary depending on various factors, such as the depth and width of the cracks in your home’s foundation. Indeed, these specifics will play a key role in determining the cost of foundation repair and basement waterproofing.
Generally, the cost of exterior basement waterproofing will depend on the specific technique you choose.
Basement Waterproofing Labour Cost
Basement waterproofing is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and skills. This means you should hire a professional. The estimated costs mentioned above include typical labour-related costs. Keep in mind that the labour cost may increase depending on the complexity of your project. Most waterproofing professionals often charge an hourly rate of $200.
Types of Foundation Waterproofing Methods
Waterproofing your foundation involves making the structure water-resistant to ensure it remains unaffected by rainwater penetration. This process protects the structural integrity of your property’s foundation and basement while preventing different forms of water damage to your home. In the previous section, we discussed exterior waterproofing methods.
Interior Waterproofing
Waterproofing the interior of your home’s foundation involves applying coatings and sealants to the inside foundation wall. Such sealants penetrate the concrete wall and create a water-resistant coating. Another interior waterproofing option involves installing drainage systems such as French drains or drainage tiles to direct water away from your foundation. These interior waterproofing methods can work in conjunction with exterior basement waterproofing options, such as membranes, to keep your foundation and basement dry.
Another interior waterproofing option is cement coatings. It involves applying a cement-based mixture to your home’s foundation surface. The mixture often forms a hard, water-resistant barrier that prevents water penetration. The cement waterproofing method is best for the interior surfaces of foundations, concrete basements, and crawl spaces where concrete surfaces require a waterproof barrier.
DIY vs. Professional Foundation Waterproofing
Handling a basement waterproofing project yourself may seem like a cost-effective option, particularly for minor issues like cracks. However, the reality is different. Foundation and basement water-related problems are likely to worsen over time. Thus, you need professional basement waterproofing services to prevent further damage to your home.
Professional Foundation Waterproofing
Hiring a professional to assess and waterproof your property’s foundation ensures effective protection against basement flooding, strengthens the structural integrity of your foundation, and other long-term benefits. Skilled and licensed contractors use advanced tools to identify water infiltration sources and possible damage and customize the entire waterproofing process.
They first determine whether your home needs exterior waterproofing to prevent water pressure on your foundation or interior waterproofing to protect your basement from flooding. Sometimes, fixing cracks in your property’s foundation could prevent water-related issues in your basement. Only a basement waterproofing expert can perform an accurate assessment of your foundation and basement walls and then recommend the most effective waterproofing option.
Although professional basement waterproofing costs may be higher than the DIY option, professional work eliminates the risk of repeated repairs. Besides, most contractors offer warranties for your peace of mind. Here are the estimated costs of hiring a basement waterproofing professional.
- Interior waterproofing: $30 to $300 per linear foot
- Exterior waterproofing: $50 to $100 per linear foot
- Foundation repair: $1,500 to $3,000 (entire project cost)
In addition, professional contractors follow all local safety standards and building codes to ensure lasting results. Work with a professional who is licensed, certified, and has impressive customer ratings and reviews. Don’t forget to verify their liability insurance to ensure you’re protected from liability issues in case of an accident during the project.
DIY Foundation Waterproofing
An important step in deciding between professional and DIY basement waterproofing is to assess the extent of your property’s foundation problems. If there’s too much outdoor water accumulation near your foundation or the entire basement is flooded, you need more than just waterproof paint to prevent structural damage to your home.
A professional may recommend interior French drain installation or a sump pump system in conjunction with other waterproofing methods. Generally, such a complex waterproofing project should be handled by a professional.
The DIY approach typically involves quick surface fixes, such as applying waterproof paint or exterior sealing with caulk. Unfortunately, these methods provide a temporary moisture barrier. If you want to install waterproofing materials or epoxy injections to fix your leaky basement interior, it’s time to call a professional.
Additional Cost Considerations
Here are other factors that can determine your interior or exterior waterproofing costs.
Age of Home
Repairing an old home can be quite difficult and costly, particularly when installing waterproofing materials in the basement. Old foundations are prone to cracks and leaks or don’t comply with the local construction codes.
For instance, properties built before the 1940s often lack footings (support structures around the foundation). These footings provide effective anchors to drains. Without them, ensuring a proper drainage system, especially with the installation of drains, will be difficult. This can increase the cost per square foot of your waterproofing project.
Condition of the Foundation
If your basement foundation is in good shape, fixing minor cracks will cost a few hundred dollars. However, if your foundation is uneven, sinking, or has large cracks, the cost per square foot will increase, and you will likely spend over $10,000 to fix the damage. Remember, the cost will depend on the foundation depth, extent of damage, and other related factors.
Draining Interior Water
Suppose you have severe basement moisture or water problems. In that case, a contractor will need to line your entire basement floor with pipe drains or weeping tiles to create a system that can collect water and channel it away from your basement.
A sump pump installation may be necessary to pump the water out of your basement and away from your home. Note that the sump pump installation will increase the waterproofing costs. Besides, pumping the water out won’t prevent more water from seeping into your basement again. Thus, you need another waterproofing technique.
Excavation
Nearly every exterior waterproofing project requires excavating the soil around the foundation. This process utilizes heavy machinery and should be done by a trained professional. Remember, the cost per square foot will likely increase if your project requires extensive excavation.
While you can rent the excavation machinery for $ 75 to $350 per day, it’s safer and quicker to let a professional handle the task.
Foundation Type
The structure of your home’s foundation can make the process of waterproofing less or more complicated. For instance, poured concrete foundations are less prone to cracks and leaks. Such foundations are easy to waterproof. Keep in mind that concrete is porous and can absorb moisture. That means even a concrete foundation can get effloresce, leading to a wet basement.
Gutters and Downspouts
Efficient gutters play an essential role in ensuring a waterproof basement. They collect rainwater from your property’s roof and channel it to downspouts, which then direct that water away from the foundation. If your home doesn’t have gutters, the cost of installing them will add to the cost of waterproofing the foundation and basement.
Mold and Mildew
A wet basement grows mould over time. If your home has extensive mould or mildew problems, the typical cost range for mould remediation is $1,500-$4,000. A licensed professional must do it because mould can be extremely dangerous to your health.
Damp proofing Vs. Waterproofing
Dampproofing prevents soil moisture from seeping through the foundational walls and basement floors. It involves vapour barrier installations or epoxy injections to fill cracks and joints. Note that damp proofing costs less than the installation of waterproof basement materials. The cost of dampproofing ranges from $3 to $6 per square foot.
Window Well Drains
If you’re using your finished basement as a living space, it must have an egress window. Such windows usually have a space dug around them to open easily. If this space lacks proper drainage, water will pool and cause basement leaks. Installing an egress window and drains will add to the cost of waterproofing your basement.
How to Save Money on Foundation Waterproofing
Here are tips to help you save money when waterproofing your property’s foundation.
- Once you notice signs of water damage in your home’s foundation or basement, consult a professional and get the damage fixed quickly.
- Don’t waterproof a basement yourself, mainly if you’re dealing with basement leaks or your home’s foundation needs exterior sealing.
- It’s recommended to waterproof your basement first before tackling other finishing tasks such as installing flooring or hanging dry wall.
- Keep your gutters and downspouts so they can direct rainwater away from your property’s foundation.
- If you plan to waterproof a basement, get detailed quotes from a few licensed contractors and compare them before choosing.
While you can waterproof a basement yourself, it’s best to call a professional. The long-term benefits of a professionally waterproofed foundation and basement outweigh the initial cost of professional services.
Is Foundation Waterproofing Worth It?
Let’s compare the pros and cons to determine if foundation waterproofing is worth it.
| Pros of Foundation Waterproofing | Cons |
| Protects the structural integrity of foundations | High upfront costs |
| Prevents water-related damage | Invasive installation if excavation is needed |
| Protects your investment (home) | |
| Increases a property’s resale value | |
| Creates healthy living conditions by preventing mould growth | |
| Improves your home’s energy efficiency |
Conclusion
If your home is in an area with a higher water table or is prone to flooding, it’s best to hire professionals to waterproof your basement. Professionals can accurately assess your property’s foundation and basement. Based on that assessment, they can recommend the right waterproofing approach and provide a detailed cost estimate.
FAQs
What’s the cheapest basement waterproofing method?
Based on a detailed cost analysis, the cheapest basement waterproofing method is a waterproof paint or coating. The cost per square foot may range from $1 to $2, depending on your preferred contractor. Remember, you shouldn’t just choose the cheapest waterproofing method. Get an accurate assessment from a qualified basement waterproofing contractor.
How much does basement waterproofing cost?
The cost per square foot of waterproofing your basement will depend on various factors, such as your basement size, preferred waterproofing solution, cost of materials, labour cost, and more.
Is basement waterproofing covered by insurance?
Homeowners insurance does not cover basement waterproofing. Such policies cover sudden and accidental property damage, not issues deemed routine maintenance like waterproofing.
